Of the six recognized subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus, the Columbian T.p. columbianus has experienced the greatest decline. The goal of this study was to create an additional source of grouse for reintroduction and to measure fates of released grouse. Hatching success of eggs under artificial incubation (28.6%) was poorer (P < 0.0001) than parent (93.9%) and chicken-incubated (86.7%). Fledging rates of young also differed (P = 0.0018) between hand-rearing (31.15%), grouse (28.3%), and chicken (0.0%) rearing methods. In the two seasons monitored (autumn/winter, spring), grouse preferred unharvested small grain food patches over eight other habitats. There were differences in survival between the groups (P = 0.084). Fall-released parent-reared grouse survived much better than fall-released hand-reared birds (P = 0.046). Spring-released hand-reared birds survived longer than fall-released hand-reared grouse (P = 0.079). There was no difference in survival between spring-released hand-reared and autumn-released parent-reared grouse (P = 0.754). Captive-reared grouse can be of value in restoration programs if enough can be raised to meet objectives, and predator avoidance skills are maximized.

Key words: captive rearing, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, translocation, Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus, Washington

Christopher R. Merker, Natural Resource Department, Spokane Tribe of Indians, P.O. Box 100, Wellpinit, Washington 99040, USA