2021 Pheasant hunting forecast presented by Sportsman's Guide

Pheasant Hunting Forecast is presented by sportsman's Guide
WASHINGTON—FAVORABLE CONDITIONS MEAN BETTER PROSPECTS
Forecast: Mild spring weather, abundant insects, habitat improvement, and some additional hunter access should provide a slightly better pheasant season this year compared with recent years, including 2015, says Angelique Curtis, small game section manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
 
The forecast is based on crowing count surveys in Whitman, Garfield, Columbia, and Walla Walla counties, Curtis says. Survivorship of broods appears good because of the weather and insects. The survey counts were actually down a bit from recent years, but Curtis attributes the disparity to poor weather during the surveys.
 
“Over the past four years we have enrolled approximately 100,000 acres of private land in public hunting access agreements in southeast Washington specifically targeting upland bird hunting opportunities,” Curtis reports. “As part of these agreements, landowners commit to enhancing habitat on their property. Much of this acreage is available through WDFW’s new online reservation system. Hunters must make a reservation in advance to use these areas.”
 
Grant and Whitman counties continue to produce the greatest numbers of pheasants, says Curtis. Based on last year’s harvest data, the Snake River Basin, including Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla and Whitman counties saw the largest increase in pheasant harvest, she says. “The increase in the Snake River Basin is almost certainly due to habitat enhancement work and increased public access,” she says.
 
“Public lands can get heavy pressure and it is well worth a hunter’s time to put forth the effort to get permission to hunt on private lands,” Curtis says. 
 
Season Dates: Varies by region, see link below
 
Daily Bag Limit: Varies by region, see link below
 
Possession Limit: Varies by region, see link below

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