Youth pheasant and waterfowl event scheduled in Havre

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks

A free youth pheasant and waterfowl weekend kick-off event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Havre Trap Club for any youth aged 10 and older.

Parents or other mentors planning to hunt with the youth are expected to attend as well.

The event is planned ahead of the youth pheasant and waterfowl weekend of Sept. 23-24, which is open for properly licensed youth ages 10-15.

The kick-off will include a barbecue “open house” for youth and their adult-hunting partners to learn about the youth bird-hunting weekend, ask questions, and get advice on where to go. In addition, the Havre Trap Club will be offering trap shooting, where youth can rotate through a round of trap. Shotgun shells, both 12 and 20 gauge, and trap will be provided free of cost.

FWP staff and others will offer a variety of topics in an open house setting, to possible include:

• Information on Block Management and other access programs

• Information on upland gamebird opportunities

• Information on Wildlife Management Areas and Fishing Access Sites for hunting

• Waterfowl and upland gamebird ID, and recommended shot size to use

• Wardens and other staff will be available to answer questions on hunting regulations

• Hunter apprentice information and sign-up for those interested, with $5 and last four digits of youth’s social security number required for sign-up

• Bear awareness

The event is organized and funded by donations and volunteers from FWP, the Havre Trap Club, Ducks Unlimited, and other organizations.

Give-a-ways will be available and some door prizes given away at the conclusion of the event. Note that participants don’t have to be there at exactly 5 p.m. Organizers understand that some after school activities are going on, so participants should show up when they can.

Safety is the number one priority, and several qualified instructors will be helping with the trap shooting component. Hearing protection for shooters will be used at all times and will be available. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shotgun. Organizers ask that personal firearms are unloaded and in safe, operating condition before bringing them to the event. All firearms will be inspected by organizers to ensure field-worthiness. Lastly, FWP 20-guage pump shotguns will also be available for the event if participants choose to use them.

Note: Shotgun shooting may not take place due to inclement weather. The barbecue and other activities will still take place even in inclement weather. Please check the Region 6 FWP Facebook page for updates.

The Havre Trap Club is located off Montana Secondary Highway 243 — Beaver Creek Highway — two miles south of U.S. Highway 2 in Havre. From Highway 234, turn east at County Road 802 at the Havre Softball Complex. Follow the 802 road about a half mile until arriving at the Trap Club on the left.

Parents or other mentors planning to hunt with the youth are expected to stay.

People can contact Marc Kloker at FWP with any questions at 406-228-3704 or [email protected].