Upland Bird Forecast - Upper Snake Region

Upper Snake Region

2024 Conditions – 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. The summer was generally hot and dry, particularly in the eastern portion of the region which is experiencing moderate drought conditions as of late August. 

Pheasant

• Trend from last year (2023): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• There are no formal surveys conducted for pheasant in the Upper Snake Region. The Upper Snake Region continues to stock approximately 2,500 pheasants per year on Mud Lake, Market Lake, and Cartier WMAs. Limited opportunity exists for hunting pheasants in the region, outside of WMAs and small, public tracts along the Snake River. Pheasant hunting in 2024 should be similar to previous years.

Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse

• Trend from last year (2023): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• The Upper Snake Region had very good sharp-tailed grouse productivity in 2023 based on age-ratios obtained from wings of harvested birds. Lek counts in 2024 were slightly higher than 2023. Dry conditions in late May and June were probably favorable for nesting, but broods may have suffered from lack of summer moisture. Overall, bird numbers should be average to above-average this fall. Hunters pursuing sharp-tailed grouse in the Upper Snake region should focus on CRP lands enrolled in the Access Yes! program, other restored grasslands, and native sage-steppe grasslands east of Interstate 15. Mountain brush and aspen patches adjacent to grasslands can hold birds later in the season.

Chukar

• Trend from last year (2023): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• Chukar numbers remain low and harvest data over the last five years suggests stable numbers. No chukar surveys are conducted in the Upper Snake Region.

Gray Partridge (Hun)

• Trend from last year (2023): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• There are no surveys conducted for gray partridge, but harvest data over the past five years suggests numbers have been stable. Gray partridge appeared to fare well in the eastern portion of the region in 2023. Gray partridge produce large clutches and can be locally abundant depending on weather conditions during the breeding season. They can be found in a variety of habitats in the region including agricultural and wetland edges, riparian areas, and burned or degraded sagebrush with a cheatgrass understory.

Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce)

• Trend from last year (2023): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• No surveys are conducted for forest grouse, but harvest data over the past five years suggests relatively stable numbers. With large tracts of suitable habitat on public land, the Upper Snake Region should continue to offer good forest grouse hunting in 2023.