WYOMING — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) reported that 2024 sage-grouse numbers throughout Wyoming have increased by 33% compared to 2023, according to spring lek counts. A lek is a sage-grouse breeding ground, located in open area in the sagebrush where the males can be better seen and heard by females during mating season, according to the WGFD.
According to the WGFD, healthy sagebrush ecosystems are key to the sustainability of sage-grouse populations. Weather and climate impacts the availability of food and cover in the sagebrush ecosystem. The appearance of more birds at leks this year is thought to be due to the natural population cycles of sage-grouse combined with good moisture that benefited sagebrush habitat.
“Sage-grouse are a sagebrush obligate species and could not survive without intact sagebrush ecosystems,” WGFD Sage-grouse/Sagebrush Biologist Nyssa Whitford said in the announcement. “Well-timed moisture and available habitat are paramount to robust sage-grouse populations.”
WGFD officials observed an average of 28 male sage-grouse per active lek. More than 29,000 male sage-grouse were observed on 90% of known, occupied leks – an increase over last year when persistent winter conditions hampered monitoring efforts. Annual observations are carried out by the WGFD, federal partners, consultants and volunteers. Leks are observed from a distance from both the ground and air during their spring mating.
The WGFD also monitors the percentage of known active and inactive leks throughout Wyoming. A lek is considered inactive if no birds or signs of strutting are observed under ideal conditions during mating season. The percentage of active leks remains steady at 80%, according to the WGFD.
“Sage-grouse populations rise and fall,” Whitford said. “Studies indicate Wyoming’s population cycles every seven to nine years. So, we were pleased to see an increase this year and anticipate continued increases or a leveling off in the next year or two, as we reach the peak of their population cycle.”
Part of WGFD’s continued sage-grouse management includes a conservative hunting season that undergoes an annual review, and where the public can provide comments. Recent changes to the sage-grouse hunting season includes closures in northeast Wyoming. A new, free sage-grouse permit is required for all licensed hunters.
