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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Father thankful for youth pheasant hunt at release site

Diego Estuar, 14, and his dog Bella bagged a limit of rooster pheasants at the Fishtrap Lake pheasant release site during the 2014 Youth Upland Bird hunting season.   (Robert Estuar )
Diego Estuar, 14, and his dog Bella bagged a limit of rooster pheasants at the Fishtrap Lake pheasant release site during the 2014 Youth Upland Bird hunting season. (Robert Estuar )

HUNTING -- Washington's youth-only upland bird season was a success for Robert Estuar and his son, and the family Lab.

"Took 14 year old Diego and dog Bella out Sunday to Fishtrap Lake for the youth pheasant hunt," the happy father reported. "Didn't take long to find the birds. So grateful to live in a region with so many recreational opportunities for our youth!"

The Estuars hunted at one of 27 pheasant release sites in Eastern Washington

  • Hint:  The youngsters didn't kill all the pheasants released prior to the youth season. The release sites present a bird dog training opportunity before the general season opens.

Also, some of the remaining pen-raised birds likely survived the coyotes and hawks long enough to seed the field for the Geezer Pheasant Season -- Sept. 22-26  -- for licensed hunters age 65 and older.

Pheasants will be stocked at the site about three more times during the fall, including the week of Thanksgiving.

  • Non-toxic shot must be used for hunting on pheasant release sites.


Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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