The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USF&WS) has received over 20 petitions to list the Greater Sage Grouse as threatened or endangered under the ESA.  The USF&WS has refused to list it.  The States have very aggressively begun programs to restore sage grouse populations.  Many research projects have begun.  Idaho SCI has invested in a study by Idaho State University called:

                        Effects of Raven Removal on Sage Grouse Nest Success.

Purpose:         ● Identify sage Grouse nest Predators

                      ● Does predator management work?

                      ● Habitat impacts on predation

Funding:                USDA - Jack Berryman Institute - Utah State Univ.

                               Nevada Div. of Wildlife

                              Idaho Dept of Fish and Game

                             Carson Valley Chukar Club

                             SCI - Nevada, Northern Nevada, and Idaho Chapters

Researcher:        Idaho Sate University - Pete Coates

Factors Tested:    Which predator(s) is most serious - so far, the Raven.  Small cameras are posted near the nests and the predator can be observed.

Does predator reduction work - test and control areas are being tested where raven removal is effects are measured.

Habitat Impacts - nest locations are being measured for amount of cover vegetation hiding the nest.

Man-made Impacts – distance from power lines, landfills, and other human activities subsidizing Raven populations are being measured.

 What’s Next?           1. The research will determine if Raven Control helps sage grouse nest success.

    The data will likely support the issuance of difficult to obtain USFWS Raven

     control permits for specific sage grouse nesting areas.

2.  Habitat data may point to management changes on the ground.  If predator  

     control proves to be the single most effective, then habitat changes may not

     be necessary..

3.      Listing:  Pressure will continue the mount for listing.  Depending upon this and other research results and success in increasing Safe Grouse number, listing my or may not happen.  SCI is anxious to help avoid listing for its possible negative effects on:

●          The loss of a noble bird that is part of our native Idaho

●          The impact on access and use of public lands

●          The impact on Agricultural land use

The Gunnison Sage Grouse is already listed in Utah and Colorado.  Let’s hope this and other work can bring the greater sage Grouse back from the brink.

 In addition to the $5,000.00 which our Idaho Chapter contributed to this study, Safari Club International added a matching component of $2,500.00 raising the total donation to $7,500.00.

The Idaho Chapter of Safari Club International puts money on the ground in our region for the benefit of hunters and wildlife.