2016 Upland Game Bird Population Trends – Southeast Region
2016 Conditions – Conditions in the winter were close to average with more snow than in previous years. The early nesting season received good precipitation resulting in excellent grass and forb growth. The remainder of the summer, however, was extremely dry. Observations have been mixed with some reporting large broods while others are seeing very few young birds and broods.
| Upland Game Bird | Trend from last year (2015) |
10-Year Trend (2006-2015) |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pheasant | Stable | Stable |
There are no surveys conducted for pheasant in the Southeast Region; however, field observations suggest numbers and productivity are relatively stable compared to last year. Pheasant stocking will continue at Sterling WMA in 2016. |
|
Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse |
Stable | Stable |
Lek surveys suggest that sharp-tailed grouse numbers have remained relatively stable over the last 10 years. However, the last few years have indicated declines in some localized areas. In 2014, the conversion of CRP fields resulted in some inactive leks in localized areas, particularly in the Arbon and Rockland valleys. These field conversions may affect fall distribution. |
| Chukar | Stable | Stable |
Chukar numbers remain low and in only a few localized areas in the Southeast Region. |
| Gray Partridge | Stable | Stable |
There are no surveys conducted for gray partridge in the Southeast Region, but incidental information suggests numbers are stable. |
| Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce) | Stable | Stable |
No surveys are conducted for forest grouse in the Southeast, but harvest data over the past 5 years suggests relatively stable numbers. |