ODFW offers pheasant hunting workshops in Medford, Corvallis and La Grande

Participant in the 2009 workshop at EE Wilson bagged her limit of birds during the afternoon hunt.

Each workshop includes time on the shooting range and instruction in basic shotgun skills.

SALEM, Ore. -- New and beginning hunters will get a chance to practice shotgun skills and, perhaps, bag a bird at three pheasant hunts for adults being sponsored by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in September and October.

According to Mark Newell, ODFW outdoor skills program coordinator, the hunting workshops are designed to introduce new hunters to the sport, and to help beginners hone their skills.

“The workshops offer the total package,” Newell said. “Someone can go from not even knowing how to shoot a gun safely to having a real chance to shoot a bird.”

The pheasant hunts for adults are scheduled for:

Sept. 11-12, Denman Wildlife Area, Medford. A two-day workshop for men and women that includes half-day shotgun skills training on Saturday morning and two separate pheasant hunts (Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning). Cost: $50 per person.

Sept. 24, E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, Corvallis. This one-day Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BIOW) workshop will include a shotgun skills training in the morning and a pheasant hunt in the afternoon. Cost: $40 per person.

Oct. 2-3, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, La Grande. A two-day BOW workshop that includes half-day shotgun skills training on Saturday morning and two separate pheasant hunts (Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning). Cost: $50 per person.

BOW is an award-winning program designed to teach basic outdoor skills to women in a supportive atmosphere.

All workshops include the use of necessary equipment – including shotguns, shells and safety gear – instruction, some meals and the chance to hunt with volunteer instructors and their dogs.

“If someone’s never had a chance to hunt with a well-trained bird dog, it can be a real treat,” said Newell.

Participants in these events must be 18 or older and are required to have a hunting license ($22.50 for residents), an upland game bird validation ($6.50 for residents), and a free upland HIP (Harvest Information Program) validation. Get them in advance online, at an ODFW office that sells licenses or at a license sales agent.

For more information contact Mark Newell at 503-947-6018 or visit www.dfw.state.or.us.

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