Many things make grouse special. They are native to North America, unlike the introduced pheasants and partridge. They are residents when conditions are inhospitable for most species, even humans. They are an integral part of our cultural history, from native Americans to the European settlers that followed. They also display a variety of mating systems, from the monogamy of ptarmigan to the lek breeding of prairie grouse where one male may mate with numerous females. My goal is to explore some of this diversity and enhance our appreciation for this group of birds.

Michael Schroeder is a Certified Wildlife Biologist who has pursued research and management of grouse since 1981. Mike received his Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology from Texas A&M University, his Master of Science degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Alberta for research on spruce grouse, and his Doctor of Philosophy from Colorado State University for research on greater prairie-chickens. He joined the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1992 as a research scientist and has continued to focus most of his activities on the biology and management of grouse. He has been an author on approximately 90 peer-reviewed publications with the vast majority on grouse.

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