To many, it is flyover country. Between the mountain ranges of the West, vast basins are carpeted with sage. From the highway, this landscape looks like a whole lot of nothing. The intrepid few that venture out into it find a surprising variety of life, from desert-dwelling insects and amphibians, all the way up to pronghorn, mule deer, and elk. Sage grouse are the most iconic residents of this basin landscape.

A sage grouse flush is downright shocking. They materialize from nothing, their loud wings thundering as they rise. This experience is increasingly popular amongst upland hunters. Wingshooters make long treks to the western states to scratch off a ‘bucket list’ hunt, while residents are interested in pursuing their native game birds.

Sage Grouse Biology

Sage grouse occupy a large swath of the western United States—or at least they once did. Their native range stretches from the Dakota prairies all the way to the basins of eastern California. Unfortunately, their actual distribution has contracted markedly over the last 150 years.

Small populations hang on by a thread on the Canadian prairies, where they are considered endangered. Populations in Washington state are also precarious, and Gunnison sage grouse (Centrocerus minimus) in Colorado and Utah are a threatened species.

Greater sage grouse (Centrocerus urophasianus) occupy the bulk of the remaining sage grouse range. They stand out as the largest grouse species in North America, almost double the size of a pheasant.

These native behemoths bely the hardscrabble landscapes that they utilize. Sage grouse descended from a common ancestor with blue grouse. They have some similarities to the more prairie-adapted grouse like sharptails and prairie chickens, but also some notable differences, especially their diet.

Sage grouse are best known for their charismatic mating displays, which make them popular with birders and wildlife photographers. Every spring, males congregate daily on ‘leks’ to vie for the attention of females that come and go. Males fan their spiked tail-feathers and strut, not unlike turkeys. Instead of gobbling, males call by inflating large air sacs on their necks, then expel the air in a popping sound. Interspersed with low hoots, these calls can be heard for long distances on a still morning.

Males are most easily differentiated by their darker heads and a black band on their throats, but also by their notably larger size. Smaller juvenile males can be easily confused with mature females. Both sexes have black bellies under mottled brown backs that camouflage perfectly with their habitat. Their feathery legs protect them from the winter cold.

Sage grouse have smaller clutches than most game birds, but they can live much longer. Like the pronghorn and deer that occupy the sagebrush steppe, their population density isn’t particularly high anywhere. They are quite mobile, often migrating dozens of miles between winter and summer ranges. They subsist almost solely on sage leaves in the winter, while their summer diet includes green forbs and insects.

Sage Grouse Habitat

Sage grouse habitat is, unsurprisingly, sagebrush. When it comes to identifying good places to hunt, one quickly realizes that not all sagebrush is the same. There is an unexpected degree of variation, including sagebrush density, height, and surrounding plant communities. What constitutes the best habitat changes throughout the year?

When looking for hunting spots, it’s always best to start with the geology. By and large, sage grouse prefer gently rolling to flat terrain. A few big ridges and arroyos won’t deter them, but dissected, ‘up and down’ terrain will.

Along mountain margins, sage grouse sometimes migrate up to mid-elevation plateaus. Higher elevations are especially popular in late summer, where wetter conditions make for better brood rearing. As long as there is green vegetation, insects, and sagebrush, they are interested.

Most sage grouse hunting seasons are in September, when juvenile birds are still with their hens. Because young birds dine so heavily on insects, broods will invariably be close to water sources where grasshoppers and other bugs are more abundant.

Man-made stock ponds can be of limited value. Sage grouse really prefer naturally wetter zones. Look for green patches and ribbons along small gullies, especially on higher benches and plateaus. Hayfields that border intact sagebrush at agricultural margins can be very productive.

While trophy adult males can be harder to find during the hunting season, they often aren’t too far from the same areas hens are targeting to raise their young.

Novice hunters commonly make the mistake of walking thick and high sagebrush. While these areas can be important escape habitat, sage grouse are most often found in fairly short and sparse sagebrush stands, or along their margins.

Sage grouse are well-adapted to the dry landscapes that they inhabit. They get most of their water from their diet and can be found in surprisingly dry locales. That said, they are usually relatively close to water.

Sage Grouse Hunting Strategies

Any search for sage grouse should start by identifying the best habitat. Because they occupy vast areas, you can waste a lot of boot rubber and dog power before ever seeing a bird. Well-known sage grouse leks are a popular focus for inexperienced hunters, but it’s important to remember that even hens and broods are often miles from the nearest lek by hunting season.

Thoughtful hunting zone selection on the front end will pay dividends. Look for the recipe described above—sparse sage flanking green areas on higher plateaus—before you hike away from the truck.

Wherever you hunt, be in the field as early as possible. Sage grouse are more visible before and soon after sunrise. If you know you are in a promising zone, take time to glass with binoculars or a spotting scope. You can sometimes spot birds before you start approaching them. In this regard, a sage grouse hunt can feel like a big game hunt. Just like with antelope or elk, if you have an idea where birds are, try to use the land to mask your approach for as long as possible. Walk up an arroyo or try to approach from behind a rise.

If you aren’t sure if birds are around, simply look at the ground as you walk. Sage grouse leave large, cheese-puff shaped droppings anywhere they’ve been. Look for the fresher tan/white piles. Droppings can last quite a long time in the arid climate, so crumbly gray droppings are no guarantee of recent bird activity. Sage grouse also excrete separate tarry droppings. If you find these, check to see if they are still gooey. If so, sage grouse have been around recently.

Trophy adult birds didn’t achieve their age by being gullible. Oftentimes, even if you try to sneak into them, they will take flight well out of shotgun range. Do your best to mark their landing spot and follow up, as they often hold much better on second flushes.

Perhaps more so than any other native grouse, sage grouse can be hunted like pheasants. Get a group of friends together, spread out a bit, and walk transects across promising zones. The fewer hunters you have, the more you have to rely on your dog.

Hunting Dogs and Gear

While it is very possible to hunt sage grouse without a dog, a canine companion makes the pursuit more successful and rewarding. Any sort of dog can hunt sage grouse. Areas with decent two-track road networks are even a great option for an older dog who can’t cover much ground.

The ideal sage grouse dog is a big running pointer or setter. They can really reach out into the seemingly endless sage flats and save you a lot of effort. Sage grouse put out a lot of scent, even in dry conditions. If your dog can cover the ground, they will find the birds. Flushing dogs can also be a lot of fun on sage grouse, but improve their chances by only expending energy on the best-looking spots.

Amidst the sub-gauge revolution, a 12-gauge is still warranted for sage grouse. It will give you the best patterns at the typical 30-yard sage grouse range. Shot sizes of 4 or 5 through a modified choke are a good recipe. Golden eagles prey on sage grouse, so non-toxic bismuth is a thoughtful choice even where it isn't required.

Sturdy but comfortable boots are a smart choice in sage grouse country, as are gaiters to protect your legs as you push through the brush. Carry more water than you think you need. A strap vest can handily carry at least a few liters, as well as emergency gear.

You can encounter rattlesnakes though most sage grouse seasons. Have a way to carry your dog out if they meet with a venomous surprise or other injury.

In some areas, good sage grouse hunting is easily accessible, but the most memorable hunts occur at the end of a long, rough two track. An off-road worthy vehicle will unlock a lot of options. Be prepared for sand, mud, and rock far from the nearest tow truck.

Sage Grouse Conservation

Any discussion of sage grouse hunting is incomplete without mention of the conservation challenges they face.

Only seven states (Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon) still offer sage grouse hunting. Even in these states, hunter impacts are carefully considered. Regulations change annually, with hunt areas, daily limits, and license requirements responding to bird numbers. Consequently, you’ll need to stay up on the latest regulations in your area of interest.

Carefully managed sage grouse hunting gives sportspeople the opportunity to appreciate these regal birds, but hunters have a responsibility to ensure that sage grouse persist for future generations. In the field, that means taking clean shots, limiting harvests, and spreading out impacts.

You can avoid overhunting any particular spot by shunning pinned locations passed around by other hunters. Instead, seek out good habitat and find out for yourself what it holds.

After the hunt, consider ways to give back to sage grouse conservation through non-profits like the Sage Grouse Initiative, The Mule Deer Foundation, and state-specific habitat initiatives.  Speak out in support of biologically sound sage grouse management, even if that means limiting hunting opportunity.

Upland hunters can join forces with dedicated biologists and resource managers to ensure a bright future for sage grouse, while enjoying the unique hunting opportunities they give us.