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We have an almost unequaled number of upland bird species to hunt here. Three species of forest grouse (Spruce, Blue, and Ruffed), two species of prairie grouse (Sharp-tailed, Sage), and four introduced species (Ring-necked Pheasant, Gray "Hungarian" Partridge, Chukar, and Turkey) are available for harvest during long seasons with liberal bag limits. Add to these the hunting opportunities for species like Mourning Dove and a wide range of waterfowl, and Montana can truly be a spectacular wing-shooting destination. Harvest of this large variety of upland birds is only possible through a variety of habitats. Millions of acres of public forest lands support the forest grouse populations—from brushy thickets with Ruffed Grouse, to Blue Grouse found on high mountain ridges near evergreens. The prairie grouse are also found across vast areas of public land, largely those administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Sharptails are usually found near native prairie, particularly where little-grazed grassland adjoins coulees with chokecherry, juniper, snowberry, and hawthorn. Private farm lands, particularly those with Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands near wheat or corn, can offer some of the best hunting for pheasants and partridge. Turkeys are found along many of the cottonwood river bottoms and pine breaks. Upland bird abundances vary from year-to-year, and from area to area. Drought can dramatically effect bird populations, as this effects the food supply, as well as nesting and wintering habitat quality. Excessive livestock grazing may have similar impacts by reducing dense vegetation needed by most species for successful nesting, winter survival, and forage. CRP lands, which normally offer excellent bird habitat, will not produce large harvestable surpluses of upland birds if they are excessively hayed or grazed over large areas.
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