The best source of information on the population status of Sharp-tailed Grouse is the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), which samples much of its range and has high precision. The national BBS trend shows a steady decline from the early 1970s to late 1990s, followed by a subsequent increase back up to early 1970s levels. The recent rebound has been less pronounced in the parkland and southern boreal region, where the long-term trend shows a moderate decrease. In contrast to the BBS, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) indicates a large long-term decline of 71%, but it is less standardized and its precision is only medium, so it is likely less reliable than the BBS.

The goal for Sharp-tailed Grouse is to maintain its population at or above the level it was at in the early 1970s, based on the Breeding Bird Survey. Recent data show that the population is within its goal range.