Grouse wing collection box at Missoula FWP office

MISSOULA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists are asking mountain grouse hunters to drop off wing samples to help with an effort to better understand grouse populations across west-central Montana, FWP Region 2.

Wings from mountain grouse harvested in FWP’s Region 2 can be dropped off any time at the Missoula FWP office (3201 Spurgin Road) now through Jan. 1, 2026. The cabinet is located just outside the front entrance and includes more detailed instructions for hunters.

One wing from each harvested bird from the region can be dropped in the cabinet or turned in to biologists, game wardens, and at wildlife check stations during the general big game hunting season. Wing sample donations are voluntary but are an important way to collect information on grouse populations across the region.

The wings are used to identify bird species and their age class (juvenile or adult). Over time, these wing samples will help biologists better understand how many young birds are recruited into the population annually and if any work needs to be done to help improve survival rates.

Hunters with questions on the research or wing submission can contact FWP Missoula are wildlife biologist, Ryan Klimstra at ryan.klimstra@mt.gov or 406-542-5516.