Upland bird hunting in northwest Montana for mountain grouse: dusky, ruffed and Franklin’s. Nesting season in Region 1 was dry and unseasonably cool this spring, which likely was favorable for nest success and early hatchling survival across the region. Biologists observed a good number of dusky and ruffed grouse in early summer surveys across the region during breeding season. Although spring conditions were likely good for nesting and hatching, the effect of sustained drought conditions on forb and insect populations, an important food source for young birds, is unknown at this time. Despite this potential impact to survival of birds hatched this spring, biologists continue to see good numbers of grouse broods and expect fall hunting for mountain grouse to be at or above average.
Overall, pheasant numbers should be similar to last year. Birds are available, and biologists are seeing broods of moderate size and age ranges. Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area near Ronan is a popular pheasant hunting spot that spans 4,200 acres. Several WPAs and tribal habitat mitigation sites form a complex of approximately 11,000 acres in the Ninepipe area of similar pheasant hunting opportunities.
Destination: WESTERN MONTANA
Upland bird hunting in Region 2 means grouse: dusky, ruffed and Franklin’s. Biologists saw a good number of adult birds in early summer but have not been seeing many broods. Numbers in the fall will probably be average or below average.
Destination: SOUTH-CENTRAL MONTANA
Duck hunting will be challenging in south central Montana’s major wetlands because of historically dry weather in 2021. While there still may be water to attract ducks, wide mudflats will make it hard for a person to deploy decoys or hunt from shore. Scouting before the season is advised and hunters will need to be adaptable.
For the second year in a row, COVID-19 scuttled annual May duck breeding and habitat surveys that have taken place since 1955. Biologists’ informal predictions, however, suggest that there will be fewer ducks – particularly young ducks – in the migration due to reduced wetlands both in Canada and locally. There still will be some good duck hunting days, depending on weather and migration timing.
Canada goose hunting will be the bright spot for waterfowl hunters as geese remain abundant locally and north of Montana. Also, geese traditionally nest on rivers or larger reservoirs that are not affected as much by drought.