PHEASANT HUNTING FORECAST 2023: MONTANA

A LITTLE WORK SHOULD PUT SOME BIG SKY ROOSTERS IN THE BAG

By Jack Hutson

Montana remains one of the premier upland hunting destinations in the country. Pheasants can be found in all seven of Montana’s game regions but, historically, the three regions in our survey (7, 6 & 4) have been among the most productive.

We contacted experts from these regions for their pheasant forecast and to answer the question: “Will Montana’s Big Sky be filled with pheasants this fall?”

REGION 4 / CENTRAL

Successive years of drought and the harsh winter of 2022-23 have taken a toll on upland bird populations in Region 4.

But Matt Strauch, FW&P regional upland bird and habitat specialist, believes things might be looking up a bit for pheasants. “Habitat conditions are looking up compared to that of 2021 and 2022,” he said. “According to National Weather Service climate data, the winter gave us slightly above average precipitation and slightly below average temperatures around the region.”

Going into the spring with good moisture, the fair weather fortunes continued. “With only a few isolated spring storms and ideal habitat conditions, the outlook on nest success looks promising,” reported Strauch.

Improved nesting cover, along with plentiful hoppers as a good source of protein for young poults, should mean a few more birds, but Strauch remains cautious, “Although the habitat is there, crow count surveys for pheasants varied throughout the region and the overall count shows pheasant numbers remain far short of the historical average.”

Strauch observed, “With increased habitat and counts below long-term averages, birds will likely be widely dispersed throughout the landscape.”

If you’re looking to put a few roosters in the vest this fall and central Montana is your upland bird destination, seek locations with premium cover to reduce boot-mileage. Use apps, such as onX Hunt, to locate publicly accessible property with riparian areas of tall-standing cover near agriculture. Refer to past (and present) weather conditions when selecting locations to begin your successful hunt this season.

REGION 6 / NORTHEAST

Based on snowfall accumulation and temperature, the National Weather Service rated northeast Montana’s winter in the severe to extreme category. “That certainly impacted birds to some degree with a bit higher winter mortality than usual,” reports Ken Plourde, the region’s Upland Bird Specialist for FW&P.

“However, we did avoid any long-term crusty snow or icing over food sources, which is typically what causes much worse impacts to pheasant populations in this area,” Plourde added.

Plourde recalled, “Winter conditions lasted well into April which likely delayed nesting for all species in our region by a week or so.” Partially funded by Pheasants Forever, Stephanie Berry, is a Farm Bill Biologist with the NRC, based in Scobie, MT. Her experience echoed Plourde’s with an added comment: “Once winter released its grip, the spring was a bit on the wet side but warm.”

Berry commented further: “Conditions seem improved, especially compared to last year, and there’s good cover throughout the region for upland birds.”

Plourde agreed, adding: “The above average snowfall and the good precipitation that followed in May created good conditions and led to much better nesting cover than we have seen in several years.”

Both mentioned that good cover and grasshoppers-a-plenty should provide amply for this year’s pheasant recruitment.

“Brood observations across the region seem to indicate pheasant numbers will be relatively similar to last year,” said Plourde.

What can hunters expect this fall in northeastern Montana?

Plourde summed it up: “The western portion of the region has experienced a greater drop in pheasant numbers due to four of the last five years being in drought. They will likely see some improvement in numbers while the eastern areas should be similar to last season.”

Berry was optimistic: “Based on habitat conditions, especially compared to the last couple years, the pheasants (and therefore, those that seek pheasants) should have a good fall.”

REGION 7 / SOUTHEAST

Justin Hughes, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FW&P) Upland Bird Specialist for Region 7, said, “Pheasants on the eastern side of the region experienced a long winter that was filled with lots of wind and snow.” But not all the news was bad, he added. “Overall, pheasants appeared to winter fairly well thanks to the snow not crusting over too much and the wind blowing lots of areas open in fields allowing birds to access feed.”

“Spring nesting conditions were good once things got warmed up and we were able to shake the winter,” said Hughes. “There was a week of cold and wet weather at the end of June during our peak hatch period that impacted some nesting/brooding attempts across the region.”

“But as the summer has progressed into August, we began seeing some broods exhibiting the characteristics of a second nest attempt,” he added.

Also based out of Miles City, Natural Resources Conservation Service biologist Martin Ellenburg, had this to say about local habitat conditions: “The excellent spring conditions were a double-edged sword when it came to regional hay fields. With adequate moisture, many farmers were able to add an extra (late) cutting of hay in some areas.” Ellenburg was quick to add, “I’ve seen good signs when it comes to over-wintering adult and young pheasants this summer.”

Hughes sees two sides to the issue of the spring weather, as well. “Due to the amount of spring moisture, there were late plantings in much of the areas of ag where pheasants might be found.” He continued, “That can mean a fair amount of standing cropland through September and into October.” Hughes warns: “The large amounts of vegetation on the landscape are full of grass seeds and awns. I would recommend folks check their medic bag prior to coming and make sure they are properly stocked with first aid items for their dog.”

Both experts also agreed that the habitat and hoppers should bolster bird numbers. Yes, the conditions seem ripe for this fall’s harvest of roosters. What can hunters expect?

“Anticipate that birds will be very spread out on the landscape and may be occupying habitats or areas that you may not typically think to look for pheasants,” Hughes suggests. Ellenburg added: “There is loads of access available, some remain untapped. However, much of the ag land where pheasants congregate will require some door-knocking to gain access.”

Hughes added one last bit of advice. “If hunters are struggling to find birds, I would recommend making a large move to find areas that have produced birds. While boot leather has a strong reputation for putting birds in the bag, sometimes tires can be just as effective.”

HUNT NOTES

Don’t overlook Hungarian (Huns or Grey) partridge possibilities during your hunt! Likewise, sharp-tailed grouse.

Take the time to thank landowners and those responsible for the incredible amount of opportunity they provide for hunting access. Follow the requested rules on permission, and keep evidence of our intrusions as minimal as possible. By being respectful visitors, we can help ensure that these lands are there for many memorable trips to come!

MONTANA LIMITS, LICENSE, AND FEES

» Pheasant Limits: Daily – 3 / Possession – 9

» Huns Limits: Daily – 8 / Possession - 32

» Base Hunting License: $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents. Conservation Fee: $4 for residents ages 12-17 and over 62 / $8 Ages 18-61 years. For nonresidents the cost is $10.

» Season Upland Bird License: Residents (ages 18 – 61) $7.50 / $3.75, ages 12-17* and seniors (62+) or Disabled. Nonresidents (ages 18 and over) $110 / $55, ages 12-17* /. Note: Ages 10 & 11 may be eligible, see regs for complete information.

» 3-day Upland Bird License: $50 for nonresidents. Note: Not valid for pheasants during the opening week of pheasant season.