Only the hunt for sage grouse has ended. Hunters can still go after all other upland species.
Hunting was, as expected, slow for sage grouse. The sage grouse and Hungarian partridge populations throughout the state is still rebounding from the devastating winter of 1992-93. Numbers of birds are down from the 10-year average.Hunting for Huns will remain open to Nov. 30 in some areas, and until Jan. 31 on other.
The chukar partridge population is closely tied to spring precipitation. Fortunately, ample rainfall occurred in Utah's desert areas where chukars endure. Reproduction was normal. Hunters so far have found chukars concentrated in areas offering green, succulent vegetation and water.
The best strategy for chukars is to begin at the top of a mountain range and hunt down on the birds. Listening for the chukar's well-defined call is an excellent way to locate coveys of birds. If you take a dog along on a chukar hunt, make sure the dog is in good physical condition and take along plenty of water for both you and the dog.
The chukar season will also end Nov. 30 in some areas, and Jan. 31 in others.
So far hunting for blue and ruffed grouse (forest grouse) has been good. Spring conditions were ideal for nesting and chick survival. Hunters have found the birds in areas of mixed mountain brush offering berries. Hunting will end Nov. 30
Cottontail rabbit populations throughout the state are on the low portion of their cycle. Rabbit hunting has been slow. Hunters should focus their efforts on dry, brushy draws with dense, big sagebrush when hunting for cottontails. Hunting will run through Feb. 28.
The jackrabbits, too, are down. Hunters have had to work to find jacks in Utah's desert areas. There is no season on jackrabbits.
Hunting for snowshoe hares has been a challenge, but the surroundings and nice. Look in forests interspersed with aspen and alder for the snowshoe. When snow falls, hares turn completely white except for their eyes which remain coal black. Look for movement at the base of trees and shrubs to locate hares when snow has covered the ground. The season will run until Feb. 28.
The Mourning Dove and band-tailed pigeon seasons will close Sept. 30.
It is best to check the 1994 Upland Game Proclamation for daily limits and seasons.
Northern region
Forest Grouse - The entire region is open for forest grouse hunting. Preliminary reports indicate hunting was about the same or better than 1993.
Chukar Partridge - The entire region is open for chukar hunting. Hunting has been fair.
Cottontail Rabbit - The entire region is open to cottontail rabbit hunting. Success has been fair.
Snowshoe Hare - The entire region is open.
Central region
Chukar - Chukar hunting has been better in this area. Good chick survival was reported. The Dugway mountain range is open to hunting after being closed in 1993. Any hunters hunting the Dugway range is encouraged to call the Central Region office with the results of their hunt .
Hungarian Partridge - This species is rare in the Central Region, being found primarily in extreme western Tooele and Juab counties.
Forest Grouse - Forest Grouse hunting has been a little better this year. Blue Grouse are the primary species in the Central Region. Ruffed grouse are harvested only occasionally, primarily in the three northern counties.
Cottontail - Cottontail numbers have increasing slightly in most areas and hunters have had improved success this year. A key with cottontail is to seek out good habitat in more remote areas that are seldom hunted. Look for good overhead cover in close proximity to available forage and grass cover.
Southern region
Chukar - Hunting has been fair to poor. Areas are limited in the southern region. West Millard County is the best opportunity.
Southeastern region
Forest Grouse - Forest Grouse (both blue and ruffed grouse) is still at low levels so hunting has been slow. Hunting has been best in the LaSal and Blue Mountains. Look for them in stands of aspen and fir.
Chukars - Chukar numbers seem to be stable. Hunters should look for the birds in areas of dense cheat grass, and rocky ledges and cliffs. Hunting has been best best in the south Book Cliffs and Desolation Canyon area.
Cottontail - Cottontail populations appear to be in limbo - recovering in some areas while declining in others. Look for birds around cultivated fields near dilapidated outbuildings. They also inhabit rocky canyons and draws near a permanent water source. The Book Cliffs have been best.
Northeastern region
Forest Grouse - Early reports showed good numbers of forest grouse in most areas of the region.
Chukars - There is a limited populations in this region. Hunting has been slow.
Cottontail Rabbits - The populations has definitely improved over the past couple of years. Distribution is still somewhat spotty with areas with good populations and others with limited numbers. Hunters that have located these better areas have had some excellent hunting.
Snowshoe Hares - Not many go into the field specifically for this species. Numbers are healthy throughout the Uinta Mountains.