About Pheasants Forever Headwaters - 563
A Montana Local Chapter
Welcome. We are the Headwaters Chapter 563 of Pheasants Forever (PF), a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other upland bird populations in North America.
Pheasants Forever is the only national organization with a model of chapters keeping 100% of the funds they raise. While belonging to a larger national organization that has a voice on federal and state conservation policies, chapters are tasked with finding projects for their funds. The Headwaters Chapter takes full advantage of this model using funds raised for projects around Helena as well as other areas in the state of Montana.
Local - Our Chapter Mission
Pheasants Forever is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. Our mission is to:
- Protect, restore, and enhance wildlife habitat by establishing and maintaining local projects.
- Create, improve, and preserve upland bird habitat
- Foster youth hunting and outdoor activities.
- Develop, distribute and foster conservation education.
- Introduce and advance prudent management of conservation policies.
Our Chapter History
Our members are a diversified group of conservation enthusiasts who want to make a difference for wildlife by creating, enhancing and protecting habitat. Pheasants Forever is the only national organization with a model of chapters keeping 100% of the funds they raise. While belonging to a larger national organization that has a voice on federal and state conservation policies, Chapters are tasked with finding projects for their funds. The Headwaters Chapter takes full advantage of this model using funds raised for projects around Helena as well as other areas in the state of Montana.
Partnering with other Chapters and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has been an important component to achieving our goals of getting projects done. Members and supporters see the direct results of their efforts and contributions right here on the Montana landscape. The Chapter has projects at Canyon Ferry and Freezout Lake WMAs along with some block management areas around the Fairfield bench. We also have contributed funds near Lewistown and the Miles City for projects and land acquisitions.
Our annual fundraising banquet is held in early February each year. Habitat field days are conducted when opportunities arise. We typically hold a youth hunt in September. Monthly meetings are held and listed on our news and events page and people interested in the Pheasants Forever mission are always welcome. If you are interested in becoming a member please contact us through the website.
Please explore our site and discover more about the Headwaters Chapter. Find detailed information on all our activities and upcoming events. Let us know what you think. We appreciate your feedback.
Our Habitat Projects
We actively partner with other chapters and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on many habitat projects.
- Annual trap shooting training for youth and providing mentors and dogs for Youth Day Pheasant Hunt
- Scholarships for the Lewis and Clark County 4H Shooting Sports Club
- Annual donations for MT FWP’s maintenance of habitat that we planted at Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management area
- Annual Spring Habitat Work day to plant trees, shrubs and cover, spray weeds and help MT FWP improve habitat at the Canyon Ferry WMA.
- Purchase of nesting grass seed, shrubs and trees for Canyon Ferry WMA
- Purchase of materials to make wildflower seed balls for education of local youth about pollinators
- Donations of $3,000 to PF Precision Agriculture program to help farmers improve their profitability while improving habitat on their property.
- $5000/yr for Montana PF Farm Bill Biologists who work with landowners to implement conservation and habitat improvement projects on their lands.
- Donated $1,000 to PF National Youth Leadership Council and No Child Left Indoors program.
- Donated $12,500 towards PF National’s acquisition of 278 acres along the Teton River near Dutton MT
- Our chapter has spent $4,800 on woody nest cover, $4,100 on food plots, $23,960 on land acquisitions and habitat and more than $7,000 on education over the past 7 years.
Our Fundraising
- Our annual fundraising banquet, which is attended by more than 240 people, generates thousands of dollars. The banquet is held in early Febuary each year.
