08/20/2026
Yesterday the FWP Commission heard FWP’s presentation and opponent testimony to FWP's continuation and geographic expansion of the “Roosters for Recruitment” program. Opponent testimony outnumbered supporters 5-to-1.
There were a number of good questions from Commissioners particularly around hen release, cost per bagged bird, undemonstrated youth recruitment, potential shifts towards habitat improvement, legislative consultation, and even disease risks.
Commissioner Burrows (Region 2) advanced an amendment to shorten FWP's release authorization to 3 years (thru fall '29) but still allowing expansion to federal and private acreage. The vote was split (4 votes for and 3 opposed) and the measure passed.
New information is that all federal funding (75%) goes away at the end of this year, so that now the $1mil./yr. expenditure going forward will be shouldered 100% by hunting license sales in Montana. More $200 pen roosters coming your way!
Pictured: a flightless tail-less rooster with a gangrenous wing harvested by a dog on the Warm Springs WMA, 2023.
