A successful youth hunter from the 76th Annual E.E. Wilson Youth Pheasant Hunt.
Notes from the 76th Annual E.E. Wilson Youth Pheasant Hunt
Youth hunters with their pheasants taken with bismuth shot.
On September 26–27, 2026, the E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area welcomed young hunters and their families for the 76th Annual E.E. Wilson Youth Pheasant Hunt. Over two days, 228 youth hunters took to the field alongside experienced mentors, trained bird dogs, and volunteers, using bismuth shotgun shells provided by Lead-free Hunting Oregon (LFHO). This event helped youth hunters experience field wing-shooting entirely with non-toxic shot.
A Weekend in the Field and Lead-free Outreach
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) staff reported that over 95% of youth hunters had multiple shot opportunities on flushing pheasants and 75% of participants successfully harvested their two-bird daily bag limit. Event volunteers also instructed all youth who harvested pheasants on how to field dress their pheasants, reinforcing ethical harvest practices. In addition to the 228 youth hunters, the event saw 71 new ODFW Hunter Education Certificates for a total of 299 youth engaged on-site.
LFHO donated the ammunition for the event, working to ensure that each youth hunter received a full or partial box of bismuth shotgun shells at check-in. Event staff helped distribute brochures with information on wildlife health and lead ammunition, options for hunters interested in lead-free ammunition, and information on how to enter youth hunters in a statewide incentive program to win hunting gear by showing that they are using lead-free ammunition.
Event volunteers check youth hunters in and distribute lead-free outreach information.
Participant Feedback
ODFW staff reported that participant feedback was extremely positive and that families described the weekend as “the best youth hunting event of all time.” This event gave Oregon youth hunters a strong foundation in conservation as they continue their hunting journeys. Additional event hunting sponsors included Oregon Hunters Association (OHA), North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVDHA), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), and National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).
This article was adapted from an event summary report prepared by ODFW staff.
