Idaho Fish and Game sets hunting season for sage grouse

Despite proposals for the sage-grouse to be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, there will be a limited sage-grouse hunting season this year in parts of Idaho.

“The US fish and wildlife service determined that hunting was not a significant threat to sage grouse populations,” said Paul Atwood, a biologist for Idaho Fish and Game. “The threats to sage grouse populations are mainly threats to their habitat and fragmentation of that habitat.”

Idaho Fish and Game said current sage grouse data indicates that sage grouse populations are increasing in certain areas in Idaho, such as the northern Snake River Plain.

This year’s season is expected to run from September 19 through September 25, with a daily bag limit of one bird, and a possession limit of two birds.