The Heart Mountain Bird Hunt Program is a Mentored program that teaches youth (that will reach the age of 12 by Dec 31, 2026) and adults the basic hunting skills used in upland bird hunting and then put these skills to use on a free mentored bird hunt on a private bird hunting preserve near Cowley, Wyoming. This program seeks out applicants that have an interest in hunting but have little to no experience.
Youth are required to apply with either a parent or guardian who will accompany the youth through-out the program at all events. The parent or guardian are encouraged to apply to participate but are not required to. For parent/child applicant teams, an application will need to be completed for each individual.
Please note that the application form asks each applicant permission to have their photo taken while participating in the program and possibly use the photo(s) in various forms of media. This is important for the promotion of the program with its sponsors and others.
Applications are due by May 15, 2026. Find out more details and view the application by clicking here.
This program consists of three parts:
1. Two shotgun shooting clinics where participants will learn firearm safety skills and basic shotgun handling and shooting skills. These clinics will be held at the Cody Shooting Complex trap range during the months of June and September 2026 at specific dates to be determined. These clinics will begin in the morning and will last approx. 3 hours each.
2. Participants will complete a Simulated Bird Hunt during which they will walk through a course that simulates upland bird hunting working with a dog and dog handler while experiencing flushing birds.
3. Your experience will culminate with an upland bird hunt on a private preserve near Cowley, Wyoming working with your mentor. This hunt will be held in either November or December 2026.
The only cost to the participants is that you will need to purchase a minimum of your one day Wyoming Game Bird License and a Wyoming Conservation Stamp and to provide your own transportation to each of the events. For Wyoming Residents who have maintained continuous residency for the past 365 consecutive days the combined cost of these two items will be $30.50.
The Heart Mountain Bird Hunt Program is a WYHUNTFISH Event and is a collaboration
between Wyoming Outdoorsmen and The Big Horn Basin Chapter of the First Hunt Foundation.
For questions, please contact Fred Williams at 307-250-0527.