34 Nebraskaland • November 2023
Upland HunƟ ng
the Sandhills
A ScienƟ fi c Approach
elvin Nenneman knows birds.
As wildlife biologist for the 71,516-acre
Valentine National Wildlife Refuge the past 21
years, he's become familiar with fl ying creatures
that range in size from the huge pelicans cruising the shallow
lakes to minute grasshopper sparrows fl ittering about the
rolling, grass-covered dunes. He and his coworkers strive to
preserve and maintain the ecosystem for birds and all of the
other plants and animals. From Blanding's turtles to western
prairie fringed orchids, he's become intimate with the many
species that make the Sandhills such a special place.
Nenneman's time at the refuge also has provided
opportunity to pursue a favorite pastime: hunting. Among
his favorite quarries are Nebraska's native prairie grouse.
While following Nenneman, his dog Patch and a coworker
around the hills in search of upland game during an evening,
the biologist shared his insights. My questions and his
answers follow.
Upon fi rst look, the Sandhills can be intimidating for a
bird hunter — an expanse of rolling hills as far as the eye
can see. Which areas of the hills should hunters focus?
Generally, fi nding hills that have good grass cover and food
resources will improve your odds of fi nding birds. Areas that
have been grazed or otherwise disturbed such that the grass
is more uniformly short are not great places to look. If there
is a good food source in these grazed areas, it may have birds,
M
With the sun low on the horizon, Mel Nenneman and Patch,
an English cocker spaniel, pursue grouse at the Valentine
National Wildlife Refuge.
A wildlife biologist at the ValenƟ ne NaƟ onal
Wildlife Refuge shares his perspecƟ ves on one of
his favorite pasƟ mes: hunƟ ng prairie grouse.
Story and photos by Justin Haag
