Upland Bird Forecast - Southeast Region

Southeast Region

2023 Conditions – Winter conditions across the region were severe and extended into early spring.  The eastern part of the region was hit the hardest and as you moved west the winter conditions were less severe, but still well above average.  Spring brought good rainfall across the region and intermittent rains have occurred throughout July and August.  Those birds that nested successfully likely had great conditions for brood-rearing.  Fields reports are mixed across the region.   In general, hunters should expect fewer upland birds this year, particularly in the eastern portion of the region where winter was the most severe.

Pheasant

• Trend from last year (2022): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): 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 Portneuf and Sterling WMAs.

Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse

• Trend from last year (2022): Decreasing
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Decreasing
• Lek surveys were delayed this spring with a lingering winter and snow-covered fields in early April.  Leks that were surveyed had good numbers of birds; however, field reports suggest that this was a relatively poor nesting year.  Biologists have observed few broods while out doing field work. Hunters should expect to find adult birds and fewer young birds this fall.

Chukar

• Trend from last year (2022): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• Chukar numbers remain low and are found in only a few localized areas in the Southeast Region.

Gray Partridge (Hun)

• Trend from last year (2022): Stable
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• There are no surveys conducted for gray partridge in the Southeast Region, but incidental information suggests numbers may be similar to last year.

Forest Grouse (Dusky, Ruffed, Spruce)

• Trend from last year (2022): Decreasing
• 10-Year Trend (2014-2023): Stable
• No surveys are conducted for forest grouse in Southeast, but harvest data over the past 5 years suggests relatively stable numbers.  Sportsmen reports give a general trend from both ruffed and dusky grouse numbers.  Eastern parts of the region may see fewer birds in response to tough winter conditions.