Also known as: Sage grouse, Sage hen
Greater Sage-GrouseThe Greater Sage-Grouse is a large, ground-dwelling bird with a gray-brown body and black abdomen. Males have a black head and inflatable yellow air sacs surrounded by white ruff. Females have light brown cheeks surrounded by white feathers and a shorter tail than the male.
Habitat & Range
Sage-Grouse can be found among the sagebrush steppe in Nevada. They are considered to be a sagebrush obligate species, this means they need sagebrush for their overall survival.
Life History
Greater Sage-Grouse males begin courtship rituals by inflating their air sacs and spreading their tail feathers. The sound emitted from the male’s booming display during courtship is heard loudest from the sides, so they will stand beside the females in an attempt to attract them, rather than in front of them. Upon mating, females will build their nest on the ground and lay one egg a day for up to nine days, averaging seven eggs in a clutch. They heavily depend on sagebrush for shelter and their main food source, along with leaves, flowers, and insects. Because they lack a strong gizzard, they are unable to consume hard seeds, resulting in having a soft diet.
Status, Trends & Threats
Habitat Degradation - Due to Invasive Species; Habitat Fragmentation; Habitat Loss
Hunting Season
9-Day Season (select units): Sep 20-28, 2025. 2-Day Season (other units): Sep 20-21, 2025. Sheldon NWR Special Hunt: Sep 27-28, 2025 (draw only).
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulations for hunting Greater Sage-Grouse in Nevada
Greater sage-grouse hunting in Nevada is restricted to specific hunt units and seasons. The 9-day season (Sep 20-28) is open in select Elko, Humboldt, Lander, Eureka, and Nye county units. A 2-day season (Sep 20-21) is available in additional Washoe, Humboldt, Churchill, White Pine, and other county units. Closed to nonresidents except for the Sheldon NWR special draw (40 reservations, applications due by Aug 11). Hunter wing samples requested for NDOW study.
Can nonresidents hunt sage grouse in Nevada?
Generally no. Sage grouse hunting is closed to nonresidents except for the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge special draw, which offers 40 reservations. Nonresidents may apply for the Sheldon NWR hunt as individuals or groups of up to 4.
When is Greater Sage-Grouse hunting season in Nevada?
9-Day Season (select units): Sep 20-28, 2025. 2-Day Season (other units): Sep 20-21, 2025. Sheldon NWR Special Hunt: Sep 27-28, 2025 (draw only).
What is the bag limit for Greater Sage-Grouse in Nevada?
2 per day, 4 possession.
What's another name for Greater Sage-Grouse?
Greater Sage-Grouse is also known as Sage grouse, Sage hen in Nevada.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | 9-Day Season (select units): Sep 20-28, 2025. 2-Day Season (other units): Sep 20-21, 2025. Sheldon NWR Special Hunt: Sep | Link |
| Nevada | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | Greater sage-grouse hunting in Nevada is restricted to specific hunt units and seasons. The 9-day season (Sep 20-28) is | Link |
