Pelee Pheasant Traditions

Pelee Island birds are raised and released as part of an annual put-and-take hunt

After a 90-minute ferry ride from Leamington, we step onto the fabled Pelee Island. Located in the middle of Lake Erie and accessible only by boat or plane, Pelee is known for its winery and bird watching. But we’re here for the superb pheasant hunting. Only about 250 people live on the 42-square-kilometre island but Canada's southernmost inhabited region’s population swells during the pheasant hunt.

Pelee Island birds are raised and released as part of an annual put-and-take hunt. This has been an annual event since 1932. With 8,000 pheasants released for each of the island’s two-day hunts, there is no shortage of birds for hunters. Each hunt is limited to 700 participants but in the last decade, hunter numbers have declined to about 350.

The opening morning of our October hunt is cool and clear. As our group of five systematically scours field edges, we hear shots in the distance telling of other hunters finding their quarry. With two flushing labs and a pair of bouncy springer spaniels in the lead, we keenly watch our dogs work. Although hunting pheasants can be successful without dogs, I get great enjoyment from watching well-trained dogs on the hunt.

For safety and efficiency, our group forms a line perpendicular to the fence lines so that no one will be tempted to shoot across another hunter. This system works extremely well as flushed birds will fly up and out from cover and soar directly across our line of hunters.

We quickly learn that a pheasant's first response to danger is to run rather than fly. While we do flush birds along fence rows, many more pheasants scurry ahead of the dogs and group up. As we close in on the end of a fence row, all eyes are alert. Typically, a dozen or more adult pheasants take to the air in a squawking commotion that echoes between gunshots! Once the sky clears, the dogs scramble in every direction to retrieve downed birds as hunters point and chatter jovially. As the day develops, our game pouches become heavy with pheasants.

Hunters Paul Tremblay, Terry Vanderveeken and Shawn Mifflin with a mornings take of pheasant from the southern Ontario’s Pelee Island.
Hunters Paul Tremblay, Terry Vanderveeken, and Shawn Mifflin with a morning's take of pheasant from southern Ontario’s Pelee Island. (Photo credit: Dale Hainer)

Occasionally, I break from our party to search out and watch other hunters and their working dogs. Many breeds are represented here, from flushing hounds to rigid pointers. I enjoy watching man and dog working closely, in harmony and mutual enjoyment. It amazes me how every dog has a different pace and attitude when scenting out birds.

Legal shooting time ends daily at 5:00 pm which leaves us just enough time to clean our birds before heading for the dining tables of Pelee Island.

About Dale Hainer

Dale Hainer, born 1960 into a family of hunters, anglers, trappers and farmers, pursued a career with the Ontario Fire Service at age 19. Throughout his life, he maintained his roots to the land and shared his tales while being a professional outdoor writer, photographer and videographer. Retired at age 50 from the Service, he now spends countless hours creating more adventures to share with you. Member of the Outdoor Writers of Canada.

Recommended Articles

Double Bears at Kammoe & Sons Outfitters

A successful outing at this family-run spot near Timmins, Ontario.

The Secret Life Of Grouse

Locate roosting locations, food sources, and predator signs to help you find more grouse this fall.

A Moose Hunt with White River Air: A Fly-In Hunting Adventure in Northern Ontario

"The bull slowly made distance through the marsh and eventually came into bow range at 45 yards..."

Moose Outfitters in Ontario

Ontario offers archery and rifle moose season for residents and non-residents.

Double Bears at Whitefish Lodge & Outpost Camps

Dual Trips to Maiden Bay Camp

An avid hunter takes his daughter Britney to visit Northeastern Ontario in search of a fall black bear—here's what happened next.

Chasing Gobblers

Spring Turkey Hunting in Brant County, Ontario

Top Pheasant Destinations

6 amazing places in Ontario that offer quality pheasant hunts.

Turkey Hunting Tips

Learn some tips to make your next turkey hunt a successful one.

Crossing the Border into Canada

How to legally bring your hunting rifle into Canada.

Ontario Turkey

Hunting with Wingeather Oufitters

Flushing in Norfolk

One of Ontario's Finest Pheasant Hunts

Grouse Hunting in Sunset Country

You won't have trouble reaching your ruffed grouse limit here

Big Water Diver Duck Hunt

If you haven’t had the chance to go hunt ducks on Lake St Clair, you have to do it!

Fins and Feathers

Hunting Grouse at Gowganda Lake Lodge

Turkey Tips and Tricks

Turkey Calling and Decoy Placement

A Beginner's Guide to Hunting in Ontario

Everything a first timer needs to know.

Deer Hunting in Sunset Country

An overview of deer hunting in Northwestern Ontario—and what the future holds

Deer in The Deep North

Northwestern Ontario has a reputation of being one of the best deer hunting destinations in North America.

Moose Hunting in Ontario

Ontario is one of the best places to fulfill the dream.