Montana

Montana Ag: Pheasant Program at State Prison Creates Unique Opportunities

Published

2 months ago

November 23, 2025

Montana Ag: Pheasant Program at State Prison Creates Unique Opportunities

DEER LODGE — Just under a dozen inmates at the Montana State Prison spend their days working on the Pheasant Ranch, combining two Montana traditions: agriculture and hunting.

The program offers well-behaved inmates the opportunity to raise pheasants from hatchery to release, providing both valuable life skills and a sense of accomplishment that’s often missing behind bars.

(WATCH: Montana Ag: Pheasant Program at State Prison Creates Unique Opportunities)

Montana Ag: Pheasant Program at State Prison Creates Unique Opportunities

“Feels good to have done a hard day’s work and actually be able to feel like you’ve accomplished something instead of just sitting in a cell day long,” said Mark McGuire.

MTN News

Thousands of pheasants call these pens home each year as workers raise them through all stages of life.

The work provides more than just a daily routine. It offers a chance to contribute something meaningful to the community.

“Gives you a sense of pride, especially when you see the birds going out for other people to enjoy,” said Bill Dunmire.

The Montana Correctional Enterprises programs provide jobs like the ones in the pheasant operation. Other opportunities include range cattle, dairy and dairy processing, irrigation, and fire crew. Altogether, up to 85 inmates can work while serving time.

WEB STORY 4.jpg — Around 39,000 birds were raised and distributed in 2025 alone.

Nicholas McMaster, a ranch supervisor, said he finds it rewarding to watch the personal growth of the men in the program.

“Well, some of it is just learning how to get along with each other, you know? A lot of guys are here because maybe they couldn’t get along on the outside. I really try to work on them with that, and I’ve got a really good crew right now. They have fun and they work hard and they do what’s needed and then some,” McMaster said.

The inmates told MTN that prison can be a lonely place, but the pheasant program provides opportunities to care for the birds from the hatchery, all the way to their eventual release into Montana’s wild areas.

For some inmates, the experience is training them for goals beyond their sentence.

“For someone that aspires to open up his own dog rescue someday, it’s really been an experience on learning how to raise these animals,” McGuire said.

The pheasants are raised in collaboration with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in their “Roosters for Recruitment” initiative to provide hunting opportunities for hunters, especially youth hunters. Thousands were transported from the prison and released this fall to about 30 different sites across the Treasure State.

WEB STORY 1.jpg — A photo of workers handling pheasants at the ranch.

The prison ranch operates year-round, even after hunting season begins. Workers learn additional life skills, including maintenance, carpentry and welding.

National studies show a 7% reduction in recidivism for those who learn a new skill, and a 14% reduction when applying that skill to a job while in prison.

“It makes a world of difference to our morale and how we affect each other,” said Thomas Williams.

Strict biosecurity measures are in place to protect the flock from diseases like avian flu, limiting access to authorized personnel only.

Feeding, watering and preventing disease are among the daily requirements for maintaining a healthy pheasant flock. Some inmates had no prior knowledge of caring for the birds, but now they know better than just about anyone else in the state.

WEB STORY 6.jpg — Pheasants being handed over from the prison to Fish, Wildlife & Parks to be distributed across the state for hunters.

Since pheasants started hatching in Deer Lodge, there have been 85,000 birds released across the state, with an estimated 60,000 set to be released next year, along with the addition of the flight pens at Pine Hills

With the program continuing to expand each year, more opportunities for incarcerated individuals will be created, while also furthering support for Montana’s hunting community.

Inmates said they take satisfaction in knowing their work benefits others.

“When I hear about people hunting the pheasants we raise. It just puts joy into my heart,” Williams said.

Source link

Related Topics:Agriculture Featured hunting inmate Joey Biancone life skills Montana State Prison PHEASANTS prisoner ranching

Click to comment

Montana

Montana Lottery Lucky For Life, Big Sky Bonus results for Jan. 8, 2026

Published

5 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

05-12-13-39-48, Lucky Ball: 13

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

05-15-20-28, Bonus: 16

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link

Montana

Montana minimum wage increases to $10.85 | Explore Big Sky

Published

17 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Montana minimum wage increases to .85 | Explore Big Sky

By Micah Drew DAILY MONTANAN

With the start of the new year, Montanans on the lowest end of the pay scale will get a small boost as the state’s mandatory minimum wage increase goes into effect.

As of Jan. 1, Montana’s minimum wage increased from $10.55 to $10.85.

Stemming from a 2006 law, Montana’s minimum wage is subject to a cost-of-living adjustment, based on the national increase in the consumer price index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to state law, Montana businesses not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act are those whose gross annual sales are $110,000 or less may pay $4 per hour.

Montana is one of 30 states — plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands — that have a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25.

Twelve states, plus D.C. adjust their wages annually based on set formulas.

Montana has one of the lowest minimum wages that exceeds federal levels, with only West Virginia coming in lower among states at $8.75. The highest minimum wage is in D.C., at $17.25.

Source link

Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 7, 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 7, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

15-28-57-58-63, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

05-14-15-21-39, Lucky Ball: 10

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

03-18-25-45-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

05-09-12-15, Bonus: 02

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

28-41-50-61-68, Powerball: 05

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

09-11-13-16-40

Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link