The latest setback for loss of wildlife on the northern plains. Other species affected.
Sage Grouse Dilemma
Dakota Country Staff Report
T here’ s plenty of proof out there that the outdoor world, specifically wildlife, is losing ground. Literally.
The latest downgrade involves North Dakota’ s dwindling sage grouse population. For the first time in state history no male birds were found on the dancing grounds last spring. None. Subsequently, conservation professionals from every arena agree that, barring a major expenditure to renew their habitat, the prized sage grouse will not return to the state.
As a new example of wildlife in trouble, it was recently reported that Texas has lost 50 percent of its bighorn sheep in the last five years. Mostly it’ s habitat loss, but 0ther reasons include industry encroachment, weather, disease, agriculture changes, climate and more.
The loss of native prairie sage grouse has been declining for decades. The prized birds still inhabit 11 states in the U. S. but was never a primary figure in North Dakota, occupying only about 30 to 40 miles in the southwest corner. The area that borders western North Dakota along Montana and northwestern South Dakota is also experiencing declines. Wyoming has a salient sage grouse population, mostly in the central part of the state. Beyond that, though birds thrive in many areas, encroachment into their habitat is unabated.
Sage grouse numbers tallied
Sage Grouse Gone in ND
The latest setback for loss of wildlife on the northern plains. Other species affected.
about 550 in North Dakota in the mid-1950s when habitat and solitude were prime. Even then, some wildlife managers knew the situation was flimsy.
Limited sage grouse hunting began in the mid-1960s, but fewer opportunities were experienced as time progressed. With continued declining numbers, the season was eliminated in 2008.
“ We’ ve been seeing a decline since the 1960s,” said ND Game and Fish game management supervisor, Jesse Kolar.“ By the 1980s the population was around 300 and into the 1990s it was consistently into the 200’ s.”
Besides sage grouse, several other species depend on western North Dakota habitat for survival, including antelope and mule deer.
ND Game and Fish Dept., Ashley Peterson.
Bill Mitzel
Page 40, Dakota Country, September 2025 www. dakotacountrymagazine. com