NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/708333
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2016 • NEBRASKAland 45 they approach. If you end up shooting upward you will more than likely shoot behind them." On windy, colder days birds will spend the afternoons congregating in areas out of the wind, preferably with some sun just below ridge tops. Right after a snow, groves of hardwoods and cedars are good locations to target grouse. They like to sit in the trees, and if it's sunny in the mornings, they'll soak up all the sun they can get and search for food. Look for food sources that will be easily available and not covered by snow to find birds. Dogs in the Field A good dog is an asset for the upland bird hunter as downed grouse can be difficult to find in heavy cover. Marking locations where you see birds go down can lower the odds of losing them, but a hunting dog is instrumental in finding lost birds. Sandburs and cactus can be hard on dogs' feet in the Sandhills; a set of dog boots will help your four-legged friend in the field. Porcupines and rattlesnakes may also be encountered when hunting. Keep an eye on your dog's behavior; persistent barking and jumping back and forth in one area is usually a sign of trouble. Be prepared for incidents by carrying tweezers and needle-nose pliers to remove cactus or quills. Snake vaccinations for your dog can be administered earlier in the year to prevent reactions to rattlesnake bites. Lastly, be sure to bring water for your dog, especially early in the season when weather is generally hot. Guns, Loads and Laws Most hunters use 12- or 20-gauge shotguns with improved cylinder and modified chokes early-to-mid season. Birds haven't been hunted and aren't spooked so they usually don't flush until you're in range. Warm days and windy days may provide closer shots. Use shot-shells loaded with 1 1 ⁄8-ounce of No. 6 or No. 7 shot. Late-season birds will most likely be taken at longer ranges. Shooting an unplugged semi-automatic or pump shotgun this time of year gives hunters a well-needed advantage. During the winter birds will form groups, which means more eyes are on the look-out and birds have generally been hunted, making them leery. When longer shots are needed pull out the full choke and heavier shot loads. Non-toxic shot is required when hunting on waterfowl production areas, national wildlife refuges and some state wildlife management areas, as posted. Nebraska is divided into east and west zones by U.S. Highway 81 for prairie grouse hunting, each with their own daily bag and possession limits. The east zone requires a special grouse permit, while the west does not. Season dates are from Sept. 1, 2016 through Jan. 31, 2017 for both zones. There are many public lands on which to hunt prairie grouse; hunting is allowed in season on all state wildlife management areas, some state recreation areas and many federal lands unless otherwise posted. Some special regulations may apply on federal refuges. Hunters need a Nebraska hunting permit and habitat stamp to hunt upland game. Grouse may be hunted from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. ■ More information about regulations and places to hunt are found in the 2016 Hunting Guide and the 2016 Public Access Atlas, both available in print or at outdoornebraska.org. Julie and Tom Geiser's dog, Annie, poses with bagged grouse on a pickup tailgate in the sandhills area of the Nebraska National Forest in Thomas County. The early season can be quite warm in Nebraska making it essential to field dress and cool birds quickly to prevent spoilage. Bring a cooler of ice for the ride home and stuff the dressed body cavity with ice to keep the meat flavorful. When transporting grouse, hunters must leave the head or one leg attached for identification while in the field or for the ride home. Field Care PHOTOS LEFT AND RIGHT BY JULIE GEISER, MIDDLE BY ERIC FOWLER