Here's what upland game bird hunters can expect
Photo courtesy Idaho Fish and Game A grouse hunter shows the results of a successful outing.
By CONNOR LIESS
IDFG Public Information Specialist
Idaho, with one of the most rugged landscapes in the union, offers a multitude of upland game bird hunting opportunities. Whether you find yourself in the high-mountain timber or the lowland-sagebrush steppe, there’s a good chance you’re in upland bird country.
Upland game birds are sensitive to environmental factors, like temperature and precipitation, and often vary in number from year to year. Oftentimes these can be very localized, so hunters may not see the same impact in other parts of the state.
Because of this, it’s difficult to provide a forecast across the board; however, Idaho Fish and Game Upland Game and Migratory Game Bird Coordinator Jeff Knetter says a mild winter and a wet spring could be beneficial for upland bird populations this fall.
"Cool and wet weather during the hatch is typically not a good indicator of strong numbers in the fall. However, spring brought much needed precipitation to Idaho. While much of the state is abnormally dry, drought conditions have improved from last year," said Knetter. "Habitat conditions should be in good shape, and there should be an abundance of insects for brood-rearing."
There's ample opportunity for upland hunters to pursue a wide variety of birds across diverse landscapes in Idaho, and upland birds in some areas will have fared better than others depending on localized conditions.
To learn about upland game bird hunting rules and seasons, and more information, see Fish and Game's Upland Bird Hunting webpage. Be sure to pick up a copy of the 2022-23 Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules booklet from all Fish and Game offices and license vendors.
Here's a look at upland bird hunting in the Panhandle region
Spring conditions were relatively wet with record cool temperatures experienced around the region. This weather likely provided good brood-rearing conditions around the area, but cool temperatures may have had a negative impact on nesting success and chick survival. Pheasants, gray partridge and quail are uncommon and largely restricted to the southern portions of the region.