2018 Greater Sage-Grouse Lek Monitoring Sign-up

Have You Ever Wanted To Do A Greater Sage-Grouse Lek Count?

The Board of the Friends of Hart Mountain is pleased to announce an opportunity for eight to nine members of the Friends to join us in monitoring sage-grouse leks March 22-25, 2018. Participants will be limited to active members (i.e., those whose dues are paid up as of the application date). Selection will be on a first come basis. Each individual must apply separately; that is, couples must apply individually. Participants must be in fit condition and willing arise as early as 4:00 AM, walking over rough ground in the dark and in freezing and sometimes wet weather to be in place at the lek before sunrise. The task can be challenging but the rewards, unforgettable.

Sage-grouse lek counts are among the most exciting and challenging activities on the refuge. It is also one of the most important. Protection of the Greater Sage-Grouse, which is threatened though not officially listed as endangered, requires accurate data. While data collection is the primary mission of the lek counts, this is an unparalleled opportunity to observe the mating performance of the male sage-grouse as well as view interactions with other refuge species. It is common, for example, to see pronghorn also watching the male sage-grouse strutting.

The counts last until around 10:00AM, when the birds begin to depart the lek. At that point we return to the bunkhouse for a second breakfast and to record data. Afternoons are generally free, though group leaders and some participants may hike out to scout the next morning’s leks.

We will be staying in the refuge bunkhouse and a manufactured home, which are equipped with appliances and kitchen utensils.  Participants should expect to share a room with another and will need to bring their own food and bedding (a sleeping bag or bedding for a single bed and a pillow).  Early mornings are cold (below freezing) and windy, so appropriate clothing–warm coats, long underwear, rain pants, hiking boots, warm socks and head lamps are necessary.  The terrain is rocky; sturdy boots with good ankle support are advised.  Those who have them should bring binoculars, spotting scopes and GPSes; the refuge will furnish the necessary equipment for those who do not.  Some may wish to bring cameras.  Remember, our primary goal is an accurate count of the birds, which requires not disturbing the lek.  That means that we must remain at some distance (0.1 mi) from the lek, which will require at least a 300mm lens for a decent shot.

In conjunction with the lek count, the Board will hold a brief meeting.  Participants will be welcome to join us to discuss future activities and directions.

Participants should arrive no later than 4:00 PM on Thursday, March 22 and expect to depart late Sunday morning, May 25, following that day’s count and cleaning up the bunk house. More detailed information on what to expect and what to bring will be sent to successful applicants.

APPLICATION and SELECTION:

Applications will be available on this website at 8:00 AM, Monday, January 29 and will remain open for one week or until a sufficient number of qualified applications has been received.  Selection will be on a first-come basis.  Successful candidates will be notified by e-mail beginning Feb 9.  Others will be placed on a backup list.