CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is rolling out SCOUT — sage-grouse cluster ordering by unified trend assessment — a specialized tool designed to analyze annual sage-grouse lek activity and utilize the data to build adaptive management strategies.

Game and Fish works annually to analyze sage-grouse population metrics throughout the state. Working alongside partners, Game and Fish monitors approximately 90% of occupied sage-grouse leks, which are found throughout most of Wyoming. Data gathered through SCOUT will add to existing historic data, allowing the department to assess current population trends at a statewide and local level.

Game and Fish Director Angi Bruce emphasized that SCOUT also will provide an important tool in continuing to monitor sage-grouse, and identify where the department  can provide accurate insights for management.

“Identifying where we can optimize management opportunities will allow the State of Wyoming to prioritize strategies through targeted habitat treatments or other land-use policy decisions within these areas," Bruce said.

When coupled with historic data, SCOUT will allow Game and Fish to identify sage-grouse population clusters that are performing better or worse than others. Such a population analysis can help prioritize portions of the state where opportunities for management changes may be identified.

“SCOUT provides an important tool in our toolbox for identifying sage-grouse population concerns at a local level,” Game and Fish Deputy Chief of Wildlife Justin Binfet said. “It will help Wyoming continue to prioritize management actions where they're needed most.” 

Game and Fish will present  SCOUT to the Sage-Grouse Implementation Team during its next meeting April 8 in Casper. Learn more about the SGIT, as well as the Sage-grouse executive order, by visiting the  Game and Fish website.

—WGFD—