Since it sounds like sage grouse could possibly go on the endangered species list within a few years, I'd like to try and shoot one before that happens. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to go? Since I'll be driving from ND, I'd like to either go to eastern Montana or northeast Wyoming. I saw a few when I antelope hunted Wyoming last year but not too many. Thanks!
Sage grouse suggestions
- Thread starter Flatrock
- Start date
Carrion Carrier
Member
Consider shooting one with your camera. They are dicey on the table.
MThuntr
Well-known member
Well stated! I shot one in October and it was less than appetizing
MThuntr
Well-known member
Depending on how far you want to drive...better numbers of sage bombers can be found in the core areas that have been identified by the agencies. A quick google search of core areas might point you in the right direction.
First off, IIRC they are already listed as an endangered species but precluded at this point. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. 
Which means as of right now the states still have management jurisdiction over them. Anywho...
They are probably my most favorite upland to hunt. I don't find eating them all that difficult and actually enjoy them, but I like liver as well... If you are willing to fly/drive to UT and are able to get a 2 bird permit for the area near Bear Lake I can put you on some areas that hold birds. It's quite fun to drop a 4-6# bird out of the air! That and they fly slow enough that even I can hit them.
Two sage grouse and two cottontails from a day in UT.
A big boomer from this past fall in ID
Which means as of right now the states still have management jurisdiction over them. Anywho...They are probably my most favorite upland to hunt. I don't find eating them all that difficult and actually enjoy them, but I like liver as well...
If you are willing to fly/drive to UT and are able to get a 2 bird permit for the area near Bear Lake I can put you on some areas that hold birds. It's quite fun to drop a 4-6# bird out of the air! That and they fly slow enough that even I can hit them. Two sage grouse and two cottontails from a day in UT.
A big boomer from this past fall in ID
5 Point
New member
Montana isn't a bad place either.
Just don't plan on shooting a stud like you see in the spring. The birds molt late, far after the season. I only have hens mounted because the males Ive shot always are so pin-feathered they arent worth mounting, at least in my opinion.
adult @#)(# that I got this year.
couple hens.
Just don't plan on shooting a stud like you see in the spring. The birds molt late, far after the season. I only have hens mounted because the males Ive shot always are so pin-feathered they arent worth mounting, at least in my opinion.
adult @#)(# that I got this year.
couple hens.
MThuntr
Well-known member
First off, IIRC they are already listed as an endangered species but precluded at this point. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
Part right...the listing is "Warranted but Precluded" which basically means a listing is warranted (a candidate species under ESA) but there are other animals that require more attention and/or data is currently insufficient. A lawsuit was filed against the USFWS which must make their final decision on this listing of "Warranted but Precluded" species by February 2015. Until then I would expect a season to continue since hunting likely has less impact to Sage Grouse than the billion other things that are bad for them. That is unless the state(s) fall to political pressure.
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MThuntr
Well-known member
This has been the experience of most of the guys I hunt with that wanted to mount one.
Thanks for clarrifying. I've been out of the "sage grouse business" for a few years.
I'd LOVE to get a big male with spring plummage, but can figure out how without breaking a myriad of laws...
