Sage-grouse Hunting

Upland bird hunters will likely see average to below-average numbers of upland game birds this fall in most parts of the state with the mild winter benefiting many species, but the hot, dry summer likely hurting survival of young birds that can boost populations when conditions are better. 

Hunters who purchased a combined 2021 sage-grouse/sharp-tailed grouse permit between Jan. 1 and June 30 need to be aware that the combined permit is no longer valid to hunt sage-grouse, and they will need to purchase a tag to hunt them.

Hunters wanting to hunt sage grouse or sandhill cranes can buy tags starting at 10 a.m. MDT on Aug. 1, and both will be available in limited numbers on a first-come, first served basis. NOTE: Because Aug. 1 falls on a Sunday, Fish and Game offices will be closed on that day. 

Sage grouse hunters will have to buy tags designated for specific areas for the 2021 season, and a total 1,950 tags will be available on a first-come, first served basis starting Aug. 1. Hunters must choose a single zone to hunt in, but the hunting season will extended by more than a month in some zones. Each hunter can buy up to two tags depending on the zone, but eight zones are limited to one tag per hunter. 

Grouse hunters in Idaho need to be aware of changes to sage-grouse and sharp-tailed grouse requirements for the 2021 that require the purchase of a new tag for sage-grouse hunting and a separate permit just for sharptail hunters.