DNR asks sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chicken hunters for wing samples
Sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chicken hunters can voluntarily submit one wing from each bird they harvest in Minnesota for a Department of Natural Resources study that aims to better understand how these birds move through the landscape.
“We want to better understand how areas of habitat are connected or not connected to each other and identify factors that limit movements of prairie grouse,” said Charlotte Roy, DNR grouse project leader. “With this information, we can prioritize conservation actions and target areas that are likely to produce the most benefit.”
In addition to the wings, the DNR is asking hunters to send the GPS coordinates of where each bird was harvested. Coordinates can be found using a variety of devices such as hand-held GPS devices and smartphone applications. Mapping websites such as Google Maps on a desktop computer also can be used. If GPS coordinates are not available, township, range, section and quarter-section information is useful but GPS coordinates are preferred.
“We will use this location information along with a genetic sample from the wing to examine how genetic variability occurs over the landscape,” Roy said. “By knowing this we can use this information to better adapt our habitat management strategies.”
Wings should be sent in paper envelopes. For specific directions on how to submit the wing and for more information, see http://www.mndnr.gov/hunting/grouse; call Eric Nelson at 218-833-8630; or call an area DNR wildlife office.