Cover, Forage, and Birds

On a recent training trip through Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota, this summer, a few observations were made regarding water, cover, feed, and birds. Early in our arrival, even though it was late in the summer season, most of the cover was a lush green; a product of the heavy snow this past winter, late spring rains, and scattered summer thunderstorms. There was a good amount of natural cover and CRP available which didn't really begin to cure-out until about the first week in September. All the CRP, native grasses and sedges, held a ton of hoppers, which was good to see, as hoppers are an important source of protein for young birds. Most of our finds were on Sharptails and bird-work was good. Almost every time the dogs were put down coveys were found; the coveys were made up of both young and old birds. Some finds were of a hen and her clutch, the young old enough to fly well but still distinguishable in size from the mature bird.