"Since we enrolled our land in CRP," declared Montana CRP participant Jeff Hockett, "we've seen an influx of pheasants, mule deer, whitetail deer, sharptail grouse, and Hungarian partridge."

Wildlife now thrives on the Hockett ranch because the family had wildlife in mind when they enrolled their first CRP contract 13 years ago. The Hocketts planted cereal grain in CRP wildlife food plots with help from Pheasants Forever. Jeff and his family planted shelterbelts around the food plots to protect them. Lack of water sources often impedes the success of bird populations on CRP land. So, with funding from Ducks Unlimited duck stamps, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks assisted the Hocketts in repairing three water structures that provide marshy habitat for ducks.

Now, hunters from as far away as Texas come to enjoy the recreation provided by CRP. "After seeing the program's benefits to our ranch's natural resources, we would choose to reenroll our land if we can," Jeff said.

CRP acreage provides perfect habitat for varied wildlife on Jeff Hockett's ranch.