Pheasant hunting opens on Saturday

Pheasant hunting opportunities will vary again this year across the state, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say.

The general pheasant hunting season is Oct. 9 to Jan. 1, 2011.

“Statewide pheasant numbers are expected to be about average in portions of southeastern and south central Montana, and below average in most other areas,” said Rick Northrup, Fish, Wildlife and Parks game bird coordinator. 

The past two winters, and this year’s especially cool, wet spring, have caused biologists to lower their expectations for fall pheasant hunting. Some areas along the Hi-Line, particularly around Havre, are especially likely to have some winter losses.

On the positive side, unusually heavy precipitation through most of the summer promoted exceptional grass cover across much of the state and good insect production, which is important for chick survival. Pheasants are expected to be broadly distributed due to this excellent cover, and that can make finding the birds more challenging for hunters.

Northrup reminded pheasant hunters to arrange for hunting access to private lands well in advance of their hunt, and if possible to bring along a well-trained hunting dog. He also noted that hunters need to be cautious of shooting hens with limited coloration that resemble young roosters, particularly during the early part of the general season.

Here is a brief look at what is expected for pheasant abundance this fall in the western part of the state:

Region 1

Northwestern Montana

The pheasant harvest in Northwest Montana has been about 65 percent of average for the past two years. This year’s pheasant hunting season is expected to be similar.

Rainfall and cool to cold weather the first two weeks of the hatching period likely had a negative impact on this year’s population numbers. Pheasant abundance is also expected to be down again this year at Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area and the surrounding lands. 

Region 2

Western Montana

Air temperatures associated with moist conditions this spring were more moderate in Region 2 compared to further north.  Pheasant hunters can expect hunting opportunities similar to those found last year in this region.

Good pheasant hunting locations on private lands in Western Montana are generally difficult to gain access to. 

For more information about pheasant hunting in Montana, visit the Upland Game Bird Hunting Guide on the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov on the Hunting page.