Sage grouse numbers stay steady

CASPER — Sage grouse reproduction numbers remained stable last year, according to initial data collected by Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

State biologists closely monitor Wyoming’s iconic bird every year to ensure the population count stays at healthy levels. The department compiles the reproduction numbers each spring by counting chick and hen feathers left by hunters over several months in collection boxes.

Sage grouse numbers have reached high enough levels to allow limited hunting of the bird. “Hunting is an important component of sage grouse management in Wyoming and has not shown to...