This time of year, Idaho Fish and Game fields questions regarding the various options for hunting in southeast Idaho, many of which are focused on upland game birds.
At higher elevations, hunters can enjoy pursuing wild turkey and forest grouse in aspen and conifer forests or in riparian areas — that section of vegetation that grows right next to a waterbody.
Species such as sharp-tailed grouse, sage-grouse, gray partridge and pheasants are found at lower elevations in sagebrush, grassland and agricultural habitats.
Ring-necked pheasant season runs from Oct. 20 to Nov. 30 in the Southeast Region, with a youth pheasant season (for licensed youth 17 and younger) designated for Oct. 6 to 12. Although pheasant can be found throughout the region, they are most commonly found on private lands on or near agricultural croplands. Additionally, Fish and Game releases pheasants at Sterling Wildlife Management Area, along with eight other WMAs in southern Idaho, to provide additional pheasant hunting opportunity. A WMA Upland Game Bird Permit is required for hunters 18 and older when hunting pheasants at these WMAs. Hunters should expect pheasant populations similar to those seen over the last few hunting seasons.
A portion of the Southeast Region is open to sage-grouse hunting from Sept. 15 to 21. This hunt area includes a large tract of land through central and southern Idaho. See the 2018 sage-grouse seasons and rules brochure for specifics (https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/sage-grouse-seasons-broc_2018.pdf). Sage-grouse spring lek counts declined slightly again this past year across the state, but incidental observations this fall indicate productivity from the nesting season in 2018 may have improved. Although overall numbers might be lower, hunters should still be able to enjoy this upcoming opportunity.
From Oct. 1 to 31, hunters can pursue sharp-tailed grouse. This is an opportunity that is unique to Eastern Idaho, and often a focus for hunters near and far. Unfortunately, spring lek surveys suggest that sharp-tailed grouse numbers have declined over the last 10 years. Despite these declines, hunters should still be able to find some success with a little extra work.
Similar to pheasant, gray partridge can be found throughout the region, but are most commonly found in valley bottoms in sagebrush, grassland or agricultural cropland habitats. Gray partridge season runs from Sept. 15 to Jan. 31. Hunters should expect partridge populations similar to those seen over the last few hunting seasons.
The Southeast Region offers general spring (April 15 to May 25) and general fall (Aug. 30 to Dec. 31) turkey hunting in Game Management Units 73, 74, 75, 77 and 78. Additionally, in GMU 71 there is a spring general season April 15 to May 25 and two controlled hunts in the fall, one of which is for youth only. Turkeys continue to thrive in these areas, and hunters who wish to pursue turkey should see robust populations. As a caution, many turkey flocks utilize private lands at various times throughout the year. It is important that hunters understand Idaho’s trespass law (https://idfg.idaho.gov/2018-trespass-law) and be courteous and respectful of private landowners.
Lastly, two species of forest grouse can be found in the Southeast Region: ruffed-grouse and dusky-grouse. This season began Aug. 30 and ends Dec. 31. Fish and Game uses wings from harvested birds collected at wing barrels to obtain data on harvest trends, age and sex ratios of birds harvested, and reproductive rates for some species. Based on wings collected after Labor Day weekend, data suggest that forest grouse numbers should be good this fall.
Jennifer Jackson is the regional communications manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.
