Big Sky Country Should Be Good For Grouse This Fall

Prairie Grouse Primer 2024: Montana

By Jack Hutson

After multiple years of drought, Montana’s notoriously fickle weather has been relatively pleasant to the prairie side of the state. Will Montana’s Big Sky be tickled by puffs of prairie grouse feathers? I contacted experts from the three primary prairie grouse regions to find out.

REGION 4 / NORTH-CENTRAL MONTANA

“The winter in North-Central Montana was relatively mild. Snow was slightly below average for most of the region and what extreme cold events we did have were quickly followed by warmups,” says Matthew Strauch, Game Bird Specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MT FWP) based out of Great Falls.

Putting grouse into perspective, Strauch adds. “Grouse likely weathered well due to the better conditions, with good cover and access to ample food resources.”

Winter survival is an important part of the prairie grouse production cycle but, as every uplander knows, the key that starts it all are the spring nesting conditions. Strauch offers this observation: “Spring brought varied conditions throughout the region. Much of the region received average rainfall for the spring months.”

He adds this caution: “The Highwoods, Little Belts and Snowy Mountains experienced large spring storms that produced heavy wet snow in April and early May. These large weather events could have impacted nest survival in the foothills of these mountain ranges.”

Though lek reports weren’t offered, moving into late summer with hay and other crops being harvested, brood sightings are becoming more common. Understandably, weather conditions still haunt the region to some extent. Strauch says, “Although we are still recovering from the severe drought conditions of 2021 and 22, July moved much of the region into drought status, and habitat conditions are improved along with brood numbers.”

Strauch concludes, “Given that there were no extreme weather events, I would anticipate hunters will experience a season similar to 2023.”

REGION 6 / NORTHEASTERN MONTANA

Looking back, northeastern Montana seems to have been the least affected by the multiple years of drought. Again, starting with winter, Kenneth Plourde, Regional Upland Bird Specialist for MT FW&P offers this report:

“The winter was relatively mild in all parts of Region 6, and there were no extraordinary events to impact game bird populations.” Plourde goes on to report that the winter was relatively dry with little snow, and the overall conditions were dry across much of the region going into spring.

Moving into May, the amount of precipitation was roughly average. “May brought with it wetter than average conditions across the region, leading to good habitat conditions as nesting season was in its most critical phase,” Plourde recalls. Concerned, he continues, “June was generally cooler than normal throughout the region and several nights were cooler than average during the peak weeks of the hatch. This may have caused some mortality of young game bird chicks, but the total impact won’t be known until after brood surveys are conducted later in summer.”

Pheasants Forever biologist Martin Townsend noted similar conditions: “It stayed cold longer than usual, that’s for sure.” Townsend works with the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance centrally located in Region 6. Townsend says, “I’ve noticed a number of broods with smaller-sized chicks, an indication that a second attempt at nesting has occurred in some areas.”

The region is experiencing a change in the weather. For the first time since 2017, the central and western portions of the region are sitting with above-average precipitation. Conversely, the eastern third of the region, especially the three counties in the northeast corner of the state, are drier than average and on the precipice of drought.

How will this affect grouse? Plourde says, “While the onset of this condition began late enough that young broods were not likely impacted, if dry conditions persist, they could still negatively impact overall game bird numbers.”

There seem to be several concerns for the region’s prairie grouse. Plourde responds, “Let’s not forget that, overall, the habitat for grouse was better than it has been in recent years.”

Plourde concludes, “Given weather and habitat, I predict that sharp-tailed grouse populations in the western and center of the region are likely to improve and reach near average to above average numbers. As for sage grouse populations, they are expected to improve slightly but remain well below average.”

REGION 7 / SOUTHEASTERN MONTANA

“Winter in southeastern Montana was relatively mild with some periods of extreme cold and snow one week followed by rain and above freezing temperatures the next,” says Justin Hughes, Game Bird Specialist for Montana FW&P based out of Miles City. His weather observations continue: “The cover over most of the region is good. The mild weather and good habitat suggests that prairie grouse entered spring in good condition.”

How were spring conditions in the region? Hughes says, “Spring across the southeastern part of the state started off dry, but precipitation picked up through the month of May while hens were initiating nests.” Painting in broad strokes, Hughes observes, “Conditions varied across the region. Some areas didn’t receive the moisture that other areas did – some, too much, perhaps. Overall, I’d say, conditions were favorable for nesting upland birds.”

About the question of fall prospects, Hughes replies, “The region has experienced some sporadic cells of severe weather over the course of June and July. These extreme weather events can have a localized effect on upland bird numbers. But overall, I would anticipate the fall hunt to be on track similar to what folks saw in 2023.”

For most of eastern Montana, 2023 offered better conditions – and therefore, better grouse numbers -- than in the few years that preceded it. The general consensus among our experts seems to be that prairie grouse possibilities may have improved somewhat; especially when compared to the consecutive years of drought.

GOOD ADVICE

When asked for any additional information they may wish to add, all experts placed wildfire concerns as their top priority. Better habitat conditions mean more dry cover, especially during early September prairie grouse hunts. Remember: To prevent loss of life and property, keep rubber on the gravel and use boot leather to hunt for birds.

Better conditions don’t only affect upland birds. Townsend suggests, “We (Region 6) have had huge increases in ground squirrels and, with it, rattlesnakes. Folks with dogs should consider snake bite precautions (including vaccinations) before their early-season hunt on the prairie.” About dogs and early season hunts, I recommend packing as much water as you can carry to keep them doused and hydrated. In many areas, cactus and rocky footing require paw protection in the form of good, rubber-soled, dog boots.

In addition, early fall can be a busy time for the ranchers and farmers kind enough to offer access to their property. To maintain good relations, Plourde advises, “When parking near a field approach or gated entry, leave room to allow wide farm equipment to access these areas.”

About tactics for hunting, Plourde offers, “In recent years, good holding cover was confined to smaller areas; causing complaints of over-crowding by hunters.”

Given the good habitat conditions and the expected average or better sharptail numbers, Plourde suggests this strategy for enjoying success and peace on the prairie: “This is going to be a good year to explore new areas and still find good success, as bird numbers are likely to be at least average or better in many areas.”

Strauch adds similar advice: “Given the variability in past and current conditions throughout eastern Montana, hunters should do some homework when selecting places to hunt for this season. Spending some time looking at past weather conditions could be the key to finding success in 2024.”

Take it from a retired college professor and avid bird hunter, doing your homework is always good advice!

GROUSE SEASON DETAILS

Sharp-tailed grouse season runs September 1 thru January 1 2025 with a bag limit of 4 birds per day, and 4 times the daily bag in possession.

Sage grouse season runs September 1 to 30 and the bag limit is 2 per day. Possession limit is two times the daily bag limit.

There is no open season for either species west of the Continental Divide. For firearm restrictions, legal hunting hours and other details, see Montana’s Upland Bird Regulations here.

Note: In some areas, Gray (Hungarian) Partridge will share the prairie with grouse and the season coincides with sharp-tails: September 1 thru January 1 2025, with a daily limit of 8 Huns.