2020 upland game bird forecast

Well-timed moisture, a mild winter and good residual cover have benefited upland birds, but hunters should expect them to be a bit more spread out across the landscape.

“Habitat conditions across the southeast were excellent going into the fall and winter due to good moisture received throughout the growing season,” said Justin Hughes, Region 7 Upland Game Bird Biologist. “The winter was very mild with minimal amounts of snow and ice to hinder birds. The region experienced mild temperatures throughout most of winter, and the thermometer stayed above 0 degrees more than we typically see.”

“Very...