Pheasant Release EA Decision Notice

As stated in the draft Environmental Assessment (EA), in March of 2021 a new pheasant release program was established to support recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) efforts in Montana following legislative action. This program aims to engage youth in the sport of hunting, promote hunter success, and provide additional hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages. 
Under this legislation, FWP would develop and implement this program and release up to 50,000 pheasants annually on suitable and eligible state-owned lands. Some releases would occur a few days before the youth pheasant season opener to maximize opportunity for youth hunters, and some releases could occur later in the months of October and November to increase hunting opportunities for all hunters. 

The authority granted by the Legislature only allows FWP to purchase and release birds on state-owned lands. Therefore, it is not appropriate to explore alternative uses for these funds in this EA. The analysis is therefore limited to the potential impacts on releasing up to 50,000 birds on state lands. 

After evaluation of the draft EA and public comments, it is FWP's decision to proceed with the proposed action as outlined in the EA. 

 

Related Documents

• Full Decision Notice (PDF)

• Supplemental Information (PDF)

• Public Comments Received (PDF)