FIRST, you should be aware that Sage Grouse are a stupid, ugly, relict species that are so dumb that they "refuse" to evolve to the point where they can survive in their altered habitat as it exists today and, as such, they should be allowed to "go extinct" rather than continuing to expend millions of dollars in perserving their very specific habitat, (which is all but worthless for any other use), as we do today. Just like the Condor, (other than the lack of a "nut sack" for a head), they are far more trouble than they are worth and their loss would make the "rape" of the remaining HIGH STEPPE deserts of the West far less difficult for those who see the $$$$$ signs instead of vistas, that are, as we all know, the "true" worth of any habitat......Plus if you didn't have all that nasty old sage and replaced it with Oil rigs and housing complexes it would be easier to take our guns which, we also know, is the reason for all legislation, either directly, or indirectly.
SECOND, at the risk of aggravating my buddy Dave by disputing his "they don't eat well" comments on Sage Grouse, I'm going to tell you that, IMO, thats as wrong as the comments that East Coast Brant, and all Sea Ducks, including Goldeneye's, aren't fit to eat. Sage Grouse don't just eat Sage as is often stated but, in fact, eat large amounts of alfalfa and forbes during the summer and early fall, (which is when you would be shooting them), and as such don't have the over-powering "sage taint" that you hear so many people claim that they have. In truth I've never eaten a "bad" Sage Grouse but I will also state that all of them that I have eaten have been shot in September or October before they switch to their winter diet of "predominantly sage".....so "maybe" for those people who have been forced to "winter" on them they are a "poor choice" for eating, (but lets not forget that endentrued servants in the East had "Salmon no more than three times a week" in their contracts and that the Gentlemen on the Lewis and Clarke camping trip also complained about ElK being a "poor choice")....
Like Sea Ducks and East Coast Brant the secret is in the preperation and cooking......stuff a Sage Grouse into the back of your vest on a hot Sept. afternoon, then throw it in the back of the hot truck, until sundown, then cook it like you would a Pheasant and I'm sure you'd get the same type of results that come from people cooking Eiders like Mallards. Most people that are happy to eat Sage Grouse will tell you to draw the bird immediately, including the removal of the proventricula, so that all vegetable matter is removed as quickly as possible and then get the bird out of your vest as soon as possible. I personally don't draw my birds but I do get them into the cooler so that they can cool out as quickly as possible. Breast them, take the thighs, and then cook them over white hot coals after breifly marinating them in wine, melted butter and worchestishire sauce. If you don't like them that way then just mail all future Sage Grouse to me and I'll pay the shipping.....
Here's what I know about hunting Sage Grouse.....and where I agree with Dave...at least partially....Sage Grouse occur in 10 Western States with huntable populations of birds in 7 or 8 of them.....At least 3 of those States are either "extremely short", (S.D. with a 2 day season), and/or with a "permit system", (Oregon and California). Add to the difficulty of the draw the fact that you have to have your Non-Resident license prior to applying for the permit and hunting them in States like Ca. and Oregon isn't a particularly "prudent" way to plan a trip.
That leaves the following with seasons: Montana, (60 day season/4 birds a day), Idaho,(3 week season/2 bids a day), Colorado, outside the Gunnison Basin where the Endangered "Gunnison Grouse", a smaller version of the Greater Sage Grouse resides, (1 week season/2 birds a day), Nevada, (2 week season/2 birds a day) and Wyoming, (10 day season/2 birds a day). All of the seasons that are abbreviated are in September except for Nevada which holds its season in October.
Most of the States that have Grouse Seasons also open their Forest and Prarie Grouse, (includes Chukar and Hungarian Partridge), but not Quail, (if present), and Pheasant season so that you can hunt "multiple" species if you are hunting during the September portions of the Sage Grouse seasons. Fishing is excellent in September and the weather is going to be "better", on average, than it will be later. However Duck Season won't be open....
So the answer to WHEN becomes one of WHAT you want to hunt while you're on your trip. If you want to be able to hunt Ducks and Pheasants along with shooting a Sage Grouse then that leaves only Montana as they are the only state that has a season that is open while all of the other species are open.
If Ducks aren't a "primary" consideration then Montana "might not be" the best State assuming that you can time your visit during the other States "abbreviated" seasons. I love the "variety" of the Western Upland Seasons and every State has a different "group" of Upland birds to offer visiting hunters.
Montana has Sharptails, Huns, Pheasants, and all (3) Forest Grouse-(the Blue's will be Dusky's and the Spruce Gouse will Franklin's--this being a matter of little import to almost no one although I know it will be of interest to you). They have a "few" Chukars but there are far better states for these than Montana.
Idaho has Columbia Sharptail, (a recognized sub-species), Valley and Bobwhite Quail, all (3) Forest Grouse-same as Montana), Huns, way better Chukar than Montana, , and Pheasants.
S.D. has Sharptails and Greater Prairie Chickens, plus I have heard that "on occassion" one might stumble upon the "odd" Pheasant there.
The other states listed have the above species, to varying degree, and you could add Scaled Quail, Himalayan Snow Cock, (yeah right), and Whitetailed Ptarmigan to the list if you really decided to try to "do it all" on one trip.....
Washington no longer has Sage or Columbian Sharptail season but I will lobby here, (because of a desire to visit with Jen and your Boys--you may wait in the car while I take them on a Quail hunt),that we have incredible Chukar and Quail hunting, good Hun hunting and can likely show you a WILD Pheasant if you were so inclined. And afterall, if you've driven to Central Montana from your house whats another 10 hours, give or take. Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde is "incredible" at that time as well.
Conclusion: I've never shot either of the Priaire Chickens, or a Snow Cock....excepting those, of all the other Upland birds that I've hunted I'd have to say that I like the Sage Grouse the best. That's partly true because they were the first native Upland birds that I shot after moving West, partly because I shot them here in Washington with Mike, partly because they are so neat when they thunder aloft from under the dogs nose, but mostly because of the places that they live. The high desert, sagebrush steppe, that they frequent is so dramatic, so remote, and so "mostly" free of mans influence, that every one shot becomes a "treasure" to me, and the dogs. I figure you'll feel the same way once you've seen them.....
Steve, GET THE LEAD OUT, Sutton
