Quick Answer
Sharp-tailed grouse are drawn to prairies with specific terrain features, including areas with low to moderate slopes, sparse vegetation, and scattered trees. These birds prefer habitats with short grasses and forbs, often found in areas with recent disturbance, such as old fields or burn scars. They also require a mix of open and closed habitats.
Habitat Preferences
Sharp-tailed grouse in prairies are typically found in areas with low to moderate slopes, which provide suitable elevation changes to facilitate their unique breeding display. These birds prefer slopes of 1-5% and often inhabit areas with a mix of short grasses and forbs, such as clover and wildflowers. They require a minimum of 10-20 hectares of habitat with a mix of open and closed areas, including scattered trees and shrubs.
Breeding Habitat Criteria
When selecting breeding habitat, sharp-tailed grouse look for areas with recent disturbance, such as old fields or burn scars, which provide a mix of open and closed habitats. These areas should have a low to moderate density of trees and shrubs, typically less than 5-10 trees per hectare. The ideal breeding habitat should also have a mix of short grasses and forbs, with a mix of annual and perennial vegetation. A recent study found that areas with a mix of 50-75% grasses and 25-50% forbs were most attractive to sharp-tailed grouse.
Tips for Hunters
When hunting sharp-tailed grouse in prairies, it’s essential to be aware of the terrain features that attract these birds. Hunters should focus on areas with recent disturbance, such as old fields or burn scars, and look for a mix of open and closed habitats. They should also be prepared to move quickly and quietly through the terrain, as sharp-tailed grouse can be easily spooked by human activity. A good pair of binoculars and a knowledge of the terrain can help hunters locate these birds and increase their chances of success.
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