A good hunting dog, a great camper, and no more makeshift SUV setups—Bob’s retirement is off to a solid start.
Every new chapter calls for an upgrade—whether it’s dialing in your gear, upgrading your setup, or making camp life easier. Some folks move up from a tent, others down from an RV, but the goal is the same—more freedom, fewer limitations. The right rig doesn’t just get you there—it keeps you out there. It should make camp effortless, keep you self-sufficient longer, and let you settle in where the real adventure begins—whether that’s deep in the woods, along a remote desert stretch, or parked beside a new fishing spot. It’s not about avoiding campgrounds; it’s about having the freedom to choose something better.
For Bob Broderick, the next phase wasn’t about slowing down—it was about trading hassle for comfort, without losing adventure. His SUV setup was dialed for road trips—top-notch gear, a solid heater, a big Aero bed—but even the best gear has its limits. After years of shuffling equipment, breaking down camp, and toughing it out in bad weather, he was ready for something more comfortable. He wanted a rig that could go anywhere, handle any season, and make camp feel like home without the extra work. Not luxury—just a smarter, more practical way to explore, with comfort built in.
Meet Bob Broderick
Bob’s career spanned multiple industries, each one sharpening his adaptability. He worked in grocery retail, ice cream distribution, and the mortgage industry—until the 2008 housing crash forced a shift. Looking for stability, he landed at Costco, managing Seattle’s busiest store before winding down his career with a more laid-back role at Costco Travel. Now, with work in the rearview, he’s bringing that same adaptability to his next chapter—one filled with open roads, new destinations, and plenty of time outdoors.
Now, with more time to explore, he’s chasing pheasants across eastern Washington with his Brittany spaniel, and lining up his next big trip. “I can go to Baja. I can go into the mountains to go fishing. Easy to drive. Easy to park,” Bob says. “I can pull over wherever I darn-well want and camp.”
Shopping Around
True to form, Bob didn’t rush into his decision when it came to choosing a camper. After years of research—including visits to our shop and Four Wheel Campers in California—he kept coming back to Alaskan. He considered van conversions, lighter pop-ups, and every option in between, but comfort won out.
It’s just so much more comfortable to be in,” he says. “Sure, it’s heavier and spendier than some—but in the end, the decision was easy. Comfort and quality mattered more.
Rig Specs
Built for long hauls and rough roads, Bob’s rig balances power with efficiency. His 7’ cabover Alaskan sits on a 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 3.0L Diesel, offering the perfect balance of power and fuel efficiency for long hauls into the backcountry. To smooth out rough terrain, he added Bilstein 5100 shocks and an Air Lift airbag system.
I’m still figuring out the right air pressure,” he admits, “but it works well. I just take it slow when I need to.
Breaking In the Rig & Kicking Up Roosters
His first real test? Pheasant hunting in Eastern Washington. The rolling fields, winding waterways, and wide-open stretches made for great hunting—and the perfect proving ground for his new setup. From Winthrop to the Potholes Seep Lakes, he’s already put his Alaskan Camper through its paces, getting a feel for how it handles in the field and what tweaks he might need to make.
“Once you’re out there, you start noticing the details,” Bob says. “Where do you keep a shovel handy? How do you secure MaxTrax so they’re easy to grab?” The right setup isn’t just about gear—it’s about grabbing what you need, when you need it. And he’s not the only one figuring this out. Alaskan owners are always fine-tuning their rigs, tweaking storage, and finding smarter ways to keep essentials within reach.
Every Alaskan owner customizes their rig in their own way. Maybe it’s time we start showcasing how they do it. After all, smart storage isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s about never having to wrestle a mess of bungee cords just to grab your air compressor. Thanks for the idea, Bob!
Phantom Pheasants
Hunting Ring-Necks in Washington
Inspired by Bob’s first trips, we turned our focus to one of Washington’s top upland hunting destinations: Grant County. Year after year, this region leads the state in pheasant harvests, with hunters averaging 12,000 birds annually. Its mix of irrigated farmlands, sagebrush-covered draws, and dense cover along waterways makes it prime habitat for wild birds—and a must-visit for serious upland hunters.
But Grant County isn’t the only hotspot. Neighboring Whitman, Walla Walla, Yakima, and Franklin counties also rank among Washington’s top pheasant-producing regions, offering diverse terrain and strong bird populations. Whether you’re pushing through rolling wheat fields or working the thick edges of a creek bottom, Washington has no shortage of opportunities to chase wild ring-necks. Let’s break down what makes this region a pheasant hunter’s dream—and where to start your next upland adventure.
Locations & Finding Birds
Best Places to Hunt
- Grant County – Washington’s top pheasant-producing county, averaging 12,000 birds harvested annually. Its mix of irrigated farmland, sagebrush draws, and waterways creates ideal habitat.
- Whitman County – Rolling wheat country and brushy draws provide excellent cover and food sources for wild pheasants.
- Walla Walla County – River bottoms and agricultural land offer great conditions for both wild and released birds.
- Yakima County – A mix of sagebrush flats, irrigation canals, and farmland makes this a productive hunting area.
- Franklin County – Offers solid public land access along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, with huntable populations in thick cover.
Cover and Habitat
Pheasants need dense cover for protection and open fields for feeding. Start with wheat stubble, CRP fields, irrigation canals, and cattail sloughs—prime habitat that holds birds year-round. Early in the season, birds hold tight in lighter cover, but as hunting pressure and cold weather set in, they push deeper into brushy fence lines, unharvested fields, and thick creek bottoms. Hunting transition zones, targeting undisturbed areas, or adjusting your timing can make all the difference.
Strategies & Techniques
Tactics for Success
Success in Central and Eastern Washington comes down to smart strategy and knowing how birds move. A slow, deliberate zigzag approach flushes more birds, especially when paired with well-timed pauses. As the season progresses, target dense cover like creek bottoms and unharvested fields. Hunt into the wind to stay hidden and time your hunts around peak movement.
With or Without a Dog
A well-trained dog is a game-changer, but without one, teamwork and positioning are everything. Partner up to cut off escape routes and push birds toward natural barriers. If you’re hunting with a dog, work into the wind to give them the best scent advantage, and trust their instincts—whether it’s a sudden stop, a tail wag, or a low stalk, they’re reading the birds before you ever see them. Trust your dog’s instincts, keep commands sharp, and let them work.
Hunting Smart
Regulations
Washington’s pheasant hunting requires a valid hunting license, an upland bird permit, and adherence to bag limits and season dates. Hunters must also use non-toxic shot on all release sites statewide to minimize environmental impact. Check WDFW regulations before every hunt—rules change, and access varies.
Respect
For those hunting on private land, respect is everything. Always get permission, follow landowner guidelines, and leave the property better than you found it. Respect the land, and access stays open—for you and every hunter after you. Ethical hunting also means taking responsible shots, ensuring a clean and humane harvest, and retrieving every bird you shoot.
A Camper Built for the Next Chapter
For Bob, this wasn’t just about upgrading his gear—it was about upgrading the way he experiences the outdoors. His Alaskan Camper didn’t change what he loved; it made it easier, more comfortable, and more practical to do it longer. Whether it’s hunting pheasants in Eastern Washington, planning a trip to Baja, or setting off toward an unknown destination, one thing is certain—Bob’s just getting started.
Got a story to share? We’re always looking for Alaskan owners with real-world adventures to feature in Alaskan Life. If you’ve got a trip, a rig setup, or an experience worth telling, we’d love to hear it. Email Pete at [email protected] and tell us your story!
We winged it! We didn’t over plan—we just picked a mileage goal, booked campgrounds on the fly, and let the road do the rest.