Idaho Fish and Game surveys show that, after two poor hunting seasons for chukars, bird populations are on the rise.

That's good news. I didn't even see a chukar at my favorite hunting spot along the Salmon River last fall.

F&G counted nearly 900 chukars in a 12-square-mile area in August along Brownlee Reservoir. That's 73.7 chukars per square mile, double last year’s dismal count of 37.8.

“It’s encouraging news,” said Jake Powell, a wildlife biologist with the agency. “We found 106 groups of chukars distributed across the entire survey area with an average group size of 8.3 birds.” In contrast, the 2007 and 2008 surveys counted only 70 and 61 groups of birds, and 7.2 and 7.4 birds per group, respectively.

This year's counts are still below the 10-year average of 1,300 total birds and 108 birds per square mile. But, F&G says this year’s count is the best since 2005 when a record 2,085 birds were counted.

Powell sees hope in the trend. “We’re headed in the right direction,” he said. “If the weather cooperates, I’d anticipate seeing chukar numbers very near the 10-year average next year.”

Cold, wet weather can be devastating during the nesting and rearing season in late spring and early summer for all upland game birds. Bad weather can take its toll on newly hatched birds.

On the other extreme, if it is a dry season during the summer, and there aren't enough insects and new plant growth for young birds to survive, the population can also decrease.

F&G did not survey the Lucky Peak Reservoir area this year but Powell expects bird numbers there to be heading upward as well.

I think we're going to have a good upland bird season. I saw a nice group of forest grouse last week in the Sawtooths and the quail numbers in the Foothills are really encouraging. I think quail came through the breeding and rearing season in great shape.

F&G is encouraged, too. “Our surveys have proven to be an accurate predictor of chukar hunting success,” Powell said. “Year after year, hunter reports confirm our projections. Over time, that has bolstered our confidence in the accuracy of our survey technique.”