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grouse population that occurs both on and off the permit area. Initially, attempts <br />were mode to locate leking arenas in the fall using an electronic parabolic <br />microphone (EPM). This instrument was also used to locate leking arenas in the <br />spring. During the late fall and winter months field observations were made every <br />two weeks for 2-5 days at a time. Observation on flock size, feeding and roosting <br />areas and movements were made. P 8~ M staff, research consultants and Colorado <br />Division of Wildlife personnel all cooperated in field work efforts. Field surveys <br />were conducted on foot, on skis, on snowmobiles, 4 X 4 vehicles and aircraft. <br />Trapping and marking efforts began in January 1980. Tip top traps (Peterle <br />1956) were baited with rolled and wasted field oats, and placed in areas of heavy <br />grouse use. Mist nets were also set up in areas of grouse traffic during the winter <br />months. Later in the winter recordings were used To attract the grouse to the netted <br />areas (Eng., 1980). <br />After the birds began attending the leks in late March mist nets and tape <br />recordings of strutting birds were used on the leking arenas to trap the courting <br />grouse. Each bird captured was marked with o size 12 band and a color coded leg <br />band (Braun, 1979). Age, sex, weight and lek location was also recorded. Radio- <br />collars were assembled and attached to the female grouse. Tail clip radios (Braun, <br />• 1979) were attached to the males but proved to be too bulky. Size reduction of the <br />radio package decreased The weight but still proved to be unsatisfactory. Use of the <br />radio-collars on the males proved to be useful since the package did not interfere <br />with the cervical air sacs of the courting males. All radios used were AVM SMI <br />transmitters powered by Hg-640 batteries with a life expectancy of one year <br />(approx.). <br />Lek otTendance was documented from mid April Through May 1980. Early <br />morning and evening counts on the leking arenas were reduced to morning <br />observations when afternoon otTendance on the arenas did not occur. The lack of <br />courtship during the evening hours is contrary to other findings (Rogers 1969). <br />Vegetation and cover use by the grouse throughout the year was conducted at <br />the general level only. Visual documentation of food use and shelter were greatly <br />hampered by The dense cover and secretive behavior of the grouse, especially during <br />the brood rearing period. <br />Flushing Transect <br />• A one kilometer flushing transect was located in each of the following six <br />2.7-7 I <br />