Gunnison Sage-Grouse

Description: The Gunnison sage-grouse has been recently recognized as a separate species from the greater sage-grouse. It is distinguished from the greater sage-grouse by three notable characteristics: it’s significantly smaller, the males have longer and more pronounced filoplumes which on a courting male form distinct crests rolling out from either side of the head, and the tail has distinct white bars. The mottled brown-and-gray hen is more uniform in color and has a black belly but no eye combs and a less-dramatic tail. Males are larger than hens. Average size: 22-28 inches. Average weight: 2-5 pounds.

Science: Found in areas with a combination of rolling hills mixed with large flat areas with reliable water sources in south-central Colorado and southeastern Utah, the Gunnison sage-grouse is geographically isolated from the greater sage-grouse. In the winter, birds will sometimes travel long distances to lower elevations. They feed both early and late in the day and primarily eat the buds, shoots and leaves of sagebrush, though they will also eat wild grasses, alfalfa, berries, and small insects. From the fall through the winter, they form large packs of one hundred birds or more which stay together until the spring. The population is declining due to loss of habitat.

Hunting: As these birds are very wary, they are best hunted in the morning or evening with a close-working pointing or flushing dog. Most hunters locate water sources in areas near sage flats and work out from there. The eating quality varies, as older birds can be quite strong-tasting and have a sage flavor.