Upland Bird Forecast - Magic Valley Region

Magic Valley Region

2024 Conditions –

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 below long-term averages 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. Numbers this fall will likely be average to slightly above average.

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.

Pheasant

• Trend from last year (2023): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• Pheasant numbers have remained relatively low in the Magic Valley Region since the mid-1980s due to changes in farming practices and resultant loss of habitat. Localized areas in the region still maintain pockets of wild birds, primarily on private property. Pheasant stocking will continue at Niagara Springs WMA and on Bureau of Reclamation Tracts F27 and F28 in Minidoka County. Any person 18 years old or older must have a valid Upland Game Bird Permit in possession while hunting pheasants on these properties. Hunters can obtain a Wildlife Tracts map from the Magic Valley Regional office that shows the locations of 284 tracts of public land with nearly 33,000 acres that provide upland bird hunting opportunity.

Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse

• Trend from last year (2023): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• Spring lek surveys and anecdotal information suggest sharp-tailed grouse numbers have experienced a slight decrease during the past decade. However, populations remain strong and currently provide liberal hunting opportunities. The best hunting is typically in or near fields enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. Fields with a forb component (e.g., alfalfa) are typically the best. If conditions are dry, hunters should expect early movement of grouse into mountain shrub communities (serviceberry) and to areas where green forbs can still be found. Land enrolled in the Access Yes! program in Cassia, Power, and Oneida counties provide good access to hunting areas. The guide can also be viewed on the Fish and game website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/accessyesguide.aspx

Chukar

• Trend from last year (2023): Up
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• No chukar surveys are conducted in the Magic Valley Region, but early reports from around the region suggest hunters should find good bird numbers. Continued hot and dry conditions will likely congregate birds near water and green vegetation. Chukars can be found throughout the Magic Valley, however numbers are typically higher in the western portion of the region.

Gray Partridge (Hun)

• Trend from last year (2023): Up
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• No surveys for gray partridge occur in the Magic Valley Region. Field staff are reporting strong numbers of gray partridge in rangeland areas on public land. Numbers in and around irrigated agriculture should also be up this year.

California Quail

• Trend from last year (2023): Up
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Up
• Quail hunting has been good in the Magic Valley Region over the last several years. This year’s crop should be even better than last year. Hunters should expect to find the best hunting along the Snake River and tributaries downstream of Twin Falls. Most quail are found on or near private property so be sure to ask permission first.

Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce)

• Trend from last year (2023): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• No forest grouse population surveys are conducted in the Magic Valley Region, but anecdotal reports from field personnel suggest an average hatch, with numerous hunting opportunities in both the northern and southern portions of the region.