CODY (WNE) — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is rolling out SCOUT – sage-grouse cluster ordering by unified trend assessment – a specialized tool designed to analyze annual sage-grouse lek activity and provide the data to build adaptive management strategies.

G&F works annually to analyze sage-grouse population metrics throughout the state. Working alongside partners, G&F monitors approximately 90% of occupied sage-grouse leks, which are found throughout most of Wyoming. 

Data gathered through SCOUT will add to existing historic data, allowing the department to assess current population trends at a statewide and local level.

G&F Director Angi Bruce said SCOUT also will provide an important tool in continuing to monitor sage grouse and identify where the department can provide accurate insights for management.

When coupled with historic data, SCOUT will allow G&F to identify sage-grouse population clusters that are performing better or worse than others. Such a population analysis can help prioritize portions of the state where opportunities for management changes may be identified.

G&F presented SCOUT to the Sage-Grouse Implementation Team during its meeting April 8 in Casper. To learn more about the SGIT, as well as the sage-grouse executive order, visit wgfd.wyo.gov/wyoming-wildlife/sage-grouse-management/sage-grouse-executive-order.