Utah's
Upland Game!
Utah offers the serious upland game sportsman 13 species of upland game birds within its borders. Six of the birds: Gambel's quail, sage grouse, blue grouse, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouseand the wild turkey are native species. The mourning dove and band-tailed pigeon are migrant natives and spend a part of each year in Utah. Two of the remaining five game birds are native to the U.S. and have been successfully introduced into Utah. They are the California quail and white-tailed ptarmigan. The other three birds are exotic to the western hemisphere. The ring-necked pheasant is from China, the chukar partridge is from India and the Hungarian partridge is from Europe.
Two species of cottontail rabbit: the desert or Audubon, and the mountain or nuttalli are found throughout the state, from the hottest deserts to the mountain foothills above 6,500 feet. The snowshoe hare completes Utah's list of upland game. Snowshoes are found in coniferous forests above 8,000 feet.
Jackrabbits in Utah are classed as unprotected wildlife. No license is required to take them and any weapon is legal.
FOR A UNIQUE UPLAND GAME EXPERIENCE--THIS IS THE PLACE!
To learn more about Utah's upland game, call or write to:
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
1594 West North Temple, Suite 2110 / Box 146301
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6301
801-538-4700
Return to the Upland Game Home Page
Blue Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
Description: The male is about 21 inches long and may weigh up to 31/2 pounds. He is dark gray to blackish above with mottled brown on the wings. The underparts are pale bluish-gray marked with white on the sides of the neck and flanks. The tail is dark gray with a broad light gray terminal band. During mating season, the male develops an orange comb over the eye and reddish-purple air sacs on the sides of the neck. The female is about 18 inches long and lacks the orange comb and air sacs.
Habitat: Open stands of conifer or aspen with an understory of brush are preferred habitat. Winters are spent in dense fir trees, usually at higher elevations. In spring, birds move to lower meadow, brush or open timber stands for mating. After breeding some males move back to higher elevations. Others wait until late summer or fall and gradually return to higher elevations with the hens and young.
Nesting: Mating occurs in April. During courtship, the male displays before the female with wings extended and tail fanned and raised. Nesting is in May and June. The nest is a shallow depression, usually at the base of a small tree or shrub, lined with dry leaves and grass. The female lays from seven to 10 cream-colored, finely spotted eggs. The incubation period is 24 days.
Food: Summer food consists of green vegetation, seeds, buds, berries, and insects. The winter diet is primarily the needles and buds of fir trees.
Status: Blue grouse are found in most mountainous areas of the state; however, the greatest densities occur in the northern Wasatch range. Unlike other native grouse habitat in Utah, no major reduction in blue grouse range has occurred since historical times. Annual population fluctuations are primarily the result of seasonal weather patterns. Cool wet springs, dry summers and harsh winters depress blue grouse production.
Hunting: Hunting is generally not believed to be a limiting factor on
blue grouse populations. Estimated percentage of blue grouse in Utah taken by hunters is
no more than 15 percent. Estimated annual mortality for blue grouse is 60 percent,
therefore, our percentage harvest is well within the harvestable surplus.
Utah grouse seasons were conservative at first. The first season in 1960 was only two days
long and only a limited number of permits were issued. Utah has one of the most liberal
set of regulations for blue grouse of any state. The season length has averaged 74 days
since 1975 and in 1985 was extended an additional seven days.
Blue grouse are very good to eat, especially juvenile birds. The meat is dark and tender
if prepared properly. Proper care includes prompt field cleaning of the birds to allow the
meat to cool. Fair hunting and shooting skill is required. Blue grouse flush sporadically
from variable sized flocks and do not hold well. A dog is extremely valuable in retrieving
wounded birds from brush cover. Flight is fairly rapid and direct after becoming airborne.
The sporting method of taking blue grouse is on the wing. Blue grouse hunting is
increasing in popularity.
Blue grouse can be found along ridge tops or fringes of aspen, pine, and fir with choke
cherry or serviceberry understory at 8,000 to 10,000 feet in elevation during September.
Suggested equipment includes a light and short shotgun in 20 to 12 gauge with modified or
improved cylinder. A shot size of 4 to 6 is recommended. Good hiking boots and a good
dog make the trip enjoyable.
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) Ruffed grouse, willow grouse
Description: Length is 16 to 19 inches and weights may vary from 16 to 28 ounces. A dark ruff of feathers occurs on the side of the neck. Feathers on the head may be raised to form a crest. The upper parts are grayish-brown mottled with gray and black. Under parts are buff, marked with dark brown. The tail is usually gray with a broad, black or brown sub-terminal band. Blue grouse have a blue-gray terminal band.
Habitat: Brushy woodland areas adjacent to streams and springs. Thickets of alder, willow, aspen, maple and other deciduous shrubs and trees interspersed with conifers provide the most desirable habitat.
Nesting: The males establish individual breeding territories and proclaim their rights to the area by "drumming," a beating and whirring noise produced by rapid beating of wings in the air while standing on logs, rocks, stumps or mounds of earth. Drumming also serves to attract females to his territory.
Nesting occurs during late April, May or June. The nest is a shallow depression lined with leaves and other dry materials. It is usually located at the base of a tree or shrub. From nine to 14 buff-colored eggs are laid. Incubation requires 23 to 24 days. Food: Buds of deciduous trees and any available fruit and seeds are primary winter food items. During other seasons, fruits, green vegetation, seeds and insects are utilized.
Status: The ruffed grouse is an excellent game bird, capable of testing the skill of the most experienced shotgunner. Good populations are limited to the northern Wasatch Range, but they are capable of providing substantial recreation to the hunting public. Only a small number of hunters choose to match skills and stamina with the ruffed grouse. Therefore, the annual harvest is limited.
Hunting: Ruffed grouse have lighter colored flesh than blue grouse and are very good to eat. The flavor is mild. The texture is similar to chukar. Suggested hunting equipment includes a shotgun in 12 to 20 gauge. The new light weight short double barrels are excellent. Recommended shot sizes are 4 to 6. Ruffed grouse are a challenging target on the wing. Explosive flushes and rapid flights in heavy cover where clear shots are rare make them difficult to hit.
Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)
Sage grouse, sage hen, sage chicken
Description: Largest of the North American grouse, the male is 25 to 30 inches in length and may weigh up to seven pounds. The female is smaller, averaging 20 inches long and slightly less than three pounds. It is a grayish-brown bird with a dark belly, and long and pointed tail feathers. The feet are feathered to the toes. The throat of the male is black, bordered with white at the rear. Yellow air sacs, covered with short, stiff, scale-like white feathers, are found on each side of the neck. The female has the same general appearance but lacks the air sacs and has a white throat.
Habitat: These birds inhabit sagebrush plains, foothills and mountain valleys. Sagebrush is the predominant plant of quality habitat. Where there is no sagebrush, there are no sage grouse. A good understory of grasses and forbs, and associated wet meadow areas, are essential for optimum habitat.
Nesting: Male sage grouse gather on traditional "strutting grounds" during March and April and put on a spectacular courtship performance --strutting with tails erect and spread, and air sacs inflated. Females visit the grounds during the first part of April. A few dominant cocks do most of the mating. Nesting begins in April. Nests are shallow depressions lined with grass or twigs and are usually located under sagebrush. The female lays from five to nine eggs which hatch after 25 days of incubation.
Food: The principal winter food item is sagebrush leaves. During summer, the fruiting heads of sagebrush, leaves and flower heads of clovers, dandelions, grasses and other plants are taken. Insects are also taken during the summer. Sage grouse are the only North American grouse which do not have a muscular grinding gizzard.
Status: Sage grouse were abundant in pioneer times, but sagebrush eradication and intensive use of lands by domestic livestock have reduced their numbers. Sage grouse range is declining in Utah in both quantity and quality. Indiscriminate spraying of sagebrush, cropland conversion, and over-grazing of mountain meadows are the causes. The result has been an overall decline in sage grouse populations since 1963. Sage grouse range has declined 50 percent from historical times.
Hunting: From 1950 to 1963 a grouse stamp was required to hunt sage
grouse. In 1963 the entire state was open to hunting without a stamp. In the last 10 years
total harvest and hunters have averaged 15,000 and 11,000, respectively. Since 1950,
season lengths have increased from two to nine days while bag limits have declined.
Hunting is generally not believed to be a limiting factor on large sage grouse populations
located in good habitat. The estimated percentage of sage grouse taken in Utah by hunters
is no more than 25 percent of the population. Estimated annual morality for sage grouse is
60 percent. Therefore, our 25 percent harvest is within the harvestable surplus.
Sage grouse are generally not as palatable as blue grouse because of the sagebrush diet.
The meat is dark and has a unique wild flavor. Sage grouse are generally easy targets
because of their relatively large size and slow flight. Flocks of five to 30 birds are
usually found near stock watering ponds, natural seeps, springs, or meadows in rolling
sagebrush habitat.
Suggested hunting equipment includes a shotgun in 20 to 12 gauge with 4 to 6 shot. Well
trained dogs which can locate and retrieve downed birds are an asset. If September has
been dry, flocks will often be located near meadows, stock ponds, streams, or stock tanks.
Drives of four or five hunters about 50 years apart up or down draws with water in them
often yields birds. Flushing sage grouse are distinguished from other game birds by their
large size, slow lumbering flight, pointed tail and mottled gray, black, and white colors.
Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus)
Sharp-tailed grouse, Columbian sharp-tailed, pin-tailed grouse
Description: The male is about 20 inches long and the female slightly smaller. It weighs 1 ¸ to 1 3/4 pounds. Both sexes are grayish-brown with black and buffy markings. White sports on the primary wing feathers and the barred pattern of the wing are distinctive features. The under parts are buffy-white while the belly and under parts of the tail are white. Breast feathers have a pattern of dark, V-shaped markings. The two central tail feathers are longer than the rest. Males have purple air sacs on the sides of the neck that cannot be seen except when inflated.
Habitat: Bunch-grass areas of the foothills and benches interspersed with deciduous shrubs is the preferred habitat. Nesting: Males gather on established "dancing grounds" during early spring for courtship displays of dancing. Females visit these grounds where mating takes place. Nesting begins in April. Nests are shallow hollows lined with grass and leaves, usually placed near a bush or clump of grass. About 14 olive-brown eggs, laid by the female, are hatched after 24 days of incubation.
Food: Primary food items are grass seeds, green vegetation, fruits of wild shrubs and trees, buds and waste grains if available. Insects are readily taken during the summer.
Status: Historically, sharp-tailed grouse ranged through central Utah to Piute County but are now limited to a remnant population in eastern Box Elder, Cache, and Morgan counties. Conversion of native bunch grass ranges to cropland and domestic livestock grazing is believed to have caused the decline.
Hunting: Sharp-tailed grouse were completely protected from hunting from 1925-73. Beginning in the early 1970, field reports indicated sharp-tailed were becoming more numerous in several areas. Limited hunting was legalized in 1974 and continued through 1979. Fewer than 100 birds were taken each year. Due to a decline in observations during the 1980 spring and summer inventory period, the entire state was closed to sharp-tailed grouse hunting. The season has remained closed since 1980 due to low population levels. Check the current proclamation for regulations presently in force.
White-tailed Ptarmigan pronounced "tar'-mi-gan" (Lagopus leucurus)
Snow quail
Description: Adults are 12 to 13 inches long with males only slightly larger than females. Average weight is 12 to 15 ounces. The white-tailed ptarmigan is the smallest of the ptarmigans and are smaller than ruffed grouse. In winter this bird is pure white except for a black beak and eyes. In summer, it has a mottled and barred brown head, breast, and back with white wings, belly, and tail remaining. White-tailed ptarmigan are so named because they are the only ptarmigan with no black on the tail. The tail is white during all seasons of the year. In fall, during the hunting season, both sexes are mostly pale cinnamon-rufous above with fine spotting and vermiculations to brownish black. A few breast feathers are usually white and the belly, tail, and wings are white. It makes soft, low hoots and low clucking noises.
Habitat: The white-tailed ptarmigan is an alpine species, a permanent resident of the high mountains, above timber line during most of the year. It occupies open-country and flies a great deal more than forest grouse, but still prefers running to flying. In Utah it is generally found above 10,000 feet altitude. It ranges from Alaska south to New Mexico and coastal ranges south to Washington State.
Nesting: Males return from their timberline wintering areas to establish territories on spruce-willow timberline breeding grounds in April. Females arrive in early May and pairs are formed. Four to eight buff, faintly spotted eggs are laid in a hollow on the ground lined with a small amount of grass, leaves, and feathers. Males remain with the females until the eggs are hatched. The eggs hatch after an incubation period of 23 days.
Food: Winter food is primarily willow buds. Alpine areas lacking willow cannot support ptarmigan for long. In spring the leaves and flowers of several forbs are eaten but willow remains an important part of the diet. In summer broods may also feed on insects and bulbuls of knotweeed.
Status: There is no conclusive proof that white-tailed ptarmigan were native of Utah. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in cooperation with Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service, introduced them into the Uinta Mountains in 1976. They have been sighted from Holiday Park in the Weber drainage on the west to Greendale and Flaming Gorge on the east. A legal hunting season was allowed in 1982 by permit only. Unlike many other species of native gallinaceous birds, ptarmigan, primarily because of their remote habitat, have been little affected by man's activity. Sheep grazing in alpine areas seems to be detrimental because willow patches essential for winter survival are thinned and destroyed.
Hunting: Hunting conditions are rigorous in the Uinta Mountains in September. Access is by foot or horseback and generally 10 miles to good areas. Unexpected and severe snow storms are possible. U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps are invaluable. A compass, hiking boots, and plenty of water and food are essential. A light, short shotgun in 16 or 20 gauge is recommended. Shot sizes 6 to 7 ¸ are adequate. Dogs are helpful in locating birds.
Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar)
Chukar partridge, chukar, Indian chukar
Description: Length is 14 to 15 inches and the average weight is about 20 ounces. Both sexes have buffy-gray backs and wings with gray-tinged cap, breast and rump. The sides are boldly striped with slanting bands of black and chestnut. The throat and cheeks vary from white to tan bordered with a band of black extending from the top of the beak backward through the eyes an down the neck to the upper breast, forming a conspicuous "V" where they join. The bill, legs and feet are red. Males usually have slightly larger spur-like knobs on the back of the lower legs.
Habitat: Chukars prefer steep, rocky, semi-arid slopes. Low shrubs and rocky outcrops provide loafing or escape cover. Rabbit-brush, sagebrush, saltbush and cheat grass vegetative associations below the juniper tree belt seem to be preferred. Water sources may be used extensively in late summer. Talus slopes with boulders large enough to conceal the birds seem preferred. Rocky slopes are to chukars what sagebrush is to sage grouse.
Nesting: Chukars usually pair by mid-March. Nesting commences in late April or May. The nest is built on the ground, usually concealed by low-growing shrubs or clumps of grass. Incubation of the 10 to 20 buff, brown spotted eggs requires about 24 days. Males do not assist in incubation or care of the young.
Food: Grass seeds, weed seeds, green leaves and flowers are the principal food items. If available, waste grains and wild fruits are readily taken. Numerous insects are consumed during the summer. In winter new growth cheat grass is extremely important.
Status: The chukar is a native of the Middle East and Southern Asia. Intensive effort to establish this species in Utah began in 1951. By 1968 186,000 chukars had been released at 191 different sites. This wide distribution, largely on public lands, provides the potential for increased hunter participation and harvest.
Hunting: Hunting equipment should include a light shotgun in 20-12
gauge, with 6 or 7 ¸ shot size. Dogs with short hair, in good physical condition,
toughened pads, and well-mannered are indispensable. Conditions are often hot, rugged and
exhausting. Hunters should wear light layered clothing, good hiking boots, and carry
plenty of water. Most hunters don't need a hunting vest to carry birds because they can't
kill that many. Primarily, the vest is used to carry lots of ammunition.
If the summer has been hot and dry, chukars will be close to water on opening day. Many
hunters check out seeps and springs on opening day. Once birds are seen or heard, they are
pursued on foot. Later in the season when snow is on the ground, birds can be found on
rocky, steep, southern exposed slopes often near where pinyon-juniper trees start
appearing. Birds can be located by stopping the vehicle in rough, rugged terrain and
listening for their distinctive call. Always hunt down on coveys for best results.
Hungarian Partridge (Perdix perdix)
Hungarian partridge, hun, European partridge, European gray partridge
Description: Both sexes average from 12 to 14 inches including a tail about 3 ¸ inches long. Average weight is 12 to 13 ounces. Gray is the predominant color. Head, back and breast are varying shades of gray; the gray on the back is more brownish. The sides are heavily barred with dark chestnut. The tail feathers are reddish-brown and very conspicuous in flight. Adult males have a prominent chestnut-colored horseshoe marking on the breast On adult females and the young of both sexes, the horseshoe marking is less defined.
Habitat: It is generally found in grassland or mixed sage and grassland or mixed sage and grass adjacent to cultivated lands. It occupies open rangeland in some high mountain valleys.
Nesting: Birds begin to pair during February and nesting may begin anytime after mid-April. The nest is a shallow depression, usually located in dead grass or weeds. Between 10 and 16 olive-colored eggs are laid at a rate of about two every three days. The eggs hatch after an incubation period of about 24 days. The male does not assist with incubation but does aid the female in care of the young.
Food: Waste grains, weed and grass seeds, green vegetation and insects are primary food items. Large quantities of insects are taken during the summer. The diet of young chicks may be almost entirely insects.
Status: The Hungarian partridge is a native of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. In 1911, the Fish and Game Department brought 120 huns from Canada and released them in Cache, Salt Lake, Sevier, Tooele, Utah, Washington and Weber counties. More releases were made in 1917, 1923, 1925, 1938 and 1939. All of these attempts failed. Present populations of northern and western Utah probably resulted from established populations in Idaho and Nevada. It is an excellent game bird but the small area of suitable range limits its potential in Utah. Annual hunts have been held since 1955.
Hunting: The best hunting is the margin of dryland farms and open range in the foothills of Box Elder and Cache counties. Best hunting is at 5,000-8,000 feet near springs, seeps, and creeks. Huns often flush explosively and in unison in coveys of up to 20 birds. Huns are strong fliers and very fast. Be prepared for a surprise, do not flock shoot, and mark downed birds well. It is easy to lose them in the brush. A well trained dog is invaluable in locating and recovering birds.
California Quail (Callipepla californica)
California quail, valley quail
Description: Length varies from 9 ¸ to 11 inches and average weight is from six to seven ounces. Males are an olive gray above with a grayish-blue breast. The buff colored belly has a scaled appearance and is marked with an area of deep chestnut. The black throat and face are bordered with white. The most conspicuous characteristic is a short black plume which curves forward from the crown of the head. The female is more olive brown, the black and white markings of the head are absent, the plume is shorter and brownish, and there is no chestnut patch on the breast.
Habitat: Inhabits brushy areas adjacent to cultivated lands, particularly along streams.
Nesting: Paired birds separate from the covey by late April and begin nesting in May. The nest is a slight depression lined with dry grass or other plant material. It is usually located in weeds or grass. From 10 to 16 dark-speckled, buff-colored eggs are laid. The eggs hatch after a period of 23 to 24 days in incubation by the female. Both parents share in care of the young.
Food: California quail feed mainly on vegetable matter. Only about two percent of their diet includes insects. One of the favorite foods is clover. They also feed on weed seeds, waste grain, and many kinds of berries, fruits and seeds.
Status: The California quail is native to states of the Pacific coast. They were first introduced into Utah in 1869. Fourteen pairs were released in the vicinity of Fort Douglas in Salt Lake County. Subsequent releases, trapping and transplanting, and dispersion have resulted in establishment in many parts of the state. Heavy snows limit their food supply. They build up in numbers through a period of mild winters only to be depleted in severe winters. They are hunted as an upland game bird, producing excellent gunning in some local areas. Some of the largest populations exist within city neighborhoods and parks where cover, feed and water are abundant.
Hunting: Hunting is generally limited to private lands. You should get permission before hunting. Many quail are located within city limits where discharge of firearms is not permitted. Shotguns with open cokes in shot sizes 7-8 are popular. Again dogs are beneficial in locating birds.
Gambel's Quail (Callipepla gambelii)
Gambel's quail, desert quail, Arizona quail
Description: This species is similar to the California quail in size, form and coloration. Gambel's quail have a slightly paler back than the California quail and have a large black patch on a buff colored belly. The male has the same type of head plume, and black and white facial markings. Their reddish-brown crown and sides distinguish them from the California quail.
Habitat: Brushy thickets of the Mohave desert areas and irrigated agricultural regions in the lower elevations of southern Utah.
Nesting: Pairing occurs in late winter or early spring. After pairing is completed, a breeding territory is selected and the males defend it against other males. Mating, followed by nesting usually begins in April. Nests are usually placed in desert scrub vegetation where concealment is good. An average of 12 eggs is laid. The hen does most of the incubating, but the cock may sometimes share the duty. Eggs hatch after 21 to 23 days of incubation. Both parents attend the young.
Food: Filaree is a primary food item in Utah. Numerous seeds are taken with legumes being the most preferred. Cultivated grains, green vegetation and insects are eaten when available.
Status: It is believed that gambel's quail were once distributed through southeastern Utah along the Colorado River to Moab. Severe winter weather may have eliminated them from these areas. Distribution is limited to scattered areas in the southern part of the state. The major population is found in the desert and irrigated agricultural areas of Washington County. Populations in the desert are largely dependent upon winter rainfall and subsequent development of vegetation. During productive years, populations are capable of providing excellent hunting.
Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Ring-necked pheasant, Chinese ring-necked
Description: Males reach a length of 34 inches or more; the tail may exceed 20 inches when fully developed. They weigh from 2 ¸ to 3 pounds when fully mature. Hens are about 24 inches long, half of which is tail, and weigh about two pounds. Plumage of the male is gaudy and brilliant. Prominent characteristics are a greenish-blue head, a white ring around the neck, a pale bluish rump patch, and a long, pointed tail barred with black. Coloration of the female is more drab with a mottled blend of browns with buff and dusky markings.
Habitat: Pheasants prefer diversified agricultural and grain-producing regions. In Utah the best populations are found in irrigated areas.
Nesting: The pheasant cock may mate with several females. The nest is a slight depression lined with leaves or grasses built in dense vegetation for concealment. During the first part of the nesting season, the hen may lay some eggs which she does not incubate, leading to a common belief that the eggs were not fertile because of insufficient cocks. Usually, however, she will lay a clutch of 10 to 11 eggs and begin the 24-day incubation. If the nest is destroyed prior to hatching of eggs, the hen will probably renest. Up to three nests may be established before bringing off a brood, but they hatch and rear only one brood each year.
Food: Waste grains, weed seeds and green vegetation are the principal food items. Numerous insects are taken during the spring and summer.
Status: The ring-necked pheasant is a native of eastern Asia. It was first introduced in Utah about 1890. Since then, its distribution has been increased by transplanting, release of game-farm birds and natural dispersion. All suitable habitat is now occupied. Although limited to agricultural areas, primarily irrigated croplands, this species is the most popular upland game bird in Utah. Urban and industrial development during the past quarter century has progressively destroyed a considerable amount of pheasant habitat and placed greater hunter demand and use on remaining areas. Some agricultural practices also limit the productivity of pheasant populations and habitat.
Hunting: Utah's pheasant hunting seasons are shorter than most states
because land use conflicts exist between hunters and landowners. Good hunter conduct will
become increasingly more important as more lands are closed to trespass. Permission should
always be obtained well in advance of hunting.
Hunting is not considered to be harmful to pheasant populations in good habitat because
pheasants live a short time and only males can be legally taken. Research has shown that
pheasants suffer a 70 percent annual mortality rate due primarily to exposure and
predation whether or not hunting is allowed. The average life span is months regardless of
whether hunting removes some of these individuals. Basically this means that brood stock
"saved" from hunting will not survive to breed and produce larger populations in
subsequent years unless weather conditions are favorable and food and cover is adequate.
Utah could have a 30-day season without harming pheasant population numbers. Plenty of
roosters would be left to breed the following year. The best hunting is in irrigated
agricultural areas which comprise only 4. 4 percent of Utah's total land area. The best
hunting is Utah, Weber, Box Elder and Sanpete counties. Good hunting and lower hunter
densities can be expected in Millard, Sevier, Uintah, Duchesne, Cache, Tooele, and Emery
counties.
Good dogs are invaluable in locating and recovering birds. Good success can be obtained
later in the season in heavy cover away from popular hunting areas. Drives of three to
five hunters 30-50 yards apart with dogs are popular. Shotguns in 20 to 12 gauge with shot
sizes 4 to 6 seem best.
Merriam's Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami)
Merriam's Wild Turkey
Description: The wild turkey is the largest of Utah's game birds and are considered by many as the "trophy " species of upland game. Males reach a length of 48 inches and females 36 inches. The average weight of an adult male is about 18 pounds and females average about 10 ¸ pounds. Its appearance is very similar to the domestic dark turkey, but it has longer legs and a more slender, streamlined body. Tips of the tail feathers are white to light tan. Upper tail coverts may be tipped in white or tan. Breast feathers of the male are tipped with black while those of the female are tipped with white or buff.
Habitat: Typical habitat is open stands of ponderosa pine interspersed with aspen, grass meadows and oak grading into pinion pine and juniper.
Nesting: Courtship activities begin in early spring. The gobbling of the tom serves as a challenge to other males ad attracts females to his territory. Nests are usually located near brushy cover with a convenient escape route. An average of 10 to 11 eggs are laid. The incubation period is 28 days.
Food: Grasses and sedges are important year-round food items. Pine nuts, acorns, weed seeds, and green vegetation are also important food items. Large quantities of insects, particularly grasshoppers, are eaten during the summer.
Status: Wild turkeys are not known to have existed in Utah during early white settlement. However, historical and archeological evidence suggests that wild turkeys co-existed with Native American in Utah. Attempts to introduce the eastern wild turkey failed. Seven Merriam's turkeys were first planted in the LaSal Mountains of Grand County in 1952 from stock obtained from Colorado. Established populations now occur in Grand, San Juan, Beaver, Iron, Kane, Washington, Garfield, Piute and Wayne counties. The first hunt in Utah was held in October of 1963.
Hunting: Spring hunting of gobblers is more popular than the fall hunts. Gobblers are attracted to the hunter by hen calls reproduced by a number of commercially available calls. Shotguns and archery weapons are allowed. Check the current proclamation for rules and regulations. Males are distinguished from females by their strutting and fanning behavior, gobbling, dark-tipped breast feathers, sparsely feathered blue and red heads and long beards. Beards should not be used alone as a sex identifying characteristic since about 25 percent of the females also have beards. The best hunting areas are the pink cliffs area east of Cedar City, the Boulder Mountains and the LaSal Mountains.
Rio Grande Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia)
Rio Grande Wild Turkey, Rio
Description: The Rio Grande wild turkey is one of two subspecies of Utah's largest game bird. The Rio is similar in size and appearance to the other subspecies of wild turkey. Adult males (gobblers or toms) weigh from 17 to 21 pounds. Adult females (hens) average 8 to 11 pounds. Rios can be distinguished from the other subspecies by the coloration of the tips of the tail feathers in the upper tail coverts (feathers of the lower back, covering the base of the tail feathers). In the Rio Grande bird, these feather tips are buff or tan, contrasting with the white tips of the Merriam's subspecies. One year old male turkeys are called jakes and one year old female turkeys are called jennnies. Chicks are called poults.
Habitat: The Rio Grande subspecies was introduced into Utah in 1984. It is native to the south-central plains states and northeastern Mexico. The Rio prefers cottonwood river bottoms associated with oak-pine and pinyon-juniper forests.
Nesting: Courtship activities begin in early spring. The gobbling of the tom serves as a challenge to other males and attracts hens to his territory. Rio Grande turkeys select nest sites that have good concealing herbaceous or woody cover and water nearby. Hens lay a clutch of 10-12 eggs which takes about two weeks. Continuous incubation takes about 26 days.
Food: "Mast" plants such as pine nuts, juniper berries and acorns are important foods sources. A variety of grasses, weed seeds and green, leafy vegetation are also eaten by turkeys. Insects are extremely crucial in the diet of young poults in the summer.
Status: Rios are found in a variety of areas throughout Utah from Box Elder County in the north to Utah county in Central Utah and San Juan and Iron counties in southern Utah. Numerous other sites throughout the state have been identified as suitable habitat for Rios. Trapping and transplant of birds from other states such as Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas and relocation of birds within Utah will be the focus of management into the near future. Public interest in wild turkey management in Utah is skyrocketing and will continue into the future.
Hunting: Because Rio Grande turkeys are fairly new to Utah, hunting opportunities are limited. Sportsmen are required to draw permits for limited entry areas statewide. One male turkey per season constitutes the bag and possession limit. Spring season only seasons are offered in Utah. Gobblers are attracted to hunters during spring seasons by the use of hen calls produced on an assortment of commercially available calls. Shotguns and archery equipment are authorized.
Band-Tailed Pigeon (Columbia fasciata)
Band-tailed pigeon, wild pigeon, white-collared pigeon, blue pigeon
Description: Length varies from 12 to 16 inches and the average weight is 11 to 12 ounces. The head, neck, breast and underparts of the male are purplish-gray fading to white toward the vent. A narrow white crescent forms a prominent half collar on the nape of the neck. The back is dark greenish gray grading to bluish-gray on the rump. The upper tail is dark gray with a wide, pale gray terminal band. The bill and feet are yellow. The bill has a black tip. Females and juveniles are similar to the male, but lack the prominent white crescent on the neck.
Habitat: The band-tailed pigeon is a native bird whose typical habitat is coniferous forests. Main concentrations in Utah are in the southern pine forests from the Pine Valley Mountains in the west to the La Sal and Blue Mountains in the east.
Nesting: These birds are usually paired for the breeding season. Nesting in Utah takes place in May, June and July. Normally only one egg is laid. The egg is pure white. The nest is usually a frail platform of dead twigs eight to 20 feet above the ground in a coniferous tree. The incubation period is from 18 to 20 days.
Food: Food of the band-tailed pigeon consists mainly of acorns, berries, pine buds, seeds, and needles. Only a small portion of the diet is insects, although a few grasshoppers and other large insects may be taken.
Status: The band-tailed pigeon is migratory and only limited breeding populations occur in southern Utah. A closely controlled hunting season has been permitted since 1970. Annual harvest is estimated to be less than 100 pigeons.
Hunting: Pass shooting of pigeons as they leave or arrive at favored roosts is popular. Daily movement of birds to feeding areas can be noted and flight paths intercepted. Shotguns in 20 to 12 gauge full choke in shot sizes 6 to 8 are recommended.
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Mourning dove, dove
Description: Both male and female measure from 11 to 13 inches in length including a five to six inch tail. Both sexes weigh four to five ounces. Both sexes are pale grayish-brown with a black spot on the head at the lower base of the ear patch. The pointed tail is bordered with white. The male has a rose colored metallic iridescence on the sides of the neck. This iridescence is usually lacking in females.
Habitat: The mourning dove is the most widely distributed upland game bird in North America, nesting in 48 of the 50 states. About 50 million mourning doves are taken by hunters each year in the United States--more than any other game animal. About one quarter million are taken in Utah. It has adapted and responded to man-made habitat, preferring the open fields, abundant food supply and forest edges created by modern agriculture.
Nesting: The migratory mourning dove arrives in Utah in April. The male and female remain paired throughout the nesting season. The male assists in nest building, incubation, brooding and feeding of the young. Nests are flimsy structures, usually built low in trees or shrubs and sometimes on the ground. Nests may be established in either urban or rural areas. The average number of eggs laid and incubated is two, but they may successfully produce two to three broods each summer. The eggs are hatched in 14 days. The young grow rapidly, leaving the nest in 12 to 14 days, becoming independent of the parents at about three weeks of age.
Food: Mourning doves are almost entirely seed eaters and almost any small seed may be eaten. Seeds compose over 90 percent of the mourning dove diet.
Status: The mourning dove is a highly popular game bird. Since the dove is migratory, it falls under the migratory bird treaty and federal regulations. The United States is divided into three management units. Utah is the western management unit. Regulations for hunting are established by the Department of Interior following consultation and recommendations of the states within the management unit. Each state participates in gathering data for management decisions.
Hunting: Mourning doves are classed as migratory game birds. Since
they annually cross state boundaries they are subject to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
with Mexico and subject to regulation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. One
stipulation of this treaty is that no hunting season will begin before September 1 of each
year. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources does not have the option of setting the
season opening earlier than September 1.
Hunting is not considered to be detrimental to mourning dove populations. Only 10 percent
of Utah's dove population is removed by hunters based upon band returns and 97 percent of
the nesting activity has stopped by September 1. The annual mortality rate of doves is
about 60 percent whether hunting occurs or not.
The best hunting is in Utah, Millard, Juab, Box Elder and Tooele counties, but good
hunting and fewer hunters can be found in other areas of the state. Pass shooting near
favorite watering holes is popular. Drives through grain stubble and weed patches can
yield good jump shooting.
Cottontail Rabbit
(Sylvilagus nuttalli) Mountain cottontail
(Sylvilagus audubonii) Desert cottontail
Description: Cottontails grow up to 16 inches in length with ears three
to four inches and weigh less than three pounds. They are grayish or brownish on the back
and sides with white below. The top of the tail is similar in color to the rump but it is
prominently white underneath; thus the name cottontail. An exception is the pygmy rabbit.
The pygmy weighs one-half to one pound and lacks the white tail. It is found around tall
clumps of sage or other desert brush.
Habitat: Widely distributed from desert areas up to the lower slopes of the mountains. Concentrations commonly occur in brushy areas along stream courses or dry washes. Generally, desert cottontails occupy areas below 6,000 feet in elevation and mountain cottontails above 6,000 feet.
Food: Wide variety of forbs, grasses and shrubs.
Litters: Four to seven young are born after a 28 day gestation. Three or more litters can be weaned annually. Their nest is usually a chamber in an underground burrow. Distinguishing characteristics: This species is distinguishable by its relatively small size, short ears and white tail.
Hunting: Drives with shotguns are popular methods of hunting cottontails. Stalking and searching hillsides and rocky outcrops with binoculars and .22 caliber rifle are also popular.
Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus)
Description: Snowshoes reach 14 inches in length and weigh up to four pounds with ears three to four inches long. In summer, the upper parts are dark brown and the underparts, behind the front legs, whitish. The tail is brownish on top and dusky beneath. In winter, its pelage is all white with a black eye ring.
Habitat: In Utah, this species is limited to coniferous forests, interspersed with thickets of aspen, willow and alder in the higher mountainous areas.
Food: Winter - bark, twigs of alder, aspen, willow and other deciduous trees and shrubs and on shoots of young evergreens. Summer - variety of tender green plants.
Litters: Generally two to four young are born in each of two or three litters from April to August. No nest is built as the hares are born furred and with open eyes.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Coniferous forest habitat at high elevations, white fur in winter, relativelylarge hind feet, shorter ears and their smaller size, which seldom exceeds 4 pounds, in comparison to the white-tailed jackrabbit which is also white in winter, but is larger, has longer ears, and occurs in high desert, open foothills and valleys. White-tailed jackrabbits retain some dark fur on the head while snowshoe hares turn completely white except for some dark fur on the ear tips. Both are active mostly at night.
Black-Tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) Description: Length is up to 24 inches and reaches a weight of seven pounds. Ears are six to seven inches. Color is a brownish gray with black on the rump and top of the tail. The belly and underside of the tail are white. Its color is relatively constant throughout the year.
Habitat: The black-tailed jackrabbit is found primarily in open areas or brushlands of foothills, lower valleys and desert areas of the state.
Food: Forbs, grasses, cultivated crops, bark and twigs of many shrubs and fruit trees.
Litters: Average three to four young, birth corresponds to food abundance. Important as major prey species for most predators in their range. Many shooting hours are spent by hunters in pursuit of this species.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Black rump and tail, long ears and long hind legs. It is probably the mostabundant and most commonly seen species in the state.
White-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii)
Description: This species is the largest of the hares growing up to 26 inches and weighing up to nine pounds. In summer, this jackrabbit is a light brownish gray over the back and sides, lighter on the belly. The tail is completely white. In winter, the entire body is usually white, except the tips of the ears and top of the head which are grizzled gray or black. In some areas, it may not turn completely white.
Habitat: This species inhabits mountains, foothills and valley areas in northern Utah. It is restricted to higher mountain areas in southern Utah. It is generally found in open areas, even when found at high elevations.
Food: Forbs, grasses, bark and twigs of many shrubs and trees.
Litters: Bares several litters of three to six young during warmer months of the year. The precocial young are scattered around to avoid attracting predators.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Frequently confused with the snowshoe hare because both species turn white during the winter, it is easily distinguished from the snowshoe by its much larger size and relatively long legs and long ears. Its more open habitat contrasts with the coniferous forest habitat of the snowshoe.