Idaho Examiner: Sage Hen and Sharp tail Grouse"Common Sense News"

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Sage Hen and Sharp tail Grouse

Posted on: August 27, 2007

By
Dave Langston

Idaho Fish & Game reports a good hatch for most game birds this season but officials are concerned with the ever growing spread of the West Nile virus in Idaho. “It is hard to say the effect the virus has had on our bird population. Carcasses have been difficult to locate making the study a difficult one,” says Carl Anderson of I.F. &G.

Over the past few weeks I have been big game scouting and have found populations to be in fair condition. By targeting farm land adjacent to sage brush at higher elevations you can increase your odds, filling your bag with a limit of both species.

The Mount Bonneville range is a good bet for both species of grouse. Pheasants are also in good supply near water and marshy areas on this mountainous range. Most of this land is access “YES” accessible or in the GMU. A dog in this area is a plus due to high vegetation and agricultural land.

Arbon Valley also is a top bet for hunters in the know but access to hunting grounds can be tough. Most land owners in this region do not want big game hunters in their backyard but are more willing to let upland bird hunters in if you “ASK FIRST.”

Another area to keep your eye on is the Hawkins Reservoir unit. In the past, birds were not in great supply but shooters have been reporting more and more every year near Dairy Creek and the surrounding area.

The Arco desert is a “can’t” miss opportunity to quickly limit out on Sage Hen. Although not as good as it once was, this is still the place to be when the season opens.

Sage Hen 2007 – Sept. 15 through Sept. 21

Sharp Tail 2007 – Oct. 1 through Oct. 31

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About Dave Langston

Outdoor writer Dave Langston resides in Chubbuck. He grew up in the Midwest and south fishing and hunting across the country.

... more About Dave Langston >>

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