Youth and Family Pheasant Hunts Connect New Generations to Oregon’s Outdoors
In September, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area staff and a dedicated group of partners and volunteers came together once again to make two beloved annual events possible: the 74th Annual E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area Youth Pheasant Hunt and the Third Annual Family Pheasant Hunt. These hunts do more than put pheasants in the air — they connect new hunters to the land, to each other and to a proud outdoor tradition that spans generations.
The National Wild Turkey Federation played an important role in these events, using state Super Fund dollars to help provide stocked pheasants for participants. These hunts represent a vital part of the NWTF’s mission to recruit and mentor the next generation of hunters.
The goal of the Family Pheasant Hunt was to create new ways to welcome first-time hunters and engage with underserved communities in hunting and outdoor recreation. For this event, E.E. Wilson staff partnered with Hunters of Color to host a weekend workshop offering participants hands-on opportunities to learn the fundamentals of upland bird hunting and safely harvest pheasants.
ODFW — together with its partners and donors, including the NWTF — provided funding that went directly toward purchasing pheasants for the event. Throughout the weekend, E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area staff, Hunters of Color and North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) volunteers provided instruction on upland bird hunting basics, shotgun safety and shooting techniques, as well as guided hunts in the field. NAVHDA also contributed 10 volunteers with trained dogs to flush birds and mentor participants.
The event was a success: 20 hunters harvested 30 birds on Saturday, and another 20 hunters harvested 30 birds on Sunday, totaling 60 pheasants taken by 40 hunters.
“It’s an event designed around teaching and providing opportunity,” said Josh Williams, E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area habitat technician. “E.E. Wilson staff and HoC are excited about having a new tool for hunter recruitment and mentorship.”
For over seven decades, the E.E. Wilson Youth Pheasant Hunt has introduced young people to the outdoors, from those raised in hunting families to youth brand new to the experience. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, sportsmen’s groups and generous donations from local businesses, E.E. Wilson staff are able to provide thousands of dollars’ worth of birds, meals for participants and hunter education opportunities each year.
The event also ties directly into the Oregon’s hunter education program, hosting a simultaneous hunter safety class during the weekend. Youth who pass their hunter safety course that weekend are given the unique opportunity to transition straight from certification to their first hunt.
For the 2025 Youth Hunt, turnout was strong, with 80 hunters participating Saturday, harvesting 112 pheasants, and 112 hunters participated Sunday, harvesting 106 pheasants. In total, 400 birds were released over the weekend, and 30 newly certified youth hunters who completed their education in the E.E. Wilson classroom enjoyed their very first hunt.
When birds were harvested, staff and volunteers were on hand to provide instruction on cleaning, field care and preparation. Ice bags were provided for each hunter to properly store their game.
“The E.E. Wilson Youth Pheasant Hunt is an annual youth hunting opportunity that ODFW has offered for 74 years and has become one of the best youth hunting and educational opportunities the state offers,” Williams said. “We are extremely appreciative of all the contributors who make this event possible.”
Events like the E.E. Wilson Youth and Family Pheasant Hunts do more than provide opportunities to harvest game — they sustain a legacy. Each new hunter mentored, each lesson in safety and respect for wildlife and each moment shared afield helps preserve a tradition that defines our outdoor heritage. By coming together to educate, engage and inspire, partners like ODFW, Hunters of Color, NAVHDA, Oregon Hunters Association and the NWTF ensure that the values of conservation, stewardship and responsible hunting will continue to thrive for generations to come.