G&F: April ideal time for sage-grouse viewing

CODY (WNE) — With warmer weather and greener landscapes, late-April is one of the best months of the year to view sage-grouse on their leks in Wyoming.

The sage-grouse is the largest species of grouse in North America. Each spring, male sage-grouse perform an elaborate sunrise display on communal breeding grounds known as leks, according to Wyoming Game and Fish. While sage-grouse require sagebrush landscapes to survive, leks are often located in open areas where the males can be better seen and heard by females.

“The dramatic display makes viewing sage-grouse a popular recreational activity during the spring across much of Wyoming,” said Nyssa Whitford, G&F sage-grouse biologist. “This year’s conditions are mostly dry across the state. We may still receive spring storms so be vigilant, watch the weather and pick a string of dry, clear mornings for your lek visit this year.”

G&F launched the Sage-Grouse Lek Viewing Guide about the best publicly accessible viewing locations across Wyoming, with directions to each lek location.

G&F offers these viewing tips:

• Arrive at lek sites at least one hour before sunrise.
• Park away from the edge of the lek. Do not drive onto the lek.
• Turn off vehicle lights and engine.
• Use binoculars and spotting scopes to observe birds.
• Stay in the vehicle.
• Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements.
• Let the birds leave before departing.
• Leave pets at home.
• Respect private land and do not trespass.
• Postpone a visit if roads are muddy.

Wyoming has a long history of sage-grouse conservation and was the first state to implement a statewide conservation strategy for the species. Through partnerships with landowners, other state and federal agencies and conservation organizations, G&F has worked to balance land use with conservation efforts, and help protect and restore sage-grouse populations throughout the state. 

This story was published on April 20, 2026.