October 2023 - 35

I traversed the scattered alfalfa patch deliberately,
zigzagging to increase my chances of encountering
any resting birds. Pausing to change directions, I
heard wingbeats behind me. But before I could
whirl around, another grouse lifted not 10 feet
from the toes of my dusty leather boots. Three
birds in the bag and the hunt was over. Although
the vicarious enjoyment of watching a skilled dog
revel in discovering and pointing birds in cover is
my most cherished aspect of upland hunting, the
memorable afternoon was a pleasant reminder that
a canine companion isn't always necessary when
kicking around for grouse, pheasants or partridges.
Looking to enjoy some of Wyoming's fine upland
bird hunting but without a dog? Don't despair.
Here's the formula for finding birds without a fourfooted
friend.
HABITAT IS KEY
A hunter knocking around in prime cover will
find as many birds as one with a good dog running
through marginal habitat. The ability to hone in
on the best habitat in available hunting acreage is
really what separates the experts from the casual
bird hunters, a concept that applies supremely to
those working the uplands without a dog.
Habitat hounds keep an eye on the weather,
both on current conditions and growing conditions
during the spring and fall. Ample rainfall without
extreme deluges or hail storms is key for upland
bird production. The abundance of pheasants or
partridges can go from feast to famine in a single
season with severe winter weather and drought.
Understanding habitat also means realizing when
birds are in high numbers you best get hunting as
they may not be there next year.
For every species, some foundational habitat rules
apply. Pheasants are most frequently found in cover
that's knee to waist-high. Sparse or short plant communities
are mostly avoided by pheasants. Beyond
the element of plant height and density, the best
habitat for pheasant hunting varies in relation to
food and shelter. A cold wind or snowstorm nudges
birds into shelterbelts, cattails, ditches and places
offering protection from the elements. At all times,
ring-necks congregate in cover adjacent to reliable
food sources which typically means croplands.
Gray partridges - also known as Hungarian
partridges - thrive where agricultural areas, particularly
small grains such as wheat and barley, are
interspersed with native prairie or grasslands. They're
also found in some areas devoid of cultivation. Along
the Wyoming-Montana border north of Cody, huns
frequent the sparse sagebrush country, often where
nonnative cheatgrass chokes out native plants. The
rusty little heads of partridges are more at home on
the flats or gentle hillsides versus the rough, steep
slopes favored by chukars.
Sharp-tailed grouse often can be seen just after sunrise and in the late afternoon flying between roosting and
feeding areas. (Photo by Jack Ballard)
The ability to hone in on the best habitat is a big factor in a successful harvest of upland birds. (Photo by Lisa Ballard)
Wyoming Wildlife | 35

October 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of October 2023