Acquired in February 2018, the Pheasants Forever Teton River Wildlife Area is located approximately 45 minutes North of Great Falls, MT along the Teton River watershed. Currently the property makes up approximately 279 acres of mixed riparian/wetland, grass prairie, and dryland crops. Purchased through a combination of local chapter and partner funding, these previously private acres are now open to the general public for recreational access; including hunting and fishing. Continued support from our chapters and conservation partners aim to improve habitat and land management for the benefit of upland birds and other wildlife. Future acquisitions look to connect contagious piece of key habitat along the river corridor and increase the size of the complex.
Overview
Initial Size: 278.84 acres
Location: Property is immediately west of I-15, 40 miles north of Great Falls. It is adjacent on its eastern side to the southbound rest area on I-15, exit 320.
Landscape context: The property is situated in the Teton River watershed, on the north side of the river approximately 1.5 miles downstream of the confluence with Muddy Creek.
Land use and habitat availability: Property is comprised of a variety of land uses and habitat types, designated as follows.
Water/riparian/wetland habitat – 109 acres
Mixed-grass prairie – 99 acres
Wildlife use: The Teton River property supports a diversity of wildlife, corresponding to the various core habitat elements that are present on site. Grasslands songbirds, upland game birds, migratory waterfowl, predatory raptors, deer and moose have all been observed in the last year using the property.
Land management objectives: Pheasants Forever intends to manage this property for multiple uses, primarily wildlife habitat and recreation. Some land will also be in agricultural use, with the ultimate goal of sustaining a mosaic of habitat elements for multiple wildlife species.
