Chukar and Partridge Seasons to Close Early

Partridge hunters: Hold your fire. The 2008-2009 chukar and gray partridge hunting season will be closed statewide effective January 10 - three weeks early. Friday, January 9, will be the last day to hunt the partridges until the fall season starts in September. Population surveys indicate two consecutive record low years of partridge populations. Recent adverse weather conditions have concentrated birds and may lead to further local reductions in populations. The Idaho Fish and Game director has determined an emergency exists and closed the rest of the 2008-2009 chukar and gray partridge season. In 2006, Fish and Game recommended extending the partridge season to January 31 to simplify rules, increase hunting opportunity and do away with three different closing dates. The issue received substantial discussion, starting in 2002. The ability to order emergency closures, when necessary, was part of what sold the change to some Fish and Game commissioners and hunters.