2009 Pheasant Season Outlook
Source: http://fwp.mt.gov/
Published: Oct. 02, 2009
Pheasant hunting opportunities will vary again this year across the state Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say. The general season is Oct. 10, 2009—Jan. 1, 2010.
"Statewide pheasant numbers are expected to be average or below in most areas and above average in some portions of southeastern and south central Montana,” said Rick Northrup, FWP game bird coordinator.
The series of moist cold fronts that moved through the state in late May through late June were the type of weather that results in poor chick survival among early pheasant hatches and late renesting attempts by hens still laying or incubating.
Unusually heavy precipitation through most of the summer promoted exceptional grass cover across much of the state and good insect production.
Northrup also reminded bird 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 that resemble young roosters with limited coloration particularly during the early part of the general season.
Here is a brief look at how pheasant populations are doing across the state.
FWP Region 7—Southeastern Montana
Pheasant populations have moved into marginal habitat suggesting above average populations in several areas. Dense spring vegetative growth made it difficult to observe spring pheasant broods but this year’s wet, cool spring may have impacted nesting and brood rearing success in areas that bore the brunt of this weather. Vegetative cover is excellent and insects were abundant.
FWP Region 6—Northeastern Montana
Generally pheasant populations are below average in the eastern portion of FWP Region 6. Harsh winter conditions resulted in the loss of birds as did a spring storm that impacted pheasant nesting. Portions of Sheridan, Richland, and Roosevelt counties received a good deal of moisture this summer, but pheasant abundance is still expected to be below average in many areas. Pheasant numbers in the western portion of FWP Region 6 are expected to be closer to average with a mix of brood sizes and ages.
FWP Region 5 —South Central Montana
Cool, damp weather this spring and summer produced good cover and insects for birds. But the number of pheasants counted during spring bird surveys was down 15 percent from last year—though that is still more than 37 percent above the long-term average. Pheasant harvest in 2009 is expected to be lower than in the past five years, but above the long-term average.
FWP Region 4—North Central Montana
Overall in the region, pheasant hunting should be average to below average. The northern part of the region appears to have faired slightly better in some places, but pheasant numbers in the Conrad area are expected to be down. Hunters should be alert for grizzly bears in prairie coulees and riparian areas.
FWP Region 3—Southwestern Montana A cool, wet spring may have impacted pheasants and other upland game birds by reducing brood survival of recently hatched chicks. In general, access to good pheasant hunting sites is challenging in this part of the state.
FWP Region 2—Western Montana
The spring hatch appeared to be affected by cold moist weather. Anticipate pheasant numbers comparable to last year. The best pheasant habitat in western Montana is often on private lands where access may be limited. Hunters are encouraged to secure permission from landowners before heading out to pheasant hunt.
FWP Region 1—Northwestern Montana
Kalispell, and the surrounding area, has experienced generally lower than average pheasant numbers in the past few years. At Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area hatching success and brood survival were good this summer, though last year’s poor conditions reduced the number of hens nesting this year. Hunting is expected to be somewhat better this season than the past one.
For more information about pheasant hunting in Montana, visit FWP’s Upland Game Bird Hunting Guide on the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov on the Hunting page.
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