Biologists Report Increase in South Dakota’s Grouse Numbers

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Biologists say prairie grouse populations are continuing to rebound in South Dakota after the drought of 2012.

Spring lek counts from both state and federal biologists showed significantly higher numbers than last year's counts. Wildlife biologist Ruben Mares says the 2015 count of male greater prairie chickens on the Fort Pierre National Grassland was nearly double the amount recorded in 2014.

He credits fairly mild winter conditions with allowing more birds to survive to mating season.

Alex Solem, an upland game resource biologist with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, says the statewide grouse population also saw an increase.

He says the amount of male sharp-tailed grouse counted on the state's 10 lek counting routes rose by nearly 20 percent.

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