All,

In 2007 we (USU Extension) piloted a program to get dedicated hunters and volunteers to count and search for new leks (sage- and sharptailed grouse). We found that the counting of leks was not as successful as expected, however searching for new leks was a success. During the Spring 2008 we will be soliciting volunteers to search for new leks throughout sage- and sharptailed grouse range here in Utah. A "new" lek is defined as being one that has 1) not been detected in the past, 2) has recently began due to increased population, or 3) has moved from a previous location.

Volunteers will need to have the following requirements:
- a GPS unit and working knowledge of it
- an ability to follow directions based on maps (usually 1:100k)
- good optics (binos required and spotting scope)
- a good 4WD vehicle
- birddogs are not a must, but may be helpful for searching efforts

We will be conducting training sessions in Cache County, Ogden, SLC, the Basin, and Toole in upcoming weeks. We will post (via e-mail) dates and times ASAP.

I know some of you have much experience with searching Northern Utah for sharptailed grouse leks. Please contact me if you are interested in helping with training and moving this program forward. For those of you who have searched for new leks (Ernie and Jim for example), we would appreciate your expertise as we delineate search areas on maps.

Volunteer hours will be used as in kind donation to the UDWR, and those volunteers who would like to use their hours towards dedicated hunter hours is acceptable.

Please distribute this information to all possible volunteers in your circles.

Thank you,

David Dahlgren (435-881-1910) and Todd Black (435-770-9302)
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David Dahlgren
Graduate Research Assistant
Dept. of Wildland Resources
Utah State University
(435) 881-1910 mobile and office "when your office is the outdoors"
dkd@cc.usu.edu