Upland season brings with it thoughts of birds erupting from brush, fast flying doves, and chukar flushing over high alpine canyons. It’s the perfect opportunity for hunters to get out, most birds are accessible to anyone with a valid Utah hunting license.

The Utah Upland Game Management Plan, approved in 2022, frames conservation of upland game in the state through 2032, containing resources for hunters, including distribution maps of the species. 

The first bird available for hunting each year, mourning doves, increased across Utah due to favorable winters. They’re found near wheat, safflower, corn, and sunflower, which provide food and cover. The dove season runs from Sept. 2 to Oct. 30, providing ample time for hunters to pursue these agile birds. 

White-winged doves are occasionally in the southwestern parts of Utah. Though considered a bird of the south, their range has expanded into the warmer parts of Utah. 

Eurasian collared-doves are invasive birds, no bag limit or closed season. They can be hunted year round, making them perfect to chase this off-season.

“The weather in late August and early September can affect how many birds will be seen during the hunt,” said Heather Talley, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Upland Game Coordinator. “Doves tend to begin migrating south when nighttime temperatures drop into the 50s and as days get shorter, so hunters should plan to target them earlier in the season to increase their chances of success.” 

The band-tailed pigeon, in the southern parts of Utah, are larger and more elusive than their dove counterparts, inhabiting forested areas rich in Gambel oak, aspen, pine, spruce, and fir trees. 

These birds require a permit and HIP number to hunt, although they are free on the DWR website. The pigeon hunting season is brief, running from Sept. 2 to Sept. 14.

It is expected to be a great year for grouse hunting in Utah, benefitting from last year's weather.  Dusky grouse are similar in size to chickens. When fanned, their tail appears to have a band in it, with black feathers, except the tip, which is lighter gray. 

Ruffed grouse, on the other hand, are found primarily in aspen stands, especially with a mix of shrubs and water sources. The dense cover they frequent, and their explosive takeoff makes ruffed grouse hunting a thrilling experience.

The season for dusky and ruffed grouse runs from Sept. 2 to Dec. 31, providing hunters with a long window to pursue these birds. 

“Hunters who can locate the areas with the most berries should find good concentrations of ruffed grouse,” Talley said. “Dusky grouse migrate upslope as the season progresses and can be found in high-elevation conifer forest areas by early October, while ruffed grouse will be found in aspen, with thick tree and shrub cover since they don’t make large movements like dusky grouse do.”  

The white-tailed ptarmigan are well-adapted to high elevations and known for seasonal white plumages, which makes them difficult to spot in the snowy places they live. Look for them in areas with high elevation willow patches, and succulent green vegetation.

Chukar and gray partridge are thriving in Utah. Chukar have increased in areas like the Wasatch Front, Tooele County, and the West Desert ranges. These are the bird hunters bird,  fast and low flying, they live on steep slopes with rocks, bunchgrass, sagebrush or cheatgrass.

“If one of the birds sees you while the rest are feeding, it will call out to alert the others, helping you locate the rest of the group,” Talley said. “You may increase your success rate hunting near water, but chukars aren’t completely dependent on water, and rely on it even less as the season progresses. When winter hits, hunt the south-facing slopes, where the sun will be melting snow and warming the rocks, making the area enticing for chukars.” 

Gray partridge, found in northern Utah, prefer agricultural fields and grassy areas near water, making them easier to pursue than chukar. 

The season for both chukar and gray partridge runs from Sept. 28 to Feb. 15, with a special youth hunting season from Sept. 21 to 23. 

The recent winters have provided a good excuse to get yourself in the field this year. Upland game species can be very boom or bust, so strike while the iron is hot, you never know what next year will bring.

Make sure to check the 2024-25 Upland Game Regulation Book for more rules, including what guns to hunt with.