Landowners Sought For Pheasant Release Program

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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking landowners interested in releasing ring-necked pheasants in suitable habitats as part of Montana’s revamped Upland Game Bird Release Program.  The program reimburses landowners who attempt to establish new pheasant populations on lands they open to reasonable public hunting.

Upland Game Bird Release projects eligible for funding under the program must comprise at least 100 contiguous acres of land and contain a combination of winter cover, food, nesting cover, and other habitat features required by upland game bird populations.

Pheasants released should be at least 10 weeks old, fully feathered and beginning to resemble adult birds in size and markings at the time of release. In addition, 40 percent of the released birds must be roosters and birds may be required to be banded. FWP will determine reimbursement rates for released birds based on prices established by National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) certified hatcheries or game bird growers in Montana

Application for releases must be made by May 15 and birds must be released between Aug. 1 and Sept. 15.

Projects on private and public lands submitted in partnership with youth organizations, 4-H clubs, sports groups, or other associations that can guarantee the completion of all project requirements also are eligible. Hunting preserves, lands that host commercial hunting enterprises, and lands where hunting rights are leased or paid for are not eligible.

To help determine the success of this program, Fergus, Richland and Roosevelt counties are not eligible. These counties will serve as "control" counties where wildlife biologists will monitor pheasant populations and compare them to counties where pheasants have been released.

For more information and an on-line application form, visit FWP’s website at www.fwp.state.mt.us and click on Wildlife; or call 406-444-2612 in Helena; or contact your nearest FWP office.