Upland Game Bird Harvest History

Thursday, September 18, 2008
Hunting

This article was Archived on Saturday, October 18, 2008

Is upland game bird hunting as good today as it was 20 years ago? For those interested in the game bird harvest in Montana last year compared with the long-term average, here are the stats:

Statewide harvest by species     20-year average         2007 estimate

• Pheasant                                   123,037                 151,592
• Gray Partridge                            50,037                   47,260
• Sharp-tailed grouse                    53,775                    54,467
• Sage grouse                               10,365                      3,116
• Blue grouse                                19,873                    18,319
• Ruffed grouse                              26,372                    28,853
• Spruce grouse                               4,995                       4,421

Pheasant harvests have generally increased since 1987 with implementation of the CRP program in Montana. The program funds perennial cover plantings in place of crops, providing an effective mix of grain and hiding cover for pheasants.

 

Most of Montana’s upland game bird seasons are now underway. The pheasant season is set to open Oct. 11.