NOVEMBER 2018 • NEBRASKAland 31
they can be found in the same habitat
as prairie-chickens but are often a little
more tolerant of woody vegetation. In
the winter, sharpies bunch up and are
often found in large thickets or linear
tree rows.
Higher proportions of grouse
are found west of Highway 83 in
the Sandhills, including Samuel R.
McKelvie National Forest, Crescent
Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR),
and even into the Pine Ridge region.
Sharpies can also be found on some
OFW lands in the southern panhandle
as well.
Equipment
Dress in layers. To accomplish an
upland slam in two days, 20 days, or
something in between, being prepared
to walk long distances is key with
or without a dog. Have a base layer
of non-cotton materials – such as
polyester or a synthetic – with boots
suited for these distances. Because
grouse and chickens typically garner
the most distance covered during
an upland hunt – with many hunters
covering multiple miles during a day
– it's important to be ready for long
days afoot. Drinking water is a must –
for you and your dogs.
Gun choice is also an important
component to accomplishing the
upland slam. Because of these
distances when hunting grouse and
chickens, some hunters will carry
lighter shotguns – such as a 20- or
16-gauge.
Regarding loads, lead No. 6's are
a great universal load, but hunters
Grouse Hunting Opportunities
Rare
Good
Best
Bobwhite Quail Hunting Opportunities
Rare
Good
Best
Pheasant Hunting Opportunities
Good
Best
