Montana pheasants will benefit from new Pheasants Forever chapter
Dillon, Mont. – July 11, 2008 – Pheasant hunters and conservationists from Beaverhead County in southwestern Montana have organized their wildlife habitat restoration efforts by forming the new Beaverhead Chapter of Pheasants Forever (PF). The chapter is focusing its efforts on conserving and enhancing wildlife habitat found on both private and public property. “There were certainly more birds here in the past, that’s why we want to capitalize on habitat restoration opportunities that are available throughout this region, both on private and especially public lands,” said Dan Hare, Regional Wildlife Biologist for PF, “This is the only way to return the pheasant populations to where they once were.”
The Beaverhead chapter is not only set on improving habitat conditions but they are also looking to increase youth involvement. “We’re really looking forward to organizing youth hunts because it’s important to instill a sense of respect and appreciation of the outdoors in younger generations,” explained Ron Fick, Beaverhead chapter president and a PF life member, “But it’s also vital that our youth have land to enjoy in the future, that is why we need to increase the amount of pheasant habitat there is today.”
While working with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department as well as private land owners, the chapter will use PF’s unique local model while also looking for opportunities to receive grassroots contributions. Through successful fundraising, the Beaverhead chapter will then be able to carry out their habitat restoration projects. “We will be planting food plots, native grasses and other types of cover that could be used as pheasant nesting and brooding habitat,” said Hare, “And as we improve and conserve our resources the pheasant and other wildlife populations will naturally increase as well – it all starts at the ground level.”
PF empowers county chapters with the responsibility to determine how 100% of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent – the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts locally, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice on federal and state conservation policy.
The chapter will be holding a meet-and-greet barbeque on July 27h at the home of chapter president Ron Fick at 2250 Eliason Lane in Dillon. If you have any questions regarding the upcoming meeting or the chapter, please contact Hick at (406)683-8257 or by email at rgfick@aol.com.
For more information on Pheasants Forever in Montana, to start a chapter or join one of the state’s existing chapters, contact Dan Hare at (406)465-8126 or via email at dhare@pheasantsforever.org.
The first Montana chapter of PF was formed in 1987. Since then, the state’s 18 chapters and 2,000 members have spent over $1.7 million to complete over 880 habitat projects, benefiting over 30,000 Montana acres for pheasants and other wildlife.
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 129,000 members in 700 local chapters across the continent.
For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org
