Oregon Youth Pheasant Hunt Introduces Hundreds to the Field, Builds the Next Generation of Hunters
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The sudden flush of a pheasant, the excitement of a well-trained bird dog and the satisfaction of bringing home a first bird are experiences young hunters won't soon forget. For hundreds of youth who gathered at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, those experiences became the foundation for something even greater: a lifelong connection to hunting, wildlife and the outdoors.
With sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s setting the stage, the annual youth pheasant hunt welcomed what organizers believe was its largest turnout to date. The two-day event recorded 228 youth hunting participations, with 122 on Saturday and 106 on Sunday. Another 71 youth earned new Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife hunter education certifications, bringing the weekend's reported total to 299 youth engagements.
Supported by the National Wild Turkey Federation and a dedicated coalition of conservation organizations, volunteers and local businesses, the event offered young hunters far more than an opportunity to harvest a pheasant. It provided a welcoming environment to develop outdoor skills, build confidence and experience the traditions of ethical hunting firsthand. And there was no shortage of excitement in the field.
More than 95% of participating hunters experienced multiple shot opportunities at flushing pheasants, and 75% successfully harvested their two-bird daily bag limit. Experienced dog handlers from the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) accompanied young hunters, using trained bird dogs to locate, flush and retrieve birds while introducing participants to the important relationship between hunters and their canine companions.
But the learning didn't end when the birds were retrieved. Every successful youth hunter received individualized, hands-on instruction in field dressing and cleaning their harvest. Volunteers, including members of the Oregon State University student chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association (OHA), spent long hours at the bird-cleaning station helping participants understand the responsibility that comes with harvesting wild game.
These lessons helped complete the field-to-table experience, reinforcing an appreciation for the wildlife that provides food and the importance of making ethical use of harvested game.
Behind every successful youth hunt is a community committed to passing along its outdoor traditions. The NWTF joined the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, OHA and NAVHDA in providing financial support for additional pheasants, helping ensure young hunters had meaningful opportunities to experience success in the field.
OHA volunteers also assisted with registration, field mentorship and meal preparation, while the organization's Oregon State University student chapter contributed substantial volunteer hours throughout the weekend. OHA also raffled two new shotguns, awarding one each day.
Thanks to the generosity of Les Schwab Tire Centers, participating families enjoyed complimentary meals throughout the event, beginning with hot breakfasts of pancakes, bacon and eggs and continuing with lunches of pizza, hot dogs and other refreshments.
Lead-Free Hunting Oregon made another significant contribution, donating approximately $10,000 worth of premium bismuth shotgun ammunition. Every youth hunter received a full or partial box of nontoxic ammunition at no cost, removing a financial barrier for families while supporting responsible hunting practices.
Together, these contributions created an experience where young hunters could focus on learning, participating and enjoying their time outdoors.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with parents and youth praising the mentorship, bird dog demonstrations, welcoming atmosphere and generous community support. Some families even described the experience as the "best youth hunting event of all time."
Events like the E.E. Wilson youth pheasant hunt demonstrate the value of introducing young people to hunting in a supportive, educational environment. By pairing opportunities for success with mentorship and ethical hunting practices, these experiences help ensure that outdoor traditions and a commitment to wildlife conservation continue for generations.
The NWTF extends its appreciation to ODFW, E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area staff, OHA, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, NAVHDA, Les Schwab Tire Centers, Lead-Free Hunting Oregon and the many volunteers who made the weekend possible.
While the pheasant season will eventually come to a close, the skills, memories and passion for the outdoors cultivated during this remarkable weekend have the potential to last a lifetime.