Pheasant hunting is addictive. The first experience of good weather, good dogs, good friends and some of the best-tasting wild-game meat on the wing builds a lifelong dedication in so many young hunters. That's why, for the last 30 years, the Yellowstone Valley Chapter of Pheasants Forever has hosted a youth pheasant hunt designed to mold the next generation of safe, well-trained hunters. The thirtieth anniversary was no exception, as 25 budding upland bird hunters learned from some of the best hunting mentors, bird dog owners and bird dogs in Montana last weekend.
As always, the focus was on safety. The event, held at a private shooting preserve, included Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff, who assisted at the event and provided hunting regulations, access information, hunting vests and other giveaways to participants. The event was staffed by shooting instructors and range safety officers as well. Before hunting, each participant worked with a shooting instructor to practice with clay pigeons. The mentoring didn't end there, either; each junior was accompanied in the field by an experienced hunter to ensure safe hunting practices. In fact, there were 32 volunteers from the local Pheasants Forever chapter and the community, outnumbering the new hunters.
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.
Did your Montana teen miss out? 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. For more information, click here!
