Youth pheasant, waterfowl weekend starts September 23

Pheasants to be released at two WMAs in Region 7 near Hysham

MILES CITY – Youth hunters can get a head start on pheasant and waterfowl hunting during the 2023 Youth Pheasant and Waterfowl Weekend, which is Sept. 23 and 24. Licensed hunters, 15 and under, will be able to hunt pheasants, 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 apply.

Prior to the youth weekend, FWP will release pheasants, raised by Montana Correctional Enterprises, on state-owned lands with suitable pheasant habitat. In Region 7, these sites will include Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area and Amelia Island Wildlife Management Area, both near Hysham. Isaac will receive 125 pheasants and Amelia 50 birds. For more information on these sites, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/roosters-for-recruitment.

The purpose of the pheasant release program is to give youth hunters an opportunity to experience hunting success, encouraging their future participation.

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