| 4th Women's Educational Pheasant Hunt | | Print | |
| Written by Pola Galie, NJ-Hunter Pro Staff |
| Thursday, 17 September 2009 13:03 |
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In 2007 several friends got together to help some of their children complete their workbooks and practice shooting their bows and clay targets to prepare for their hunting proficiency tests. Mike Mazzucco, Bob Wall and a few others enjoyed getting them prepared for the tests. They passed with flying colors and everyone enjoyed helping to get these new hunters licensed.  During that time we had many talks, as hunters often do, about those that we harvested and those got away. We talked about what were then, my new experiences of going to hunting camp in Maine. I felt that many of my friends (women) who hunt do not have the opportunity to enjoy those things that I do – hunting camp, rabbit hunting with beagles or bird hunting with pointers. I thought they were missing something. From those conversations, the idea of the Educational Pheasant Hunt was born. We decided to actively recruit female hunters or new hunters who might never have the chance to hunt over dogs or experience the camaraderie of going to hunting camp. We all enjoyed it.  So in 2007, Mike and I, with George Snyder teaching wingshooting and Bob Wall as the lead guide and the support of the Board of Directors of the English Setter Club conducted the first educational pheasant hunt. The first three took place at the end of the small game season and we often had to deal with bitter cold, ice and wind. The conditions made our camp cook, Ed Gerber’s, hot wonderful lunches more tasteful when eaten in front of the wood burning stove. It really does not get any better than the friendship, good food and fun that takes place at this hunt. It’s what the hunting tradition is all about. This year, for our 4th hunt, we are holding it in the Fall. The birds will certainly have a different behavior than the bitter cold. This ought to make for a very different hunt and everyone is looking forward to it. This workshop offers its participants the opportunity for a quality guided educational pheasant hunt. This hunt will be held at the scenic English Setter Club of America (ESCA) in Medford, Burlington County, NJ. The 350-acre semi-wild preserve is situated adjacent to the Medford Wildlife Management Area at the beginnings of the beautiful Pine Barrens. ESCA features of combination of diverse habitats, which provide excellent cover for game birds. Participants are teamed with an experienced instructor and dog handler and have ample opportunity to flush birds.  The day will start with continental breakfast and bird-hunting education. We’ll take some practice shots at the 5-station trap range with an experienced competitive shooter, form teams and get to the hunt! George Snyder makes sure that every hunter knows safety and understands how to mount and point a shotgun. Billy Cooper and Joe Matter of the New Jersey Quail Project help coordinate the volunteer mentors out in the field. After the hunt we’ll have a lunch prepared by our Camp Chef at our rustic clubhouse. Later on we clean and dress the birds. . The English Setter Club of America is a natural setting and every hunt is challenging. Hunters are not guaranteed a bird; however, every participant has ample opportunity to flush birds. Participants will take part in an actual hunting situation along with an instructor and dog handler. If you would like to know more information about the hunt and be on the mailing list. Contact Pola Galie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can visit the NJ Quail Project's website This fall, the hunt is taking place Saturday, 9/19/09 at the English Setter Club of America in Medford, NJ. You can view all of the photos from Winter 2009's event by clicking here |
| Last Updated on Thursday, 17 September 2009 13:41 |
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