Upland Game Bird Harvest History

Friday, August 15, 2008
Hunting

This article was Archived on Monday, September 15, 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

  Interestingly, 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.