PHOTO PROVIDED
State wildlife biologists asked successful hunters to donate a wing and tail for research.
The season for both forest grouse is Sept. 1, 2018 through Jan. 31, 2019 statewide. Mountain quail season is open Sept. 1-Jan. 31 in western Oregon, Hood River and Wasco Counties in Oct. 6-Jan. 31, as well as in eastern Oregon counties (Crook, Grant, Wheeler, Gilliam, Klamath, Umatilla, Morrow and Wallowa counties).
Surveys found abundant forest grouse populations in western Oregon, but fewer grouse were seen during summer surveys in eastern Oregon. More information about hunting prospects are available in the 2018-19 Game Bird Hunting Forecast.
Hunters should look for bright blue collection barrels placed at major road junctions or highways in hunting areas. Barrels also are located at some ODFW offices and popular rural markets. For specific barrel locations, please contact the ODFW office closest to your hunt. Find at https://myodfw.com/contact-us.
The wings and tails provide information on hatch date, recruitment, age and sex ratios of these birds, giving biologists a better understanding of grouse populations to help set hunting seasons. An entire wing and whole tail, including small rump feathers should be removed. Hunters can use paper bags in the collection barrels for the parts and mark harvest date, county taken and general location.
Refer to the Game Bird Regulations for specific grouse and mountain quail identification tips. It is illegal to shoot spruce grouse in Oregon.
