2025 upland game bird forecast

Idaho, with one of the most rugged landscapes in the union, offers a ton 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 last year’s mild winter juxtaposed by this summer’s lack of water could be tough to determine just how upland hunting will be come September.

Speaking of last year, Knetter added that chukar and gray partridge saw historic 25-year highs in harvest according to hunter surveys. That’s excellent news if you’re an upland bird dog or hunter. And depending on how the rest of summer and early fall shakes out, we very well could see some of last year’s productivity carry into this season.

Overall, habitat conditions should be in good shape, and there should be an abundance of insects for brood rearing. Because of drought conditions, birds will likely concentrate around water sources, particularly early in the season.

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 provide an idea of what's available this hunting season, Fish and Game's wildlife biologists in each region compiled an overview of upland game birds in their necks of the woods, so hunters can get a look at their favorite areas and quarry.

Panhandle Region

Early spring brought some moisture to the Panhandle; however, it dried up relatively quickly and remained dry throughout the summer. Despite the warm, dry conditions experienced this spring and summer, upland game bird populations appear to be relatively stable in the region. Pheasant, gray partridge (huns) and quail are uncommon and largely restricted to the southern portions of the region.

 — Idaho Department of Fish and Game