Montana to Release Nearly 2,800 Pheasants for Youth Hunt Weekend

MILES CITY — Young hunters across southeast Montana will have prime opportunities to bag pheasants this weekend as Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks prepares to release nearly 2,800 birds ahead of the annual Youth Pheasant and Waterfowl Weekend.

The two-day youth hunt is scheduled for this weekend, September 27-28, providing specially designed hunting opportunities for Montana’s next generation of sportsmen and women.

“Get ready, young hunters!” FWP announced in preparing for the weekend event.

FWP will strategically release the pheasants across various wildlife management areas and state lands in southeast Montana to give youth hunters the best chance of success in the field. Release sites include Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area, Amelia Island WMA, and Angela Farms through the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Eligibility Requirements

The youth weekend hunt is open to two categories of young hunters:

• Licensed youth ages 12-15 who have completed hunter education and are accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years old
• Properly certified and licensed apprentice hunters ages 10-15 who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult “mentor” at least 21 years old

The program extends beyond pheasants, offering statewide opportunities to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese, and coots during the two-day period. All standard hunting regulations apply during the youth weekend.

Conservation Through Youth Engagement

The annual youth hunt represents Montana’s commitment to developing the next generation of hunters and conservationists. By providing structured, supervised hunting experiences, FWP aims to foster lifelong connections between young people and Montana’s wildlife resources.

The nearly 2,800 pheasant releases across southeast Montana demonstrate significant state investment in youth outdoor education and wildlife management practices that balance conservation goals with recreational opportunities.

Planning Information

Youth hunters and their supervising adults can find detailed information about the weekend hunt and maps of release areas in FWP Region 7 on the department’s website at fwp.mt.gov/youth-hunt.

“Don’t miss out on this opportunity,” FWP encourages participants, noting that the special weekend provides unique access to multiple bird species across Montana.