Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) adult and juvenile survival have been identified as critical demographic parameters. However, little is known regarding the dynamics of juvenile sage-grouse. From 2008-2010, I used radio-telemetry and 2 transmitter types to monitor 91 juvenile sage-grouse. Program MARK was used to analyze survival data. Over-winter survival was 0.802 - 0.982 and 0.687 - 0.969 for females and males, respectively. Fall survival rates were 0.522 - 0.623 for females and 0.332 - 0.449 for males. Survival from fall through winter was 0.418 - 0.616 for females and 0.228 - 0.435 for males. For both years combined, the probability predation caused death was 0.705, and probability harvest caused death was 0.159. The probability unreported harvest caused death was 0.091. Sex (p= 0.103) and transmitter type (p = 0.09) affected survival. Back-mounted transmitters negatively affected survival and their use should be avoided to minimize experimental bias. 

Sage-grouse age and breeding status may affect susceptibility to harvest. Radio-telemetry data collected from 1998-2009, maximum likelihoods, and profile likelihood confidence intervals (α = 0.1) were used to assess hen harvest risk by breeding status. The probability of harvest was 0.087 (0.035-0.171) and 0.011 (0.001-0.039) for brood hens and non-brood hens, respectively. More research is needed to determine the acceptable harvest rates for juvenile and adult hen sage-grouse. Future harvest management actions should attempt to shift harvest away from juveniles and the hens associated with them.

Sage-grouse are dependent on sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) during winter months. Impacts to wintering areas could have a disproportionate effect on population size. On Parker Mountain, sage-grouse used winter habitats characterized by 0-5% slopes regardless of aspect and slopes 5-15% south to west in aspect. The timing of movements to wintering areas varied between years. In 2008 movements occurred rapidly during November, whereas in 2009 movements were slow and meandering beginning in late September and continuing through November. A vast majority of significant winter use (areas with kernel density estimates of >.94 locations per km2) was on a small percentage, 3%, of the available habitat. Some critical wintering areas may not be readily identifiable in typical years.