Hungarian Partridges 



The pattern of numbers has followed somewhat that of the 

 pheasant during recent years. This species of game bird app)ears to 

 be seriously affected by winter conditions. The present trend, how- 

 ever, is upward. 



Chukar Partridges 



A great deal of interest has been indicated during the past several 

 years in the introduction of this game bird in that it chooses the more 

 arid type of terrain in which to live. It is felt that it may well fill 

 a niche not now filled by any native game species. The restoration 

 work now being carried out in regard to this bird consists of a careful 

 follow-up of recent plants in an effort to determine their success, 

 studies designed to determine better release methods, and investiga- 

 tions to determine desirable future planting sites and areas. 



Native Upland Grouse 



During the early years of the program,, intensive work was carried 

 out in an effort to determine the population and distribution of the 

 mountain grouse, namely the blue, ruffed and Franklin's or fool hen. 

 A recent follow up on this work has provided much needed informa- 

 tion regarding population trends. An increase in number has been 

 observed during the past several years. A definite reaction to cycles 

 in population adds greatly to the difficulty in their management. 

 Studies conducted in experimental management areas have indicated 

 that hunting during periods of population "lows" apparently has no 

 detrimental effect upon either the numbers or distribution of these 

 grouse. 



The prairie grouse — both the sharp-tailed and sage grouse (sage 

 hen) — have been followed closely throughout the past several years. 

 Their population trend has also been found cyclic in nature. Sage 

 grouse have indicated a more desirable population level than the 

 sharp-tailed grouse during the past year. Both species have, however, 

 reached a point where carefully managed hunting has been possible. 



Sage grouse trapping and transplanting has been found to be a 

 successful method of obtaining a wider distribution of this large species 

 of grouse. This work was carried out under one of the earlier restora- 

 tion projects in the early 40's but was discontinued due to a down- 

 ward trend in numbers. It is felt, however, that this work can again 

 be carried out. Areas where plants may most successfully be made 

 lie in the central and western valleys. 



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