The 2021 Drought has impacted Gamebird Hunting

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 prepared 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...