Kick-off event in Miles City Sept. 22 for upcoming youth pheasant, waterfowl hunt

MILES CITY – The 2022 Youth Pheasant and Waterfowl Weekend is Sept. 24 and 25, and several kick-off events are scheduled around the state. To get interested hunters and their families prepared for the youth weekend, these events will provide the opportunity to meet with mentors, ask questions of FWP staff, and win some prizes.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a kick-off event in Miles City on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 6-8 p.m. in the FWP headquarters shop building. All youths and their families interested in participating in the youth hunt are welcome to attend this free evening featuring safety refreshers, field tips, hunting resources, games, prizes and ice cream sundaes.

During the week prior to the youth weekend, FWP will release pheasants on several wildlife management areas around the state, including Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area near Hysham. Most of the pheasants were raised by Montana Correctional Enterprises in Deer Lodge under a cooperative agreement with FWP. The purpose of the pheasant release program is to give youth hunters an opportunity to experience hunting success, encouraging their future participation.

In addition to pheasants, licensed hunters, ages 15 and under, will be able to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese, and coots statewide on these two days.

The two-day youth hunt is open to:

• Legally licensed 12- to 15-year-olds who have completed hunter education and who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age.
• Properly certified and legally licensed apprentice hunters 10-15 years of age, who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult “mentor” at least 21 years of age.

All regulations for upland birds and waterfowl apply.

During the Sept. 22 kick-off event in Miles City, young hunters will:

• Hear from experienced hunters on the importance of safety and ethics
• Meet wardens who will discuss rules and regulations
• Have the opportunity to connect with a mentor who can take them into the field
• Practice signing into Block Management Areas
• Test their knowledge on waterfowl and upland bird species
• Have access to printed resources on hunting access, etc.
• Have access to apprentice applications
• Have a chance to win a youth hunting vest for filling out a post-hunt survey
• Have a chance to win other prizes
• Get a free ballcap
• Make their own ice cream sundaes/floats

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