Grouse, partridge seasons set Saturday

When North Dakota’s grouse and partridge seasons opens Saturday, hunters should expect to see more grouse than last year, but not as many partridge.

Preliminary results from July and August roadside counts indicate sharp-tailed grouse are up nearly 47 percent statewide from last year, with the number of broods up 30 percent.

Hungarian partridge were negatively influenced by the wet spring and the past two severe winters. Statewide population is down about 35 percent from 2009, and the number of broods observed is down 38 percent.

North Dakota’s spring ruffed grouse survey indicated a 10 percent population increase statewide compared to 2009.

The sage grouse season will remain closed in 2010 due to a low population. In addition, the prairie chicken season will be closed this fall due to low bird numbers.

Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Sharptails, ruffed grouse and Huns each have a daily limit of three and a possession limit of 12.

Tags: outdoors, hunting, grouse, partridge