There is a program in MT that allowed stocking on private, if public access was allowed. I'm sure stocking public land in western MT is a waste of time. I honestly can't imagine why anyone even chooses to live on that side of the state... I'm sure the pheasants feel the same. While i agree that stocked bird survival rates aren't as good as wild birds, I've seen these stocked places absolutely blow up in population after a couple of years. When cover, food, and water are present, stocking isn't a bad idea at all.
