Click here to learn more on other areas of the state: https://fwp.mt.gov/homepage/news/2025/aug/0820-ugb-forecast
A mild winter and good nesting conditions provided a good start for upland game birds this year. Drier conditions in early spring likely limited vegetation growth in the central and western portions of the region, but more recent mid and late summer rains may have helped improve both habitat and brood conditions.
Unlike the past few years, where bird numbers were substantially better in the eastern portion of the region, populations have come down, closer to average in most areas across the region. Bird hunters should have plenty of opportunity while spreading out across the region this fall. Overall, hunters are likely to get into birds anywhere in the region where they find good habitat.
**Pheasants**
Pheasant numbers across the region should provide good opportunities for hunters.
In the far eastern portion of Region 6, pheasant hunters should expect lower bird numbers from the previous years, but numbers did remain near average this spring.
Hunters should expect pheasant populations in the Glasgow and Malta area to be better than last year and come in around average or slightly above average.
In the Havre area, numbers have improved and will likely be about average.
**Sharp-tailed grouse**
Sharp-tailed grouse numbers should be fair across the region. However, populations are likely lower compared to recent years’ highs and are expected to be near average. This is most evident in the far northeast portion of the region.
In the Glasgow and Malta areas, sharp-tail numbers seem average in comparison with most years and should provide good hunting opportunities.
The western portions of Region 6 is likely to return to about average in areas with good habitat. However, portions of western Region 6 have seen significant loss of CRP habitats in the last decade, resulting in sharp-tailed grouse numbers unable to recover to previous levels.
**Gray partridge**
Although populations of gray partridge are often spotty, there should be ample opportunity across the region for hunters pursuing this tasty game bird.
In the eastern portion of the region, observed and reported numbers have been lower than recent years but the population appears to still be doing well. The numbers of coveys encountered, however, is expected to be like last hunting season, which was generally above average.
Limited preferred habitat causes partridge populations to be relatively low in the central portion of the region near Glasgow and Malta. However, based on adjacent areas and summer weather conditions, expect partridge numbers to improve and be back to about average for the area.
Hunting in the Havre area is likely to be above average again this year. Total gray partridge harvest in the western half of the region has been steadily improving for the last several years, and conditions and field reports indicate it should likely continue to be above average this fall.
**Sage-grouse**
Several years of severe drought from 2021-2023 took their toll on sage-grouse in Region 6, based on spring lek survey results. While drought conditions improved in 2024-2025, hunting for the species is likely to be below average. Habitat conditions are expected to better this fall than the past couple seasons due to late summer rains, which may cause sage-grouse to be more dispersed across the landscape.
Note: beginning this year, a free supplemental sage grouse hunting permit is required for harvesting sage grouse. These permits can be acquired online or at any FWP office or license provider.
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