FORT PIERRE, (KCCR) — The population of prairie grouse across the Fort Pierre National Grasslands is good, based on high reproductive success. Wings collected from hunters during the first three weeks of the 2023 season show the juvenile to adult prairie grouse ratio was two-point-one-one to one. That number was up from last year which was one-point-six-four to one. Over the last 30 years, the juvenile-to-adult ratio has averaged one-point-nine-seven to one. The ratio provides biologists with an important index to judge the success of the recently completed nesting system. The 2023 calculation was based on the collection of over 1200 wings at 1,217, a record-high sample. Sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie chickens are collectively known as prairie grouse. Greater prairie chickens accounted for 78-percent of the prairie grouse harvested this year. That was down from last year when 82-percent were harvested. The long term average is 69-percent. Fort Pierre Ranger District Wildlife Biologist Jaci Baker says the breeding success is likely due to good nesting cover and favorable weather during the incubation and early brood periods.
