Crops and their Contents

[802flyfish]

Same covey of western MT Blue Grouse. Very different crops.

One full of nothing but clover-looking leaves.

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The other Kinnikinnick berries, huckleberries, and grasshopper.

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What are the current numbers you’re observing this year? I’ve been on the prairie since the opener, but I recently spoke with a biologist who mentioned that the number of blue grouse in the southwestern part of Montana is down this year. I’m always a bit skeptical about these reports.. At least they can count leks on the prairie.

 

[Nameless Range]

What are the current numbers you’re observing this year? I’ve been on the prairie since the opener, but I recently spoke with a biologist who mentioned that the number of blue grouse in the southwestern part of Montana is down this year. I’m always a bit skeptical about these reports.. At least they can’t count leks on the prairie.

Took my son and niece out this morning and took home two out of this group of what I think was 4 and drove passed another few on our way off the mountain that they really wanted to continue gunning down but I capped them on the excursion.

Not comprehensive, but in my neck of the woods nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

 

[IDFireLass]

Grouse numbers seem to be very low in central Idaho. Drove 150 miles in two days. First day saw 2 grouse and got one. Second day in perfect looking grouse habitat nothing. Not a flutter nothing.
Don't know if we hit it wrong or what? Friend stopped by he's been archery elk hunting and hiking a fair amount hasn't seen one grouse. Other half went out hiked in and out 9.3 miles didn't see or hear one grouse.