Upland Bird Forecast - Salmon Region

Salmon Region

2023 Conditions – The 2022-23 winter was relatively mild. Spring conditions were cool and abnormally wet, and likely resulted in variable nest success across the landscape. However, it is unknown at this time how the wet spring has affected chick survival in the region. With a couple years of milder weather conditions the trend for most upland game bird populations should be stable to upward.

Pheasant

• Trend from last year (2022): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• There is little pheasant habitat in the Salmon Region and wild pheasant numbers are low. Pheasant’s stocking efforts will continue in the region to provide hunting opportunity. 

Chukar

• Trend from last year (2022): Up
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
• Chukar numbers have steadily improved over the last couple of years. Wet spring conditions may have impacted brood success in localized areas, however overall brood success appears to be good and hunters should expect to experience normal covey sizes once again. 

Gray Partridge (Hun)

• Trend from last year (2022): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
• Gray partridge are uncommon in the Salmon Region, but do occur in small pockets of habitat across the Lemhi, Salmon and Pahsimeroi valleys.

Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce)

• Trend from last year (2022): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• Dusky grouse are the most common forest grouse species in the Salmon Region due to its predominantly dry forest habitat. Ruffed and spruce grouse numbers are limited, but they may be found in riparian habitats and moist, high-elevation forest types. Forest grouse production is likely average to moderately increasing this year and hunting should be good.

Greater Sage-grouse

• Trend from last year (2022): Down
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
• Lek counts were variable across the region due to late spring snowpack. Production was below average and thus tag numbers were limited for the 2023 season. For those fortunate enough to obtain a tag, hunting should be good, particularly around springs and wet meadows. 

Mourning Dove

• Trend from last year (2022): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Down
• Due to general lack of cereal grain production, mourning dove populations are low in the Salmon Region. Most birds are found in or near cottonwood galleries in riparian areas or on private agricultural lands.