Public input requested on pheasant management plan

Tribal Wildlife Management Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Requesting Public Input on Pheasant and Gray Partridge Management

 Hunting for pheasants on the Flathead Indian Reservation is a regular highly-anticipated activity for many people and has been so for decades.  The habitat on the Reservation, especially in the Mission Valley, provides an excellent outdoor experience.

In recent years though, pheasant numbers have been declining in most areas of the Reservation.  Weather conditions, especially cold damp springs, decreases in habitat quality and quantity, land-use changes and predation can have adverse impacts upon pheasant populations.

With recent declines in pheasant populations, Tribal and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife managers are soliciting the public’s thoughts and suggestions as to how to deal with the decline in pheasant numbers.

Wildlife managers will use a survey to reach out to the public and assist them planning for management options for pheasants.  Hunters, bird watchers and other interested individuals are urged to provide their input by completing a 2014 Flathead Indian Reservation Pheasant Hunter Survey.  The survey can be accessed on the Tribes’ website at www.cskt.org or by contacting the Tribal Wildlife Management Program at wildlife@cskt.org.

Provide comments and suggestions by Jan. 15, 2015.

Public input requested on pheasant management plan