April 2019 • Nebraskaland 45
Viewing
Nebraska has two species of prairie grouse: the
greater prairie-chicken, found throughout central
Nebraska and in some locations in the southeast,
and the sharp-tailed grouse, found primarily in the
Sandhills and Panhandle.
Males begin to arrive on leks in late February
and remain into early May, but courtship displays
don't begin in earnest until mid-March, and activity
peaks in mid-April. The best way to experience this
unique ritual is from a lek-side blind. A list of these
opportunities ranging from free, self-guided blinds
on public land, to guided blind visits packaged with
lodging and/or breakfast, follows.
Grouse arrive at leks well before sunrise. If you are
using a public blind, plan on being settled in at least
45 minutes before sunrise and staying until the birds
leave roughly 2 hours later so you do not disturb the
lek. If possible, visit the day before so it will be easier
to fi nd your way in the dark.
Free Public Blinds
Bessey Ranger District, Nebraska National
Forest, Halsey/Thedford. Sharp-tailed grouse and
prairie-chickens. Two blinds available April 1, fi rst
come, fi rst served. 308-533-2257, fs.usda.gov/main/
nebraska/home
Burchard Lake WMA, Burchard. Prairie-
chickens. Two blinds, fi rst come, fi rst served.
402-335-2534
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge,
Ellsworth. Sharp-tailed grouse. One blind, by
reservation. 308-762-4893, fws.gov/refuge/Crescent_
Lake
N-CORPE, North Platte. Prairie-chickens. One
blind, March 18-May 3, reservations required.
308-534-6752 or 308-414-2140, ncorpe.org/wildlife-
viewing
Oglala National Grassland, Nebraska National
Forest, Crawford. Sharp-tailed grouse. One blind,
reservations required Friday-Sunday, remainder fi rst
come, fi rst served. 308-432-0300, fs.usda.gov/main/
nebraska/home
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine.
Sharp-tailed grouse and prairie-chickens. Two
blinds available April 1, reservations required.
402-376-3789 or 1889, fws.gov/refuge/valentine
Guided/Outfi tted Trips
Big Blue Ranch, Burchard. Prairie-chickens.
402-865-4335, bigblueranch.com
Calamus Outfi tters, Burwell. Sharp-tailed
grouse and prairie-chickens. Also host of annual
Nebraska Prairie-chicken Festival April 12-14, 2019.
308-346-4697, calamusoutfi tters.com
Prairie-Chicken Dance Tours, McCook.
Prairie-chickens. 308-345-1200 Ext. 318,
prairiechickendancetours.com
Sandhills Motel and Glidden Canoe Rental,
Mullen. Sharp-tailed grouse and prairie-chickens.
308-546-2206, sandhillsmotel.com
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