BILLINGS – Twenty-five budding upland bird hunters learned from some of the best hunting mentors, bird dog owners and bird dogs in the area at the Yellowstone Valley Chapter of Pheasants Forever 30th annual youth pheasant hunt last weekend. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff assisted at the event and provided hunting regulations, access information, hunting vests and other giveaways to participants. The event was held at a private shooting preserve.
Before hunting, each participant worked with a shooting instructor to practice shooting their shotguns at clay pigeons. Each youth hunter was accompanied in the field by an experienced mentor to provide hunting tips and ensure safe hunting practices. Trained bird dogs and handlers joined each pair of youth hunters. Successful hunters were shown how to clean their birds and favorite pheasant recipes were shared. A free lunch was provided to participants and their families after the hunt.
“This event is a great, safe way to introduce young people to the lifelong sport of hunting, especially upland bird hunting,” said Chad Hanson, president of the Yellowstone Valley Chapter of Pheasants Forever. “It’s a special experience to be there when a new hunter shoots their first bird.” This year, 32 volunteers from the local Pheasants Forever chapter and the community helped at the event.
Youth hunters will have another opportunity to hunt waterfowl and pheasant during the Youth Waterfowl and Pheasant Weekend, Sept. 21-22, before the seasons open for all hunters. The Youth Deer Hunt will be Oct. 17-18. These youth hunting opportunities are open to legally licensed hunters aged 12-15 and properly certified and legally licensed apprentice hunters aged 10-15. All youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult during these opportunities. For more information on special youth hunting opportunities in Montana, visit: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/youth.
The Pheasants Forever youth hunt is held every year on the Saturday after Labor Day. The free event is open to youth aged 15 or younger who have completed a Hunter Education course and have a valid Montana hunting license.
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