Hunting for Habitat

Special to The Times by Brad Trumbo

WALLA WALLA – Pheasants Forever is known as "the habitat organization," and the Walla Walla Chapter, Blue Mountain Pheasants Forever, upholds the mission. Make that two missions.

Habitat enhancement and youth involvement in the outdoors are the two primary focuses and programs for the Chapter. In 2018, the Chapter maintained its staple projects to include an 88-acre grassland restoration site near Touchet, and a shrub-steppe restoration site just north of Walla Walla on Highway 125, where native shrubs and wildlife watering stations, referred to as "guzzlers," were installed.

Over the years, the Chapter has planted hundreds of acres in native grass and shrubs to the benefit of the wildlife, hunters, and the communities within and surrounding Walla Walla.

With the future of hunting heritage and wildlife habitat riding largely on the shoulders of a demographic no younger than age forty, youth involvement in the outdoors is key. The Chapter's youth program consists of four trap-shooting events, hosting a youth pheasant hunt in September, and offering a family hunt in November after Thanksgiving.

But executing these programs isn't free or necessarily cheap. The Chapter relies on volunteer labor to orchestrate events; however, fundraisers are crucial to the Chapter's success. While many folks in the area support the Chapter's annual fundraising banquet, which is quickly approaching, Sat., Feb. 23, the Chapter began a new fundraiser on Feb. 2, known as the Pheasant Challenge.

The Pheasant Challenge is a hunt test that entails a five-acre field, a team of two hunters, one bird dog, five shotgun shells per hunter, and 30 minutes to secure a maximum of five pheasant. The event is an enticing combination of upland hunting and skillful dog work and shooting, offering modest (or not) bragging rights.

The Chapter's first attempt at hosting the event registered 10 teams with a variety of hunting dog breeds and skill levels. Three fields were set at the Clyde Shooting Preserve near Prescott. Beginning team starts were staggered, allowing for continual cycling of teams throughout the event, with the last team finishing approximately two hours later.

The fastest times were under ten minutes, and many teams were able to come up with five birds. The top three teams received 25% pay back of all monies received for the event, split 50% to first place, 35% to second place, and 15% to third place. The last place team received a case of shotgun shells.

Overall, the Chapter received a $1,700 net to bolster operating budgets.

All participants and volunteers enjoyed the experience, and many stuck around for a follow-up hunt at the preserve. The Chapter has since formed a committee to develop next year's event with the hopes of doubling team participation and raising more funds, hunting for habitat. Special thanks to Kit Lane at Clyde Shooting Preserve for supporting the Chapter in hosting this event.

For more information on the event or to get involved with the Chapter or Pheasant Challenge committee, reach out to bmpf@bmpf258.com.

Brad Trumbo is Secretary and Public Relations Officer with the Blue Mountain Pheasants Forever.

28th Annual Pheasant's Forever Banquet

When: Sat., Feb. 23.

Where: Walla Walla Fairgrounds (363 Orchard )

Tickets: Purchase at

http://www.pheasantsforeverevents.org

Doors open at 4 p.m. with dinner of prime rib, salmon, sides, salads and desserts, served at 6 p.m. Door prizes, live and silent auctions, Wall of Guns, Shotgun pull and raffles. Children are welcome to attend and will be entered into a special drawing. Each child will leave with a gift from the children’s gift table. For more information, call Tami Wass at bmpfbanquetchair@gmail.com