Seniors 75 And Older Get Expanded Hunting Privileges In Montana

There are lots of Montanans getting up there in years who love hunting so much, they will do it until they just can't anymore.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recognizes that spirit, passion and dedication. And recent legislation is designed to give some of Montana's most seasoned hunters a little extra incentive and privilege.

HOUSE BILL 328 PROVIDES A BOOST

When the Montana Legislature passed House Bill 328 earlier this year, it expanded hunting privileges for Montana residents 75 years of age and older.

Currently, residents aged 62 and older can purchase various hunting and fishing licenses at half price, such as conservation licenses, fishing licenses and tags for different game animals.

The new provision allows residents who are 75 years or older to use a general elk license to harvest an antlerless elk on private lands during any season in a hunting district where youth under 15 may harvest an antlerless elk.

YOUTH PHEASANT AND WATERFOWL WEEKEND

While this is not new, on the other end of the demographic chart, young hunters can get a jump start on the pheasant and waterfowl seasons during the annual Youth Pheasant and Waterfowl Weekend, September 27 and 28.

Montana FWP releases pheasants on state-owned lands with suitable pheasant habitat that have been raised by Montana Correctional Enterprises. In advance of the youth weekend, FWP will release nearly 2,800 birds at some wildlife management areas and on suitable state land around Montana. The purpose of the Pheasant Release Program is to give youth hunters an opportunity to experience hunting success, encouraging their future participation.

Licensed hunters, 15 years old and under, will be able to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese, and coots statewide on these two days, in addition to pheasants.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

The two-day youth hunt is open to:

---Legally licensed 12- to 15-year-olds who have completed hunter education and who are accompanied by a nonhunting adult at least 18 years of age.

---And properly certified and legally licensed apprentice hunters 10-15 years of age who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult "mentor" at least 21 years of age.

Get more information about the youth pheasant hunt weekend here.

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