Sharp-tailed Grouse
Also Goes By: Sharptail, Sharpy, Prairie Grouse
The Sharp-tailed Grouse can be found in a wide variety of habitats including savanna, open brush and boreal petlands. Indigenous to Minnesota, this bird was once the most abundant in the state. However, its open territories have been vulnerable to demolition and development. As a result, the Sharp-tail range has become more restricted, centering on the northern mixed forests and boreal peatland in the lowlands.
When hunting this grouse, be prepared to do a significant amount of walking. These birds live in large coveys of up to 40 birds that can be difficult to locate in a wide open territory. Patches of pasture, native shrub cover and sloughs nearby cereal crops are the best spots around an agricultural area. In general, areas where food sources like chokecherries, grass, fruit-bearing shrubs and forb seeds are plentiful and ideal for Sharp-tailed Grouse.
Because of the amount of space covered during the hunt, a dependable dog is indispensable. A good pointer can shorten the ground covered during the day. Once flushed, these grouse will fly in singles, often times in a rapid sequence. A majority of the time, a few grouse will hold after the first flush and it is wise to prepare for late departures. Upon acknowledging their pursuers, the birds are prone to flush a great distance from their enemies. Fortunately, in open territory, it should not be difficult to track their moves. Because these birds will flush up right away, it is wise to hold over them to increase success rates.
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Finding Answers
Spike camp was two miles from base — as the raven flies not really that far in this expansive National Forest. But as flatlanders taking on the thin air of elevated places, two miles is a decent gap to begin separating yourself from those less prepared to depart known trails and the easy-breathing comfort of…
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Two Mountains Offer Different Views
Sitting here in camp staring at these two peaks in Arapaho National Forest. In the last week the dogs and I have visited both. It seems somewhat surreal, not that there is anything particularly outrageous about either. They aren’t the tallest or most dangerous. But the scale is so incredibly different from this low vantage…
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Grouse Camp Lore
It’s quiet. Six inches of fresh powder and temperatures in the teens have subdued the forest. I’ve been on the road since 4 a.m. to get a preview of the coming days. It’s a new area and what could be the start of a new tradition. Having hibernated for the five hour commute, the dogs are…
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Lost……again
“I am lost” “Going to shoot. Let me know if you can hear it.” “Hear it?” “I was 50 yards from the truck.” It’s my hunting buddy’s first foray into the realm of the Ruffed Grouse. We’ve hunted a few days now, but this is the first overcast day in an area previously unexplored. It…
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Treed Grouse Dilemma
There are times, especially early in a season, when forest grouse – Dusky, Spruce, Ruffed – have yet to recognize that almost everything loves the taste of grouse. Nearly 70% of these birds will not see a second year. The short hop to the nearest tree seems the earliest learned evasion tactic which can be…
