>On Fri, 27 Oct 1995, Jim Elder wrote:
>> Does anyone know any reliable locations for Sharp-tailed Grouse
>> that would not require hunter orange at this time of year? In (or very
>> near) Washington of course.

try along the roads in northern Douglas Co., particularly along W. Foster
Creek between Bridgeport and Mansfield. However, they are tough to see
until the snow flys. Then the grouse can be seen perched in water birch
feeding on the buds.

>Pardon my ignorance. I know Sharp-tailed Grouse are still classified as
>game birds (as are Sage Grouse), but is there really still a hunting
>season on them? I believe Sharp-tailed Grouse are high on the candidate
>list for birds in danger of extirpation in Washington. How about Sage
>Grouse, are they still hunted also?

There are no seasons in Washington. However, some of the best testing
deer--fattened on eastern Washington wheat--are in the same habitat.

>-------------
>Michael R. Smith

Jerry_Tangren at tfrec.ncw.net
Wenatchee WA