Annual Release of Pen‐raised Ring‐necked Pheasants Draft EA
Jan 27, 2022 1:34 PM
The Upland Gamebird Enhancement Program‐sponsored pheasant release program has been in existence for nearly 35 years, and during that time there have been no known serious negative impacts to the human or physical environment that could be attributed to the practice. While this proposal would likely sharply increase the number of birds released each year, the number of locations of release would also increase, and the ratios of bird numbers to release locations would remain commensurate. Program managers and biologists will continue to watch for unanticipated impacts to wild pheasant populations, game and non-game birds, and other species that either prey on pheasants or are preyed upon by the same predators. Moving forward, it will also be important to evaluate the effectiveness of this effort in realizing R3 goals, and to weigh those against any negative impacts to local wildlife populations.
The intent of this proposal is to expand pheasant hunting opportunity for all ages and to encourage youth hunter participation. FWP has been mandated by the legislature to proceed with pen-raised pheasant releases to this end.
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Public Comment
Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m., February 28, 2022
Email comments to: doneill@mt.gov
Or mail to:
Programmatic Pheasant Release EA Comments
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
PO Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620