Upland Bird Hunting

Pheasant, quail, chukar, and gray partridge provide exciting upland bird hunting opportunities in Washington. Changing land use practices and habitat conditions have had a negative impact on many upland bird species, but good hunting is still available in many areas. Forest grouse can be hunted with either a big game or small game license.

Western Washington

Upland bird hunting in western Washington is much more limited than in eastern Washington.

• Some species that are hunted in western Washington are forest grouse, California quail, mountain quail, and bobwhite quail.
• Pen-reared pheasants are also hunted on designated release sites throughout western Washington. To hunt pheasants in western Washington, hunters must have a Western Washington Pheasant License.

Eastern Washington

Upland bird habitats and hunting opportunities are much more extensive in eastern Washington. Although habitat conditions for upland bird populations may favor eastern Washington, access to hunting land may be very limited in some areas. Be sure to obtain permission from landowners before hunting.

• As with western Washington, forest grouse hunting is also available in suitable habitats.
• Seasons and bag limits vary considerably for upland bird hunting, so be sure to check the annual Hunting Seasons and Rules pamphlet before heading afield.

Regardless if you are hunting in eastern or western Washington, success can vary widely from year to year, depending on how weather conditions affect upland game bird populations. Mild winters and low rainfall springs generally favor upland bird populations. Cold winters and a cool, wet spring, however, are hard on birds.