Potential Hot Spots For Montana’s Youth Pheasant Hunt Weekend

It's a big weekend for young hunters in Montana, as they get the first crack at pheasants and waterfowl.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that youngsters can get a jump start this weekend on the pheasant and waterfowl seasons during the annual Youth Pheasant and Waterfowl Weekend, this Saturday and Sunday, September 21 and 22. And the pheasants are flying!

Montana FWP releases pheasants that have been raised by Montana Correctional Enterprises on state-owned lands with suitable pheasant habitat. This week, in advance of the youth weekend, FWP is releasing nearly 3,000 birds at wildlife management areas on suitable state land around Montana. The Pheasant Release Program is an awesome opportunity for youth hunters to experience hunting success, encouraging their future participation.

WHO CAN HUNT AND AT WHAT AGES?

It can be a bit confusing as to what age groups can hunt, and what age their mentors have to be.

In addition to pheasants, licensed hunters, 15 and under, will be able to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese and coots statewide both 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 still apply. And the Canyon Ferry Wildlife Management Area's hours differ from the regulations for youth waterfowl weekend. They will be one-half hour before sunrise until noon.

For more information about the youth weekend, FWP's Youth Hunt page can be very helpful.

Best of luck to all those eager and excited kids out in the field this weekend!