Judging by its corporate logo and the big, long-tailed birds emblazoned on the hooded sweatshirts they gave us, one might think that the pursuit of these Chinese imports is the only activity offered at Pheasant Valley Hunting Preserve in the heart of Utah near Altamont. But as my wife Donna and I learned during a two-day visit, there is far more to be experienced at this multi-sport conglomerate than merely hunting pheasants. We first met operations manager Keith Hicken at the dog training facility, which is quite simply the most elaborate we have ever seen in all our travels. A long line of kennels extends both outside and inside an air-conditioned enclosure. Part of this structure consists of a huge training room, where dogs can be worked in complete comfort. For our samplings of the club’s favorite offerings, Keith quickly turned us over to guide/dog trainer Brian Beckstead, who in turn introduced us to a newer staff member, Jon Davis, serving in the same capacity. These two, working in concert, gave us back-to-back days of busy adventure, resulting in many golden memories.
In the quiet elegance of the Pheasant Valley clubhouse, the dog trainers explained that pheasant hunting is in fact of major importance to the operation. Though it was a little difficult to imagine during the relative lull of mid-summer, in fall and winter, some 35,000 pheasants are bagged on the 2,000 acres of bird habitat. Chukar partridge and waterfowl can also be included in the mix, this sport complemented by clay target shooting and Orvis-endorsed trout fishing.
Three separately managed entities are utilized to accomplish all this quality activity, and it took a while for Donna and me to grasp the cooperative interplay between them. “Headquarters” seems to be the newly constructed clubhouse a short drive from the dog boarding/training facility. A well-equipped 5-Stand setup nearby was programmed by Brian and Jon, both admittedly short on clay target experience. While joining us in shooting the challenges, they welcomed our suggestions and eagerly pointed out the path of a soon-to-be-installed walk-through sporting course. Enthusiasm fairly crackled from these young men as they told us about plans to one day enroll in the NSCA Instructor Certification Program.
Combined shooting and fly fishing opportunities are provided at two different locations, Six Lakes Fishing and Wildlife Preserve and Falcon’s Ledge. They both lie along a scenic paved road some 35 miles from the hunting preserve, and, judging from the Six Lakes brochure I saw, I regretted that time didn’t allow for sampling this full-service lodge.
As we drove slowly through the 600-acre private canyon leading to Falcon’s Ledge, large ponds loaded with trout were sprinkled all along the roadway. The lodge itself shines like a small, modern castle perched on a ridge overlooking its kingdom.
The sun was nearing the horizon as we arrived, so Brian and Jon, both Orvis-certified guides, hustled us and their favorite flies to the water. Despite the limited time, we managed to sample two of the ponds, enjoying spectacular results.
We had towed our Dream Chaser camper onto the property, and the boys could hardly believe it when we declined one of the lodge’s luxurious rooms to sleep in our own bed. We did join them for dinner, however, where the resident chef prepared uniquely seasoned and extremely scrumptious fillet mignon steaks. To savor the fine dining, targets, trout fishing, or bird hunting, contact (435) 646-3194; www.hickenschickens.com.
The next morning, we shot Falcon Ledge’s sporting course, the “bird walk” that consists of seven stations arranged in a huge circle facing inward. From these stands we attempted quartering targets, true crossers, and overhead marks. It was the best and most complete course I have ever seen utilizing but a single launcher, a true shotgunning pleasure you need to experience for yourself.
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