Maximizing the detection probabilities of dusky grouse for population monitoring

Despite its status as a game species in the western United States, rigorous monitoring of dusky grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) populations is limited. Obtaining an adequate number of observations for effective population monitoring of dusky grouse is challenging due to difficult-to-reach montane habitats, cryptic behaviors, and limited personnel, time, and funds at conservation agencies. While habitat accessibility and survey effort constraints may be outside a manager’s control, identifying the most effective protocols to better detect a target species is possible and will improve monitoring programs. Our objectives were to 1) evaluate field-based protocols for maximizing dusky grouse detections and 2) identify survey conditions and timing that maximize the probability of detecting dusky grouse in western Montana. We conducted replicated point-count surveys with and without electronic playback of grouse calls in spring and summer 2019, and spring surveys solely with electronic playback ..., Data consists of point-count surveys conducted in western Montana, off-trail in spring and summer 2019, and on roads and trails in springs 2020 and 2021.  During the 2019 season, we surveyed each point three times on three different mornings within a 2-week period, and during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, 4 point-counts were conducted within the same morning.
In 2019, surveys consisted of two 4-minute consecutive point-counts, the first without electronic playback, and the second with electronic playback played used a portable speaker. During the spring, we used electronic playback of a female sooty grouse call (cantus, whinny, and cackle) and in the summer we used a dusky grouse chick distress call. Playback recordings consisted of 30 seconds of playback, then 30 seconds of silence, repeated for the entire 4-minute period.
In 2020 and 2021, surveys were only conducted using electronic playback of a female dusky grouse call (cantus and cackle).
During all years of the study, all dusky..., , # Maximizing the detection probabilities of dusky grouse for population monitoring

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hqbzkh1s7](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.hqbzkh1s7)

## Description of the data and file structure

Data consists of point-count surveys conducted in western Montana, off-trail in spring and summer 2019, and on roads and trails in springs 2020 and 2021.  During the 2019 season, we surveyed each point three times on three different mornings within a 2-week period, and during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, 4 point-counts were conducted within the same morning.

In 2019, surveys consisted of two 4-minute consecutive point-counts, the first without electronic playback, and the second with electronic playback played used a portable speaker. During the spring, we used electronic playback of a female dusky grouse call (cantus, whinny, and cackle) and in the summer we used a chick distress call. Playback recordings consisted of 30 seconds of playback, then 30 seconds of silence, repeat...,