Sage-grouse Opening Shows Good Results

Opening weekend of the sage-grouse season saw fewer hunters but more birds harvested than the long-term average. Statewide results show 1,209 hunters bagged 875 sage-grouse, overall a little better than last year when 1,245 bagged 845 grouse. The average is 1,227 hunters and 860 sage-grouse taken. "Similar to other western states, Idaho's sage-grouse hunting seasons are conservatively set to maintain healthy populations; harvests in past years have been higher than today," said Don Kemner, wildlife program coordinator. In the Upper Snake, weather for the opening weekend of sage-grouse hunting was in the 80s with winds gusting to more than 30 mph. Overall, sage-grouse hunters seemed happy with the two-bird limit in much of the Upper Snake Region. Most hunters reported seeing sage-grouse, many reported seeing more than 50 and some reported seeing more than 150 sage-grouse over the opening weekend. The data show a slight decrease in all harvest measures, but harvest, hunters, and hunter success were essentially the same as during the 2008 sage-grouse season. Idaho Fish and Game check stations reported 651 hunters bagged 574 sage-grouse - close to the same as last year when 660 hunters took 589 birds. In addition, 12 ruffed grouse, six chukars, seven partridge, and four blue grouse came through the check stations. Some hunters came through the check stations without the sage- sharp-tailed validation. Seven sharp-tailed grouse were mistakenly harvested in the Sand Creek area and checked at the Red Road check station. In the Magic Valley, the weather was clear and warm, in the mid-80s with a breeze in the afternoon of Saturday, September 19. Sunday was windy and cooler, in the upper 60s. Dry weather preceded the hunt, but habitat conditions have been good this summer because of the abundant spring rains and summer showers. Opening weekend participation and harvest were the lowest in the region since 1965; presumably influenced by low bird numbers and restrictive seasons. This year, 383 hunters took 182 birds, still a slightly better average than last year when 491 hunters took 194 birds. Elsewhere in the state:

• In the Southwest Region, 119 hunters took 100 grouse. That was an improvement on last year when 94 hunters took 62 grouse.
• In the Southeast Region, 56 hunters took 19 sage-grouse.