Upland bird seasons provide late fall opportunity

Idaho Fish and Game reminds hunters that with several upland bird seasons extending into December and January, they may find hunting areas uncrowded and the action top notch. "Idaho offers a diversity of upland game bird hunting opportunities on millions of acres of public land," said Jeff Knetter, upland game program manager. "Season lengths are long and hunters willing to make the effort often find good success." Seasons currently open include: - California and bobwhite quail through January 31 in northern and southwestern Idaho. Closed in eastern Idaho. - Chukar and gray partridge through January 31. - Pheasants through December 31 in Area 1 in northern Idaho and Area 3 in southwestern Idaho; through November 30 in Area 2 in eastern Idaho. - Forest grouse, which includes ruffed, spruce and dusky (blue) grouse, through December 31 in most of Idaho; and through January 31 in the Panhandle Region. - The fall general turkey season runs September 15 through December 15 in game management units 1, 2 (except Farragut State Park and Farragut WMA) 3, 4, 4A, 5 and 6 in northern Idaho; and from November 21 through December 31 in units 8, 8A, 10A, 11, 11A, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18 on private lands only. Hunters need a valid 2015 Idaho hunting license and a turkey tag if pursuing a turkey. Pheasant hunters 17 years or older who pursue pheasants on nine wildlife management areas are also required to have a valid WMA Upland Game Bird Permit and wear hunter orange above the waist. Hunters are encouraged to review the upland rules brochure available at license vendors, Fish and Game offices, and online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.