Game Bird Identification

Name: eRegulations
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Sharp-tailed and Sage Grouse are Protected

These are the areas you will likely encounter Sage and Sharp-tailed Grouse.

Remember these species are protected and cannot be hunted.

Side-by-side maps of Washington showing primary management zones for Sage Grouse and Sharp-tailed Grouse, with green areas marking key habitat regions in Douglas, Yakima, Lincoln, and Okanogan counties. — Maps highlight Washington’s Sage Grouse and Sharp-tailed Grouse primary management zones, showing core habitat areas across central and eastern counties including Douglas, Lincoln, and Yakima.

Sharp-tailed and Sage Grouse are Protected

The hunting season is CLOSED for both of these game birds. Their sagebrush and grassland habitats in Washington have changed dramatically since the state was settled. The population status of these birds is sensitive. Other game birds such as pheasant, gray partridge (huns), and quail may occur in similar areas. Hunters need to be certain of their targets. Both sage and sharp-tailed grouse are quite distinctive from other game birds. Know your target.

Illustration comparing a male and female Sage Grouse, a Hen Pheasant, and a Sharp-tailed Grouse, showing key identification features like tail shape, leg feathering, and belly color. — Comparison of Sage Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, and Hen Pheasant highlighting distinguishing features such as the Sage Grouse’s feathered legs, Sharp-tailed Grouse’s short pointed tail, and the Hen Pheasant’s long pointed tail.

Primary Upland Bird Management Areas

Map showing the primary management zones for Ring-Necked Pheasant and Chukar Partridge populations in Washington State, highlighting key counties in blue where management efforts are focused. — Maps of Washington State showing the primary management zones for Ring-Necked Pheasants and Chukar Partridges. Blue-shaded areas indicate regions where these upland bird species are actively monitored and managed for conservation and hunting purposes.

Illustration comparing pheasant, gray partridge, and chukar with labeled features for identification, including tail shape, coloration, and markings on each upland bird species. — Illustration showing key identification features of pheasant, gray partridge, and chukar. Labels highlight differences such as the pheasant’s long pointed tail, the gray partridge’s cinnamon head and chestnut-barred flanks, and the chukar’s red beak and black “necklace” marking.

Illustration comparing male and female Mountain Quail and Northern Bobwhite with labeled identification features, including head plumes, side bars, and throat markings. — Illustration showing Mountain Quail and Northern Bobwhite identification details. Mountain Quail have long, straight head plumes and white bars on their sides, while Northern Bobwhites feature striped heads and white or buff-colored throats depending on sex.

Illustration comparing male and female California Quail and Blue Grouse (Sooty and Dusky), showing identifying features like head plumes, scaled bellies, and tail shapes. — Illustration of California Quail and Blue Grouse (Sooty and Dusky) with key ID traits. California Quail have curved head plumes and scaled bellies, while Blue Grouse feature square tails, white-based neck feathers, and yellow-orange combs on males.

Illustration comparing male and female Spruce Grouse and Ruffed Grouse, highlighting differences in plumage, tail patterns, and markings for bird identification. — Illustration of Spruce Grouse and Ruffed Grouse showing key ID features. Spruce Grouse males have a black throat, red eye comb, and unbarred tail feathers, while Ruffed Grouse feature a banded tail, crest, and black neck ruff that’s more visible in males.