Birds and the Opener

Sage grouse and blue grouse were pleniful this weekend in areas south of Dillon. I saw at least a dozen birds over the weekend. A few out of state hunters were out for the opener with dogs in tow. I didn't see any Montana residents hunting in the area for birds. Archery yes, birds no.

I did hear of reports from hunters who went for sharptails in eastern Montana that the hot weather kept dogs moving slow and birds in deeper cover. Overall it seems like the hot weather did make it difficult for bird hunters.