Sage-grouse information related to shed hunting

A range-wide population analysis conducted by Coates in 2021 concluded that Greater sage-grouse (hereafter, “sage-grouse”) populations have declined by as much as 80 percent since 1965. Sage-grouse currently occupy less than 56 percent of their historic range due to large wildfires that have occurred over the past 20-25 years, conifer encroachment into historic sagebrush habitats, agricultural conversion of sagebrush habitats, and suburbanization. Additionally, sage-grouse face various other threats within their existing habitats such as the presence of people, off-road vehicles, and other disturbances to wildlife and habitat. Research has shown that over 350 species of plants, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are reliant on or associated with the sagebrush ecosystem (biome). Landscape scale conservation of this important ecosystem will help ensure sustainability for these species.

Sage-grouse engage in a lek mating system where males display and emit vocalizations and other sounds on a specific area of the landscape annually. This typically occurs from late February or early March and lasts through mid-May depending on weather and snowpack. During this period, sage-grouse are susceptible to the presence of people, off road vehicles and other disturbances to wildlife and habitat. Although several males will display on a lek, the females choose the same dominant one or two individuals to mate with based on vocalizations and display techniques. Nesting occurs about 3-4 weeks after peak female attendance at lek sites, which is normally the first week in April in Nevada, thus most nesting occurs from mid-April through mid-May. Several researchers have shown that sage-grouse females may readily abandon a nest if disturbed, depending on the timing and investment into a particular nest.