Find the full Idaho survey here: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/2023-upland-game-bird-outlook
Scroll to bottom of page for Idaho region map.
Panhandle Region
2023 Conditions – Spring and summer conditions were relatively dry across the region. Insect abundance appeared high as a result, and likely benefitted chick survival. Pheasants, gray partridge and quail are uncommon and largely restricted to the southern portions of the region.
Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce): Populations occur throughout the timbered landscapes of the region.
Clearwater Region
Pheasant: Trend from last year (2021): Down 10-Year Trend (2013-2022): Down
The 10 pheasants observed in 2022 represent an 80 percent decrease from the 48 birds tallied in 2021, and is significantly lower than the previous 10-year average of 44 birds. There were 0.04 pheasants observed per mile surveyed. Two broods were encountered during surveys in 2022. An average of 6 broods were tallied on these routes over the past 10 years. The average size of broods observed this year was 3.5 chicks per brood. Pheasant stocking will continue at Craig Mountain WMA, and he Genesee, Palouse, and Peterson Loop release areas.
Chukar: Trend from last year (2021): Unknown 10-Year Trend (2013-2022): Unknown
Chukar helicopter trend surveys are no longer conducted by Fish and Game. The Clearwater Region has experimented with some ground-based survey methodologies in past years, but to date has not identified a reliable trend index. Chukar productivity and populations appear to be trending mostly upwards in recent years. Observations and reports from field staff and the public this year (although tentative due to relatively small sample sizes), suggest many chukars, including numerous large broods. Populations have been relatively high the past few years, so even if production was subpar this year, there should be a reasonable number of birds from last year. A wildfire burned a large portion of Unit 11 in 2021, which may have had a negative effect on brood success; however, it is difficult to quantify the fire’s impact on chukar populations at this time.
Gray Partridge (Hun): Trend from last year (2021): Down 10-Year Trend (2013-2022): Down
The number of gray partridge (25) observed this year was down 34 percent from last year’s total, and 70 percent lower than the 10-year average of 82. The number of gray partridge counted this year is the lowest in the past 10 years. The 25 partridge tallied on these routes in 2022 translates to 0.1 birds per mile surveyed.
California Quail: Trend from last year (2021): Down 10-Year Trend (2013-2022): Down
A total of 122 birds were counted in 2022, which represents a 28 percent decrease from the 169 tallied in 2021. This year’s count is 20 percent lower than the previous 10-year average of 152. There were 0.51 birds observed per mile surveyed.
Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce): Trend from last year (2021): No Data 10-Year Trend (2013-2022): No Data
Forest grouse are not surveyed in the Clearwater Region. The few incidental observations and reports from field staff and sportsmen indicate forest grouse production was likely similar to that in 2021.
Southwest Region
2023 Conditions – Cool, wet weather prior to peak hatches and increased early summer precipitation have created excellent brood conditions for nearly all upland bird species in the Southwest Region. Quail and chukar have been observed across the region with successful second broods. Forest grouse should be good this year due to continued good recruitment in 2022. Overall, upland hunting should be good to excellent across the Southwest Region.
Pheasant: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
Pheasants had fair overwinter survival following good to excellent production during 2022. Favorable spring and early summer precipitation contributed to an abundance of forage and insect mass. Pheasant hunting should be good around the Treasure Valley in 2023. Pheasant stocking will continue at CJ Strike, Fort Boise, Montour, and Payette WMAs and on Roswell WHA.
Greater Sage-grouse: Trend from last year (2022): Up 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
Males counted during 2023 lek surveys were up from last year. Precipitation prior to peak hatch has contributed to an abundance of insect mass and high nest success. Good early summer moisture and vegetation should contribute to good survival for broods that successfully hatched. Popular hunting spots include the area around Riddle, Cow Creek, and Antelope Ridge Road.
Chukar: Trend from last year (2022): Up 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
Chukar hunting should be good this year. Biologists are observing plentiful, large broods in places like Brownlee, South Fork Payette and the Owyhee Canyonlands. Localized favorable spring conditions should translate into good chick production, and there may be scattered pockets of abundant birds.
Gray Partridge (Hun): Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
Gray partridge numbers have been good during the past three years. Hunters can expect to find gray partridge in uplands near agricultural fields and in sagebrush/mountain brush near water sources. Gray partridge are typically found in Gem, Washington and Adams counties, and are expanding their range in Owyhee County.
California Quail: Trend from last year (2022): Up 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
Quail production was good to excellent this year at lower elevations. Quail appear to have overwintered well in the Treasure Valley. Ideal summer habitat conditions appear to have yielded successful first and second broods. Quail can be found in areas with green-leafy shrubs, forbs and berries near perennial water sources.
Ruffed Grouse: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
Dusky Grouse: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
Spruce Grouse: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
Wings collected last fall indicated high juvenile to adult ratios, suggesting good recruitment last year and good numbers of adult birds this fall. Dusky grouse can be found in the transition zone between sagebrush and mountain shrub communities and open slopes in pine forests. Spruce grouse can be found in areas dominated by dwarf huckleberry and both Douglas fir and spruce forests. Ruffed grouse can be found along drainages dominated by green, leafy shrubs and aspen forests. Forest grouse hunting should be good to excellent this year.
Magic Valley Region
2023 Conditions –Fiish and Game field staff are reporting higher numbers of quail and partridge across the region compared to recent years. Pheasants are below recent and long-term averages due to continued habitat loss. No surveys are conducted for forest grouse, but these species are somewhat buffered from drought and other unfavorable conditions because forbs and insects tend to persist longer in these higher-elevation habitats. Numbers this fall will likely be near average.
With hot and dry conditions this summer, birds will likely be concentrated around water and food sources. While the mix of both good and bad conditions for upland game birds over the past several years has made it difficult to forecast numbers in the fall, it is generally expected that game bird numbers have increased from 2022 and will be at or above the 10-year average.
Pheasant: Trend from last year (2022): Down 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
Pheasant numbers have remained relatively low in the Magic Valley Region since the mid-1980s due to changes in farming practices and resultant loss of habitat. Pheasant stocking will continue at Niagara Springs WMA and on Bureau of Reclamation Tracts F27 and F28 in Minidoka County. Hunters might also want to obtain a Wildlife Tracts map from the Magic Valley Regional office that shows the locations of 284 tracts of public land with nearly 33,000 acres that provide upland bird hunting opportunity.
Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
Spring lek surveys and anecdotal information suggest sharp-tailed grouse numbers have experienced a slight decrease during the past decade. However, populations remain strong and currently provide liberal hunting opportunities. The best hunting is typically in or near fields enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. Fields with a forb component (e.g., alfalfa) are typically the best. If conditions are dry, hunters should expect early movement of grouse into mountain shrub communities (serviceberry) and to areas where green forbs can still be found. Land enrolled in the Access Yes! program in Cassia, Power, and Oneida counties provide good access to hunting areas. The guide can also be viewed on the Fish and Game website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/accessyesguide.aspx
Chukar: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
No chukar surveys are conducted in the Magic Valley Region, but early reports from around the region suggest hunters should find more birds than last year. Continued hot and dry conditions will likely congregate birds near water and green vegetation. Chukars can be found throughout the Magic Valley, however numbers are typically higher in the western portion of the region.
Gray Partridge (Hun): Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
No surveys for gray partridge occur in the Magic Valley Region. Field staff are reporting good numbers of gray partridge in rangeland areas on public land. Numbers in and around irrigated agriculture will be similar to last year.
California Quail: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Up
Quail hunting has been good in the Magic Valley Region over the last several years. This year’s crop should be better than last year. Hunters should expect to find the best hunting along the Snake River downstream of Twin Falls. Most quail are found on or near private property so be sure to ask permission first.
Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce): Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
No forest grouse population surveys are conducted in the Magic Valley Region, but anecdotal reports from field personnel suggest an average hatch, with numerous hunting opportunities in both the northern and southern portions of the region.
Southeast Region:
2023 Conditions – Winter conditions across the region were severe and extended into early spring. The eastern part of the region was hit the hardest and as you moved west the winter conditions were less severe, but still well above average. Spring brought good rainfall across the region and intermittent rains have occurred throughout July and August. Those birds that nested successfully likely had great conditions for brood-rearing. Fields reports are mixed across the region. In general, hunters should expect fewer upland birds this year, particularly in the eastern portion of the region where winter was the most severe.
Pheasant: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
There are no surveys conducted for pheasant in the Southeast Region: however, field observations suggest numbers and productivity are relatively stable compared to last year. Pheasant stocking will continue at Portneuf and Sterling WMAs.
Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse: Trend from last year (2022): Decreasing 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Decreasing
Lek surveys were delayed this spring with a lingering winter and snow-covered fields in early April. Leks that were surveyed had good numbers of birds; however, field reports suggest that this was a relatively poor nesting year. Biologists have observed few broods while out doing field work. Hunters should expect to find adult birds and fewer young birds this fall.
Chukar: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
Chukar numbers remain low and are found in only a few localized areas in the Southeast Region.
Gray Partridge (Hun): Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
There are no surveys conducted for gray partridge in the Southeast Region, but incidental information suggests numbers may be similar to last year.
Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce): Trend from last year (2022): Decreasing 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
No surveys are conducted for forest grouse in Southeast, but harvest data over the past 5 years suggests relatively stable numbers. Sportsmen reports give a general trend from both ruffed and dusky grouse numbers. Eastern parts of the region may see fewer birds in response to tough winter conditions.
Upper Snake Region: 2023 Conditions – The Upper Snake Region experienced a long and wet winter in 2023. Snowpack was above-average across the region and nearly double the long-term average in portions of eastern Idaho. Snowpack persisted for nearly five months, even at lower elevations of the Snake River plain. Spring and summer brought average to above-average precipitation to the region, with daily showers in much of June and early August. Summer temperatures across the region have been relatively mild.
Pheasant: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
There are no formal surveys conducted for pheasant in the Upper Snake Region. The Upper Snake Region continues to stock approximately 2,500 pheasants per year on Mud Lake, Market Lake, and Cartier WMAs. Limited opportunity exists for hunting pheasant in the region, outside of WMAs. Pheasant hunting in 2023 should be similar to previous years.
Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
The Upper Snake Region had above-average productivity in 2022, based on wing data. Spring lek counts in 2023 were lower than 2022 counts, but lingering snowpack may have affected the timing of some counts. Although bird numbers in spring may have been lower than 2022, nesting and brood-rearing habitat conditions were very good and hunters should expect to see good numbers of young birds this fall. The best hunting is typically found in land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with green forbs or native sagebrush-steppe habitats interspersed with grass and forbs. Throughout the hunting season sharp-tailed grouse will also utilize grain fields, mountain shrub communities and aspen patches.
Chukar: Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
Chukar numbers remain low and harvest data over the last five years suggest stable numbers. No chukar surveys are conducted in the Upper Snake Region.
Gray Partridge (Hun): Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
There are no surveys conducted for gray partridge, but harvest data over the past five years suggest numbers have been stable. Gray partridge produce large clutches and can be locally abundant depending on weather conditions during the breeding season. Hunters should look for gray partridge in patches of brush, grass, weeds, or riparian habitat adjacent to agricultural fields.
Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce): Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
No surveys are conducted for forest grouse, but harvest data over the past five years suggests relatively stable numbers. With large tracts of suitable habitat, the Upper Snake Region should continue to offer good forest grouse hunting in 2023.
Salmon Region: 2023 Conditions – The 2022-23 winter was relatively mild. Spring conditions were cool and abnormally wet, and likely resulted in variable nest success across the landscape. However, it is unknown at this time how the wet spring has affected chick survival in the region. With a couple years of milder weather conditions the trend for most upland game bird populations should be stable to upward.
Chukar: Trend from last year (2022): Up 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
Chukar numbers have steadily improved over the last couple of years. Wet spring conditions may have impacted brood success in localized areas, however overall brood success appears to be good and hunters should expect to experience normal covey sizes once again.
Gray Partridge (Hun): Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
Gray partridge are uncommon in the Salmon Region, but do occur in small pockets of habitat across the Lemhi, Salmon and Pahsimeroi valleys.
Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce): Trend from last year (2022): Stable 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
Dusky grouse are the most common forest grouse species in the Salmon Region due to its predominantly dry forest habitat. Ruffed and spruce grouse numbers are limited, but they may be found in riparian habitats and moist, high-elevation forest types. Forest grouse production is likely average to moderately increasing this year and hunting should be good.
Greater Sage-grouse: Trend from last year (2022): Down 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
Lek counts were variable across the region due to late spring snowpack. Production was below average and thus tag numbers were limited for the 2023 season. For those fortunate enough to obtain a tag, hunting should be good, particularly around springs and wet meadows.