Upland
Pheasant
Valley roosters in the rice stubble and the odd public field that still holds a bird. Pheasant season is a Saturday you can explain to people who do not hunt.
Where they work
Stubble, canals, and the weedy corners of the valley. Pressure piles birds into the thickest cover by noon. Hunt the edges early.
How we hunt it
A dog that ranges and checks back. Hunters spaced so a flush is a shot and not a debate. Non-lead, again. California does not care that it is a rooster and not a duck.
On the plate
Dark meat wants time. Our valley pheasant and wild rice is the pot for a bird that earned the walk. If it sat in a warm vest, start over next week.
Dates and rules on NorCalHunt are the desk's briefing notes. Confirm every season, tag, and refuge rule with CDFW before you leave the driveway.