All locations of birds are estimated by taking at least three compass bearings from known tracking locations. Bearings are mapped to determine approximate bird locations. All radio transmitters are equipped with motion sensitive switches. These switches activate when the radio has not moved for eight hours. It is assumed that a grouse is dead if the activity switch has been activated.
Researchers then locate the radio collar and determine the cause of death for each grouse.
Each transmitted hen is closely monitored during the nesting season. Incubation dates, clutch sizes and hatching dates are all determined from telemetry locations and nest checks. Chick survival is monitored by checking broods at one, three and five weeks of age. Habitat data is collected at all nest and brood sites. This will be compared to overall habitat availability to determine preferred brood habitat.