Chukar, Quail and Partridge Seasons Open Saturday

Saturday, September 19 marks the opening day for Idaho's chukar, quail and gray partridge hunting seasons. Hunters need only a valid 2015 hunting license to hunt chukar, quail, and gray partridge. Chukar and gray partridge seasons run through January 31, 2016 throughout the state. The daily bag limit is eight chukar and eight gray partridge, and the possession limit is 24 chukar and 24 gray partridge. Chukar were introduced into Idaho from Asia. They are common in suitable habitat along the Salmon, Snake and Boise rivers, and along other river drainages of southern and central Idaho up to an elevation of about 5,000 feet. Chukar habitat consists of steep, rocky canyons with grassy and brushy vegetation. Gray partridge, also introduced in Idaho, are widely distributed and can be found in agricultural regions, as well as in sagebrush-grassland areas. They are hardy birds able to withstand severe winter weather if adequate food is available. Bobwhite and California quail seasons in Area 1 in north and western Idaho run through January 31. The daily bag limit is 10 total, and the possession limit is 30 total. Area 2 in east-central and eastern Idaho is closed. A season forecast for upland game birds can be found under the Features section on Fish and Game's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/?getPage=326. Hunters are reminded that there are no hunting seasons for Gambel's quail and mountain quail. The Gambel's quail was introduced near Salmon in 1917, and a small population still exists there. The native mountain quail was once common in the western part of Idaho. It now exists only in small, scattered populations in dense mountain brush fields usually associated with riparian areas. It is rare in the mountains from Boise to Bennett Mountain, the Owyhee Mountains, and along the Little Salmon River, main Salmon and lower Snake River. Fish and Game is seeking help in determining the status and distribution of mountain quail in Idaho. Anyone who sees a mountain quail is asked to report it as soon as possible to the nearest Fish and Game office. Hunters should consult the current Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules brochure available at license vendors and Fish and Game offices or online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/rules/?getPage=67.