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 12-15 year olds who have completed hunter education and who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age;
and 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. The Canyon Ferry WMA is an exception— only to the youth waterfowl season shooting hours— they will be one-half hour before sunrise to noon.
FWP’s pheasant stocking program releases birds on state lands with suitable habitat around Montana every fall. In 2023, nearly 12,000 birds will be released on wildlife management areas, fishing access sites, and some school trust lands around the state.
In anticipation on the youth hunt weekend, several kickoff events are scheduled around the state to prepare youth to be successful in the field.
Region 1 in Kalispell, Sept. 19, 5-7:30 p.m.
At the Flathead Valley Clay Target Club, 1290 Prairie View Road
BBQ, prizes, and shoot shotguns (shotguns, ammo and targets provided)
Contact: Dillon Tabish, 406-751-4564
Region 2 in Missoula: Sept. 19, 4-8 p.m.
At Region 2 Headquarters, 3201 Spurgin Road
Outdoor skills and safety fair with emphasis on youth pheasant & waterfowl and bear safety
Contact: Vivaca Crowser, 406-542-5518
Region 3 in Helena: Sept. 19, 6-7:30 p.m.
At Montana WILD Education Center, 2668 Broadwater Ave.,
Safety & regulationss refresher, bird ID, intro to WMAs
Contact: Morgan Jacobsen, 406-577-7891
Region 4:
Lau Shooting Preserve: Sept. 23, 8 a.m.-noon
Mentored youth hunt with Pheasants Forever and Goldern Triangle Gun Dog Clubs
Advanced Registration Required: Call 406-727-4676 or email pres0505@pfofficers.org to register
Freezout Lake WMA: Sept. 23 & 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. noon
Trap shoot, bird id, safety and regulations refresher
Region 5 in Billings: Sept. 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.,
Private shooting preserve near Billings
Event in conjunction with Yellowstone Valley Pheasants Forever. Youth hunt 12-15 with valid hunting license. Opportunity for youth to shoot pheasants with a hunting mentor and trained bird dog.
Registration Required: Call Chad Hanson 406-860-5145 to register or for more information.
Region 6 in Havre: Sept. 19, 5-7:30 p.m.,
Havre Trap Club, 101 Co Rd 802
Trap shoot, bird id, safety and regulations, access opportunities
Contact: Marc Kloker, 406-942-2974
Region 7 in Miles City: Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Custer Rod and Gun Club, 181 Wednesday Dr
Pizza, safety refresher, youth trap shoot
Registration Required: Call Marla Prell at 406-234-0926 to register or for more information.