Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) continues to expand its “Roosters for Recruitment” program, aiming to introduce new hunters to the field and bolster conservation efforts. Now in its third year, the program plans to release nearly 18,000 pheasants across various state lands during the fall of 2024, marking a significant increase from previous years.
Program Expansion and Objectives
The “Roosters for Recruitment” initiative focuses on releasing pheasants in wildlife management areas, fishing access sites, and select school trust lands throughout Montana. The primary goal is to provide new hunters with early success experiences, encouraging continued participation in hunting and a deeper commitment to conservation. In Montana, as in many states, fish and wildlife conservation is primarily funded through license revenues. Active engagement in hunting and fishing directly supports wildlife management, habitat protection, and broader conservation efforts.
Pheasant Release Locations
FWP has designated several regions for pheasant releases, with specific sites including:
- Region 1: North Shore Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Foys Bend Fishing Conservation Area (FCA).
- Region 3: Canyon Ferry WMA, Lake Helena WMA, Greycliff Fishing Access Site (FAS), Cobblestone FAS, Fairweather FAS, and Missouri Headwaters State Park.
- Region 4: Freezout Lake WMA and various Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) lands such as Arod Lakes, Aschim Road, and Aster Dam.
- Region 5: Grant Marsh WMA, Yellowstone WMA, Clark’s Fork of Yellowstone FAS, and Selkirk FAS.
- Region 6: Fresno Reservoir WMA, Rookery WMA, Dodson Dam WMA, Cree Crossing WMA, Sleeping Buffalo WMA, Hinsdale WMA, and Vandalia WMA.
- Region 7: Isaac Homestead WMA, Amelia Island WMA, and Angela Farms DNRC.
For a comprehensive and updated list of release sites, hunters are encouraged to refer to FWP’s official Map of Pheasant Release Locations.
Encouraging New Hunters
By increasing the number of pheasants released and expanding the number of release sites, FWP aims to provide ample opportunities for novice hunters to experience success in the field. This initiative not only fosters a new generation of hunters but also promotes active participation in conservation efforts, ensuring the sustainability of Montana’s rich wildlife heritage.
For more information on the “Roosters for Recruitment” program and details on specific release sites, visit the Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
