Upland Bird Hunting

Hunters looking to pursue upland birds will find countless opportunities in Idaho. Seasons are long and bag limits are generous.

To be more specific, you can hunt for:

Grouse
- Forest - dusky, ruffed, spruce
- Prairie - Columbian sharp-tailed, sage-grouse
Partridge - Chukar, Gray
California quail
Pheasant
Wild turkey

You can crisscross the entire state hunting forest grouse, while you’ll only find Columbian sharp-tailed and sage-grouse in certain areas of southern and eastern Idaho. Chukar are typically found in rocky, arid areas in much of southern and central Idaho, and gray partridge (huns) are often close by in adjacent cultivated fields. California quail are plentiful along streams and brushy cover in southern Idaho and all the way north to the Palouse prairie. Pheasant populations have declined in much of Idaho, but can still be found on off the beaten path, on Wildlife Management Areas or on private lands.

News

F&G is seeking public input on sage-grouse hunting proposals

Monday, July 17, 2017 - 3:05 PM MDT

Fish and Game is proposing one option for the 2017 season, which is the same as the season offered in 2016. Statewide, the proposed seven-day season would be from September 16 through September 22, with a one-bird daily limit within sage-grouse range, except in designated closed areas.

Upland Bird Hunting Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)
Hunting, fishing seasons continue through holidays

Monday, December 12, 2016 - 1:08 PM MST

There's still time to bag that Christmas goose, game bird, or maybe a nice solstice-season steelhead. For hunters and anglers itching to get out during the holiday season, several opportunities are available.

Upland Bird Hunting Upland Game Hunting Steelhead Fishing
Youth Pheasant Hunt at C.J. Strike WMA

Monday, December 12, 2016 - 11:42 AM MST

Thirteen youngsters from southwestern Idaho slipped on hunter orange and picked up a gun for the first youth pheasant hunt at C.J. Strike Wildlife Management Area. Specially designated youth pheasant hunts give inexperienced young hunters an opportunity to learn about upland hunting in a safe, controlled environment.

Southwest Region Upland Bird Hunting Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Upland bird seasons provide late fall opportunity

Monday, November 14, 2016 - 2:52 PM MST

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.

Upland Bird Hunting Regions
Youth pheasant hunting opportunity available near Potlatch

Monday, October 31, 2016 - 6:14 AM MDT

Idaho Department of Fish and Game is working with an area landowner and the Game Bird Foundation to provide youth pheasant hunting opportunities on a 975 acre Access Yes! parcel on the Palouse River, north of Potlatch, Idaho.

Upland Bird Hunting Clearwater Region Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Pheasant stocking underway at nine Wildlife Management Areas

Monday, October 17, 2016 - 2:45 PM MDT

Pheasant hunting is a popular form of upland game hunting, and hunters can find a place to hunt them at Fish and Game's Wildlife Management Areas. The Department is stocking thousands of rooster pheasants at the following areas during the hunting season:

Upland Bird Hunting Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Pheasant season opens October 15 in much of Idaho

Wednesday, October 12, 2016 - 1:39 PM MDT

The 2016 pheasant hunting season gets underway Saturday, October 15 in much of Idaho, with the season in northern Idaho already open. The season runs through November 30 in eastern Idaho and through December 31 in southern and northern Idaho.

Upland Bird Hunting