First published in 1952 The Sage Grouse in Wyoming was a seminal work, the first comprehensive study of the several species of western grouse. The author, Robert L. Patterson led the study from 1948 - 1952. This comprehensive treatise includes the first complete study of the natural history of the sage grouse, initially described by Lewis and Clark in 1806.

The book is divided into three parts. Part I presents an overall view of the physical and biotic environment, diseases, parasites and other factors influencing population density. Part II is devoted to natural history and Part III is devoted to the influence of man’s activities on population density.