What is the ratio between wild birds and released birds harvested on your preserve?
The ratio is about 50-50 over the course of the seven-month season. We have excellent wild bird numbers, thanks to our intensive habitat program, which includes predator management, food plots, cover plots, plenty of water and grit, roosting and loafing areas.
How often do you release birds?
We supplement our wild birds with released birds about once a month. Number and timing of released birds depend on various factors, including hunting pressure and client requirements. We strive for a balance between seeing plenty of birds but having to hunt for them.
Do you offer "put and take" hunts?
We do not. We provide an authentic hunting experience. However, after birds have been newly released, they tend to be easier to find and less cagey than their wilder brothers, which is ideal for new hunters, new dogs, or savvy hunters with young children in tow! Call us for a bird report.
I have never shot a shotgun before. Can I hunt at your preserve?
We strongly encourage you to take a lesson first. Safety in the field is paramount and if you don't have the basics you will not be safe or competent. We offer shooting lessons geared to the hunting situation for new shooters, and refresher lessons if you're a bit rusty or have never had coaching.
Can you take a group of experienced and new hunters at the same time?
Yes. We can split you up between Anne and Bruce, or, the experienced person in your group can act as a mentor to the others.
What is your safety policy?
Safety is our #1 priority. We will ensure you have a safety briefing before your hunt. Drinking alcohol is not permitted before (or during!) a hunt.
What qualifications do you have?
Anne is a NSCA Level 1 instructor (NSCA - National Sporting Clays Association) qualifying her to teach beginner and novice shotgun shooters. She was the 2018 Montana Ladies Sporting Clays Champion. Call Anne to arrange a lesson.
Do you allow clients to hunt other animals, besides birds?
Your non-resident preserve license only allows pheasants in 2019. The MT resident upland bird license allows you to hunt other upland birds in season, if there are any here (we occasionally see sharptails). Doves and snipe, ducks and geese need a migratory bird license (plus a duck stamp for waterfowl), but if you are legal you are welcome to shoot them!
We share our property with varying numbers of mule deer and white-tailed deer. A non-trophy hunt with the appropriate license could be included for a trespass fee, as long as deer numbers permit. Contact us to find out.
We do not have elk, antelope, moose or other big game on our property. Contact us for predator hunts.
We allow / encourage frog-gigging while there's open water! Fishing for bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass is a terrific bonus, included in the price. Private pond so no license needed. Ice-fishing available on request.
We share our property with varying numbers of mule deer and white-tailed deer. A non-trophy hunt with the appropriate license could be included for a trespass fee, as long as deer numbers permit. Contact us to find out.
We do not have elk, antelope, moose or other big game on our property. Contact us for predator hunts.
We allow / encourage frog-gigging while there's open water! Fishing for bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass is a terrific bonus, included in the price. Private pond so no license needed. Ice-fishing available on request.
Do I need to bring my own gun?
Yes, though we do have spare guns you can rent if it's really not feasible to bring your own.
Do your birds flush wild or are they planted just before the hunt?
We release birds frequently in small numbers so they get acclimated to the property, and are hunted before they get too wild and sporty. We also have true wild birds. We don't do a "put and take" hunt, where birds are released just before the hunt, though, theoretically, you could come and hunt within a few hours of a release.
Do you permit shooting with lead shot?
We ask you to use non-toxic shells. There are two reasons for this: health of the soil and the birds; and so you can enjoy our mixed-bag hunt, on waterfowl as well as pheasants, if you have the appropriate licenses. Number 3 or 4 steel is a good all-round shot for early season, and either #2 or BB is good once November starts.
Can I hunt on my own without a dog?
No - you may only hunt with a hunting dog, yours or ours. The reason for this is two-fold: you need a dog to flush or point birds; and you need a dog to retrieve birds, given the heavy cover they are likely to fall into. We want to keep the number of unrecovered birds to an absolute minimum.
I have a puppy I am training as a hunting dog. Can we hunt on your preserve?
We can offer your pup the chance to get into birds for training purposes. We can offer you a special rate if your pup does not yet retrieve - call us to discuss a non-shooting trespass fee.
Any other questions? Call us!