PLENTYWOOD– A free youth pheasant and waterfowl weekend kick-off event is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Plentywood Trap Club for any youth aged 10 and older. Parents or other mentors planning to hunt with the youth are expected to attend as well.

This event is planned ahead of the youth pheasant and waterfowl weekend of Sept. 21-22, which is open for properly licensed youth ages 10-15.

The kick-off will include an “open house” for youth and their adult-hunting partners to learn about the youth bird-hunting weekend, ask questions, and get advice on where to go. In addition, the Plentywood Trap Club will be offering trap shooting, where youth can rotate through a round of trap. Shotgun shells (both 12 and 20 gauge) and trap will be provided free of cost.

The event is organized and funded by donations and volunteers from FWP, the Plentywood Trap Club, and other area organizations.

There will be many give-a-ways and other cool swag offered. Note that participants don’t have to be at the event exactly at 5 p.m. Organizers understand that some after school activities are going on, so participants should show up when they can.

FWP staff and others will offer a variety of topics in an open house setting, to possibly include:

• Information on Block Management and other access programs
• Information on upland gamebird opportunities
• Information on Wildlife Management Areas and Fishing Access Sites for hunting
• Waterfowl and upland gamebird ID and guides
• Wardens and other staff will be available to answer questions on hunting regulations

Safety is the number one priority, and several qualified instructors will be helping with the trap shooting component. Hearing protection for shooters will be used at all times and will be available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shotgun. Organizers ask that personal firearms are unloaded and in safe, operating condition before bringing them to the event. All firearms will be inspected by organizers to ensure field-worthiness. Lastly, FWP 20-guage pump shotguns will also be available for the event if participants choose to use them.

Note: Shotgun shooting may not take place due to inclement weather. The other activities will still take place even in inclement weather. Please check the Region 6 FWP Facebook page for updates recent

The Plentywood Trap Club is located at the Sheridan County Fair Grounds. From Hwy 5 on the southeast end of Plentywood, turn south near the Sheridan County Museum, and keep following the road past the rodeo grounds to the trap club. Parents or other mentors planning to hunt with the youth are expected to attend as well. Please contact Marc Kloker at FWP with any questions at 406-942-2974 (cell), 406-228-3704 (office), or mkloker@mt.gov.