Brutal Winter

[orhunter]

From my perch here on the balmy left coast, it looks like the major hunting areas are getting slammed real hard. Most of us think about hunting year round and there's got to be more than a few of us who are very concerned. Many traditional destinations will be off the agenda, lots of us looking for somewhere new. For those who live relatively close to where you hunt, it may not be much of a challenge. Being geographically challenged, I'm not so lucky. Wondering what you folks are contemplating for the coming fall bird seasons?

[IDHunter]

Assume you're referring to snowfall?

[orhunter]

In addition to cold and wind.

[AverageGuy]

Too early to make any judgements on bird numbers but there will be some bright spots somewhere.

I hunted quail more this season and pheasants less. Will do the same again next year.

[ckirsch]

Central SD had it's highest pheasant numbers in recent years, but the blizzards have been brutal. I found dead birds scattered across a couple quarters that a friend and I own. That was two months ago. The ground has been covered since, so food has been tough to come by for any survivors. I hear stories of eagles and hawks decimating birds out foraging in fields as there is little cover and they are very visible against the snow.

I am less than optimistic about next season. Guessing it will take some time for numbers to recover from this.

[orhunter]

Yea, this will be a multi year recovery. The best hatch in history next spring won't register on the radar.

As good as the hatch was where I hunted in MT last year, there were birds islands. There was either good numbers or there was zilch. Lots really nice cover/habitat that had few to zero pheasants. Basically it was Sharptail hunting and a few Huns. Another problem was leaving for home early because of what I thought was a medical problem with the dog. Was also around 40 miles north of where I should have been.

[AverageGuy]

An ability and willingness to travel makes a huge difference in how a season goes.

There were numerous places of excellent bird numbers this past season across many different species and states.

Odds are good there will be the same next season.

[ryanr]

Yeah, you guys out West have been getting hammered. Meanwhile back East we're having one of the mildest winters on record here. There is some good news for you though, after years of drought the record snowfall and rain should be a boon for water levels. Here in PA I'm actually a little concerned with our lack of snowfall. We're going to need a wet spring for stream levels but our grouse & turkey hatches certainly don't.

[IDHunter]

I'm in SW Idaho, lots of chukar and hun country. While the mountains are getting hammered with snow almost relentlessly, it's mainly been the higher elevations and there is a very clear snow line. The lower hills and valley floors have been mostly snow free, or when they have gotten snowed on it has been minimal and hasn't lasted long, so at least the birds in this area have an easy escape if they move to lower country. I was out in a couple of my hunting spots the past two weeks working dogs and there was no snow on the ground. I think my general area is looking at having a very solid water year based on snow pack, while not an overly harsh winter on birds and big game because the heavy snow has not been extending to the lower ground. I'm feeling optimistic about numbers around here.

[orhunter]

IDH: I may be your huntin' buddy next winter. Been keeping track of snow on the Oregon side and all the SE units are well over 100% of average. Average isn't all that much, been pretty dry. With a good hatch and no bird flu, we may have a decent year.

[orhunter]

IDH: Snow pack in Owyhee unit hit 135%, more on the way.

[IDHunter]

IDH: Snow pack in Owyhee unit hit 135%, more on the way.

I believe it, they look pretty snowy from this side. Was out again yesterday and several of my spots were still below snow line, but a few had some fresh snow on them as well. Warmer here this week so should melt off a bit and move the snow line up. Will be interesting to see in another month or so how things are looking.

[orhunter]

144% today....

[orhunter]

Latest update, 152%, Owyhee unit. Getting better all the time.

[orhunter]

167% a couple days ago, more still coming the next few days. Hope across the border in Idaho is getting their share.