MISSOULA, Mont. — Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks plans to release roughly 2,500 pheasants at public hunting areas across the state ahead of the youth pheasant hunting weekend scheduled for Sept. 19-20, the agency announced Tuesday.
Purpose and program
The releases are part of FWP’s Roosters for Recruitment program, an effort aimed at increasing success rates for young hunters and encouraging continued participation in hunting and conservation. FWP said the stocked birds will be distributed across multiple wildlife management areas (WMAs) and Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) lands to create more accessible opportunities for youth hunters.
Where the birds will be released
FWP listed specific release sites by region. The agency said it also plans to release additional pheasants at select locations during the regular hunting season.
| Region | Release sites |
|---|---|
| Region 1 | North Shore WMA; Foys Bend Fisheries Conservation Area |
| Region 3 | Canyon Ferry WMA; Lake Helena WMA |
| Region 4 | Freezout Lake WMA; Arod Lakes DNRC; Bullhead Ranch DNRC; Teton River DNRC |
| Region 5 | Grant Marsh WMA; Yellowstone WMA; Clarks Fork Yellowstone FAS |
| Region 6 | Fresno Reservoir WMA; Rookery WMA |
| Region 7 | Isaac Homestead WMA; Amelia Island WMA; Angela Farms DNRC |
Who may participate
The youth pheasant weekend is open to properly licensed youth hunters ages 12-15 who have completed hunter education and are accompanied by a nonhunting adult at least 18 years old. In addition, FWP said certified and licensed apprentice hunters ages 10-15 may participate when accompanied by a nonhunting adult mentor who is at least 21.
- Event: Youth pheasant hunting weekend — Sept. 19-20
- Age and licensing: Ages 12–15 with hunter education; apprentice program allows ages 10–15 under mentor rules
- Companion requirement: Nonhunting adult at least 18 (or 21 for apprentices)
- Additional event: Youth waterfowl weekend — Sept. 26-27
Context and local impact
FWP has used targeted releases in prior seasons to provide new hunters with better odds of encountering game, an approach intended to foster skill development and continued participation in hunting. For rural and suburban communities across Montana, the stocked birds can mean easier access to upland game for families who may not have private ground or established hunts available.
Local land managers and conservation partners typically coordinate to ensure the releases occur at public access sites where youth hunters can safely and legally pursue pheasants. FWP’s strategy balances offering immediate opportunities for recruitment while maintaining broader management goals for game species and habitat.
Practical considerations for families
FWP recommends families planning to take part in the youth weekend check regulations and area-specific rules before heading out. That includes confirming open areas, access points, and any temporary closures or restrictions on WMAs and DNRC lands. Hunters should also ensure they have the proper licenses and that mentors or accompanying adults understand the nonhunting role required during the youth-only weekend.
FWP also emphasized that additional pheasant releases may occur later in the regular season at select sites, expanding opportunities beyond the youth weekend for licensed hunters.
Questions about specific release locations, licensing requirements or area conditions should be directed to local FWP regional offices. FWP’s announcements and posted regulations provide the authoritative guidance on seasons, limits and permitted hunting activities.
The effort reflects an ongoing push by state agencies to support recruitment of new hunters alongside habitat and species management — with the immediate goal of giving Montana youth a better chance to experience upland game hunting during the upcoming weekend.
