Upland Gamebird Hunting Could Be Challenging

The 2021 drought has impacted juvenile populations. Biologists for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are expecting that many areas of the region will be challenging for upland bird hunting this fall. However, some areas with good habitat conditions should have fair bird populations for hunters pre-

pared to find them.

Habitat conditions, spring adult populations, and recent brood observations vary widely across the region for all species. Most noticeably, the severe drought has negatively impacted vegetation throughout the season and has likely led to a decrease in nest and brood success of all species. Overall, the reduced cover in all areas of the region which will impact the distribution of gamebirds. Spring adult surveys did show near to above numbers for most species, but the 2021 drought severely affected brood-rearing and juvenile populations…and that will be a...