Gallatin Valley Pheasants Forever - Youth
Montana's Next Pheasant Hunters
Welcome to the next generation in conservation and pheasant hunting enthusiasts. In efforts to help our younger generation play a larger role in our efforts to conserve and provide habitat for upland game, our chapter provides today's youth with opportunities to learn about what Pheasants Forever is truly encircling. Montana provides conservation educational materials, safety of firearms and mentor youth hunts for those kids who may not have the same opportunities as most. Take a moment and read about our youth events or find out how you can become a key component of helping future Pheasants Forever Members.
Join Our 2026 Young Hunter Program
Date(s): Summer, 2026
Hours: Vary depending on location (see youth hunter application for exact dates and times)
Event: Gallatin Valley Pheasants Forever Young Hunter Program
The Gallatin Valley Pheasants Forever Young Hunter Program is one of the best opportunities for youth in Montana to learn how to properly shoot a shotgun and hunt Pheasants & other game birds. It is spread over 5 Saturdays (1/2 day) and 1 evenings in July followed by a Youth Hunt in September. In the past, we have been able to provide a pheasant youth hunt behind highly trained pointers and skilled dog handlers in September for successful graduates of the program. The program provides instruction on Hunter safety, proper shooting form, wildlife conservation, bird habitat, bird species, bird dog types and how to care for them in the field, where and how to hunt, shotgun & ammo types and uses, proper care of guns, proper interaction with land owners and how to field dress wild birds.
Participants will learn to shoot trap, skeet and sporting clays. All guns, ammo, clays, ear/eye protection and instruction are provided free of charge.
We have room for 12 youth students between the ages of 11-15 who have successfully passed Hunter Safety Education course. Applications due by June, 2026, selection begins in June. Participants and one parent or guardian are expected to attend all sessions.
If you have not completed a hunter safety course, you can find a hunter safety class near you here.
It is mandatory to successfully complete this course ahead of the first day of Youth Pheasants Forever programming.
Program Rules / Overview can be found here: 2025 Youth Program Overview
Application can be found here : 2026 Youth Program Application
For additional information, please contact:
Don Walker : GVPFYP@gmail.com or 602-882-5453
Youth Hunter Safety and Education
While we all like to have fun in the field and chase pheasants for miles, safety is one of the most important aspects. We promote and encourage hunter safety in the field. Through these classes and education we show both youth and adults the proper ways to hold, maneuver and proper gun care. Getting those who are not familiar with a gun, comfortable with handling their firearm so that they can enjoy their hunts successfully.
Annual Youth Mentor Pheasant Hunt
Pheasants Forever mentored pheasant hunts are the ideal way to introduce kids and teens to hunting, as experienced volunteer hunters from Pheasants Forever coach youth on the importance of firearm safety, wildlife habitat and hunting technique.
