Upland Bird Hunting

On a late season pheasant hunt in Central Oregon, I was very pleased with the hunting experience provided by the Rolling Hills Hunting Preserve. Judy Barber, one of the owners greeted my nephew Kentrel Wesson and me with a big smile and a lot of charm when we arrived. Guide Jason Maben and his son Treston (pictured with me) were setting everything up including bringing 3 of the best German Short-Haired Pointers. By the end of the day dogs Elsie, Maddy and I were old friends.

This preserve is only 3 years old and they have 3 separate locations near Heppner, Oregon. We hunted the property about 8 miles east of Heppner on Hanna Arbuckle Road. While I would not recommend it, we commuted from Portland. I was short on time, but it was the end of the season and my last chance to get in a hunt before turkey season. Game preserves in Oregon must shut down after March 31st. Rolling Hills made a trailer on site available to us, but I didn’t think I could find the preserve at night on my first visit. After getting there in the morning, I believe I was probably right. However, I will use the trailer next time. I can’t wait until the fall.

We hunted hard from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, taking a midday break for lunch and rest. I missed a few shots and Maddy, who is only 9 months old, flushed a few birds too far ahead of us. Nevertheless I harvested 8 beautiful pheasants. A couple of them were wild as evidenced by their really long tail feathers. Maddy calmed down in the afternoon and the other dogs performed wonderfully. Guide Jason Maben is a great host and companion to have along on a hunt. Treston won the prize for being in the best shape, no wonder he is excelling at football, wrestling and baseball.

I would encourage anyone looking to hunt upland birds in the Central Oregon area to check out this friendly preserve. Go here to get the contact in formation.