Jailbirds: Montana Pheasants Released from State Prison
With the implementation of Montana’s new pheasant-stocking program, Big Sky bird hunting just got a little less wild.
Sport Hawk | 9.1.2022
In August, Montana approved a controversial program to farm pheasants at a state prison and then release the pen-raised birds on state game lands.
As much as $1 million of state and federal funds are now available to rear pheasants at the state prison in Deer Lodge. The hatchery birds will then be released at select wildlife management areas specifically to support opportunities for young hunters.
Montana’s legislature passed the bill containing the new pheasant-stocking program in spring of 2021. After a contentious public-input process, the state approved the program in August of 2022 with plans to implement it this fall. As many as 50,000 of the jailbirds may be released on select state game lands each year.
Montana pheasant-stocking controversy
Proponents of pheasant stocking, primarily Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, point to flagging participation in upland bird hunting. Releasing farmed pheasants on public land, they argue, is a good way to encourage young hunters to enter the field. It’s part of the nationwide R3 philosophy.
R3 stands for Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation, and it aims to promote hunting and fishing to the next generation while keeping current sportsmen active—and, of course, buying the licenses that fund all state game agencies.
Opponents argue that the money could have been better used to acquire or improve existing habitat for wild pheasant stocks. They further contend that teaching fledgling hunters to shoot pen-raised birds warps the sense of ethics and the satisfaction that is earned by fair chase of wild game. The kill becomes more important than the hunt, critics say. It’s target practice.
Opponents also worry that the release of pen-raise pheasants could introduce diseases, such as avian influenza, into Montana’s wild population.
Over the past year, public comments were weighted heavily against the new program. Conservation organizations, including Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Montana Wildlife Federation, and Pheasants Forever, all spoke out against the initiative.
On that note, Sport Hawk could provide a list of the state lands slated for stocking, but we would rather point you in the direction of some great opportunities for hunting wild birds in The Last, Best Place.
For further reading on Montana pheasant stocking:
OUTDOOR LIFE
“Montana’s Controversial Pheasant Stocking Program Moves Forward”
FIELD & STREAM
“Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Votes to Approve Controversial Pheasant Stocking Program”
PROJECT UPLAND
“Montana to Spend $1 Million Per Year on Pheasant Farming Instead of Habitat”
Staff photo