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 temperature and precipitation during the nesting season were very similar to last year and could be beneficial for upland bird populations this fall.
"Weather during late spring and early summer were quite similar to the previous two years. However, there was more precipitation coming into the nesting season and it was a bit warmer this year,” Knetter said. “These conditions provided quality nesting and brood-rearing habitat. July was exceptionally hot and dry, but early reports suggest many species fared better than anticipated.”
Due to continued hot and dry conditions, birds will likely be concentrated around water sources, particularly early in the season.
Many upland game bird populations rebounded in 2023, and there should be carryover into the fall 2024 season. 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 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.
To find places to hunt upland game, check out the Hunting Access webpage, which includes Fish and Game's Wildlife Management Areas and Access Yes! properties.
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 2024-25 Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules booklet from all Fish and Game offices and license vendors, as well as digitally on Fish and Game’s website.
Panhandle Region
Spring conditions were relatively cool across the region. Adequate spring and summer moisture should have allowed for good brood conditions. Insect abundance appeared high, and likely benefitted chick survival. Pheasants, gray partridge (huns), and quail are uncommon and largely restricted to the southern portions of the region.
Here’s more information about the Panhandle Region.
Clearwater Region
An early and mild spring brought fair nesting and brood-rearing conditions for upland game birds, and by March, snow was quickly receding from lower elevations. Abnormally warm and dry conditions prompted early growth of forbs and grasses, providing quality forages during early summer. Despite drier than normal conditions this year, upland game birds fared well across the Clearwater. Overall, upland hunters should expect another year of good-to-excellent upland bird hunting across the Clearwater Region.
Here’s more information about the Clearwater Region.
Southwest Region
Cool, wet weather prior to peak hatch and increased early summer precipitation have created excellent brood conditions for nearly all upland bird species in the Southwest Region. Quail, gray partridge (huns), 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 2023. Overall, upland hunting should be good to excellent across the Southwest Region.
Here’s more information about the Southwest Region.
Magic Valley Region
Average winter precipitation and good spring weather created great habitat conditions for upland game birds throughout the region. Fish and Game field staff are reporting high numbers of quail and partridge across the region compared to recent years. Pheasants are well below the long-term average due to continued habitat loss; however, localized areas in Jerome and Gooding counties still offer decent opportunity. Surveys are not 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 higher-elevation habitats.
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 expected that several game bird populations have increased from 2023 and will be above the 10-year average.
Here’s more information about the Magic Valley Region.
Southeast Region
Winter conditions across the Southeast Region were essentially average—some areas with slightly over 100% snow water equivalent and some with slightly less. Spring brought good rainfall across the region and intermittent rains have occurred throughout August, although July was quite hot and dry. Conditions for nesting and brood rearing should have been good in the early summer. Field reports are mixed across the region: In general, hunters should expect slightly increased numbers of upland birds this year when compared to last.
Here’s more information about the Southeast Region.
Upper Snake Region
Winter snow conditions in the Upper Snake Region were near the long-term average. Cool spring temperatures allowed snow to persist into the early portion of the breeding season at some of the higher elevations. Summer was generally hot and dry, particularly in the eastern portion of the region, which is experiencing moderate drought conditions as of late August.
Here’s more information about the Upper Snake Region.
Salmon Region
The 2023-24 winter was relatively mild. Spring conditions were dry and relatively warm, and likely resulted in good nest success across the landscape. With a couple years of milder weather conditions, the trend for most upland game bird populations should be upward.
