Licensed hunters 15 and under, how would you like a free lunch, a free hunter orange vest and hat, door prizes and a chance to practice your shooting before the Montana youth pheasant weekend Sept. 19 and 20? Sign up today for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' free Youth Trap Shoot and Safety Refresher on Friday, Sept. 18 at the Custer Rod & Gun Club in Miles City from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Space is limited, and youths must register by Wednesday, Sept. 16 by calling FWP at 406-234-0926 or emailing mprell@mt.gov. This event is in preparation for the Montana youth pheasant weekend on Sept. 19 and 20.
During the safety refresher, which will be at the Custer Rod & Gun Club range at Spotted Eagle Recreation Area, club members will review safe gun handling, shooting lanes, field ethics and regulations. Following the refresher and a free lunch, youths will participate in non-competitive trap shooting on the range.
Participants should bring their own firearms and ammunition. FWP will cover the cost of clays.
Prior to the Montana youth pheasant weekend, FWP will release pheasants, raised by Montana Correctional Enterprises, on state-owned lands. The purpose of the pheasant release program is to give youth hunters an opportunity to experience hunting success, encouraging their future participation.
Unlike in previous years, youth pheasant weekend and youth waterfowl weekend are on different dates. The Montana youth waterfowl weekend in Sept. 26 and 27.
In southeast Montana, pheasants will be released at several FWP sites that will be shared closer to the youth weekend. For more information, visit FWP's website at: https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/roosters-for-recruitment