Sharptails and prairie chickens are both fairly nomadic, underscoring the importance of being in good physical shape when pursuing them. (Shutterstock photo)
September 22, 2025
By Rob McDonald
Early autumn is a magical time of year. For upland hunters and bird dog enthusiasts, being able to stretch the legs and put dogs to work early in the season lights a fire in the soul that will burn throughout fall and winter. The prehistoric prairies found across the Sandhills of Nebraska offer hunters and bird dogs alike just such an opportunity. In the Cornhusker State, the earliest upland option is the prairie grouse season, which opens September 1 and lets hunters chase sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie chickens on a vast landscape that time forgot.
Nestled near the center of the state, the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey provides miles and miles of access to the habitat where prairie grouse thrive. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the public-land complex provides hunters with 60,000 acres of the most intact temperate prairie on earth to explore and hunt. An additional 30,000 acres of the complex comprises the largest hand-planted forest in the western hemisphere.
Situated in the Bessey Ranger District, this area’s grasslands and rolling Sandhills hold both sharp-tailed grouse and greater prairie chickens. While populations fluctuate depending on annual precipitation and forage, huntable numbers of prairie grouse make their home in this beautiful landscape. They are a worthy quarry for any upland hunter looking to kick off their season in September.
Considering the amount of ground you’ll cover, opt for as light of a shotgun as you have at your disposal. (Drew Warden photo) SET UP CAMP Found off State Highway 2 between Halsey and Thedford, this segment of the Nebraska National Forest is rural and remote. There are three predominant campgrounds that offer primitive camping , with a few improved campsites available. The allure of the adventure here is the rugged remoteness.
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Hunters should consider making basecamp at Natick Campground, Whitetail Campground or at the Bessey Recreation Complex and Campground. September and October afternoons here are often too hot to run bird dogs, so set up a comfortable camp to relax for a bit.
The Sandhills are sectioned into rotationally grazed pastures dotted with windmills and solar water tanks for livestock. The network of sandy roads provides hunting access to many general areas across the sprawling public land, but the best access will be on foot.
FIND THE BIRDS Prairie grouse are a bit nomadic, and successfully finding birds often takes a concerted effort. Although the landscape may look fairly flat from the pickup window, plan on climbing plenty of hills. It’s a good idea to chart a route that ends at the truck before setting off.
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Both sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens use hilltops, washes and other terrain features to their advantage. Focus efforts on ridgelines and saddles connecting main hill structures. Pay careful attention to edges where short, woody thickets break into open prairie or where shortgrass prairie thins into open bare ground. Spots where a heavily grazed pasture abuts an area that was allowed to grow thick also frequently hold prairie grouse. Habitat edges are the key in most cases.
Right: Fun to hunt and good to eat, pairie chickens and sharptails are both ?worthwhile upland species to target. (Drew Warden photo); Left: Wild rose hips are a favorite food source of prairie grouse, especially in fall and winter when other food may be scarce. (Rob McDonald photo) The windmill and stock tank water sources in the grasslands area of the national forest act as primary water sources for the birds. However, they can also provide water for bird dogs, so you may consider planning walking routes accordingly. It’s not uncommon to spot prairie grouse using water tanks and their runover, especially as the day’s sun begins to warm the prairie.
Windy days are common on the plains of Nebraska, and the wind can be used to your advantage when hunting across the Sandhills. Approach areas where you hope to find birds with the wind in your face. This helps cover the sound of your approach and helps dogs more readily detect the birds’ scent.
Getting an early start is critical to a productive day when pursuing early-season prairie grouse, as warm afternoons can make for short hunting days. Often, it’s best to end the day by 11:00 a.m. or noon for the safety of the dogs. Consider heading off from the truck 30 minutes or an hour before daylight so you’re farther from the road before legal shooting light begins. This tactic is best suited for days when the weather is expected to be warm or the hunting pressure is heavy. Just don’t load any shotguns before shooting time begins.
Have a well-stocked dog first aid kit on hand, including pliers for removing cacti or sandburs from paws. (Shutterstock photo) GEAR UP RIGHT Any suitable upland shotgun will work fine for sharptail and prairie chicken hunts. However, long walks can make any shotgun seem heavy, so opt for lighter weight models if possible. Consider using a middle-of-the-road modified choke and expect birds both in close and at a distance. Twelve-, 16- and 20-gauge shotguns are all good choices for prairie grouse, and these can be paired with No. 6 game or heavy-game loads. Just remember your shot selection if a bird flushes close, and hold off a moment before shooting to avoid unnecessarily damaging meat.
A comfortable, breathable bird vest is a game-changer on long treks in warm weather. It should have a good system for carrying water for yourself and dogs when temperatures rise and shade is scarce. I prefer a model with both shoulder straps and a weight-bearing waist belt to help support the heft of water bottles, shells, birds and other odds and ends.
While Nebraska’s Sandhills aren’t exactly the Rocky Mountains, you’ll put on some miles each day, sometimes in the double digits, to walk up sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens. Sturdy boots that support your arches are essential. Bring a broken-in pair of boots light enough to walk in for several miles at a time, but still tough enough to handle cactus thorns, sandburs and briars.
With an elevation of 2,880 feet and an average annual rainfall of just 21 inches per year, the high plains around the Halsey area are often extremely arid. While the sand formations here filter water into the aquifer below, surface water for drinking can be hard to come by. Pump water is available at the improved Natick and Whitetail campground areas, and there is running water available at the Bessey Recreation Area, along with a shower house. However, plan to carry water while hunting, have water at the pickup and have extra water available at your campsite. You’ll need it.
This stunningly beautiful landscape can quickly turn into a nightmare if hunters and bird dogs aren’t prepared, so ensure that both you and your dog are in decent shape. While early season prairie grouse represent an amazing opportunity to begin the upland season, Nebraska’s Sandhills are not the place to start conditioning your dog. Bird dogs should already be in shape and ready to cover big country.
The Nebraksa State Forest at Halsey provides access to tens of thousands of acres of pristine Sandhills habitat. (Rob McDonald photo) Monitor the forecast and temperature throughout the day, and ensure dogs are cared for properly. Keep a bird dog first aid kit in your vest with items like forceps, wire cutters and compression bandages, as there are sandburs and porcupines in the area. Also, consult with your dog’s veterinarian about what you should carry before departing home.
Nebraska’s remote Sandhills area is a phenomenal early-season upland destination. Clear mornings, rugged country and ample prairie grouse make this place special. If you and your bird dog are looking to stretch your legs and find a prairie land adventure, hit the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey. Just be sure to properly plan so you can have a safe, productive and fun hunt.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Lodging, dining and other logistical considerations for a Sandhills prairie grouse hunt. Camping is available at several recreation areas within the Nebraska State Forest. (Rob McDonald photo) Remote landscapes provide adventurers terrific destinations to escape from the everyday. However, having a plan in place to secure the essentials should be a part of any excursion. If a bird-hunting trip to the Nebraska National Forest is on your agenda, here are some places to stay and things to know.
HALSEY Located about two miles from the Bessey Recreation Area, Halesy is a small town (population 64) that lacks most of the amenities found in larger communities. That said, there is one lodging option in town, the Redwood Inn, which offers 11 guest rooms. Also in Halsey, the Double T Bar is known for its burgers and chicken-fried steak. Meanwhile, Sandhill Sutton’s Speed & Supply is a little general store that sells camping staples, including local firewood and a few groceries.
THEDFORD About 16 miles from the Bessey Recreation Area, Thedford is still small at 211 residents, but it has a few additional amenities. One of these is the Roadside Inn, which offers rooms for rent. Another is the Sandhills Corral (right next door), which is known for its sandwich baskets and the “best darn tacos you’ll ever try.” There’s also a gas station that offers a few groceries, ice and drinks for sale.
NATIONAL FOREST CAMPING If you’re fine with roughing it, Natick, Whitetail and the Bessey Recreation Area campgrounds are all fine options. Natick and Whitetail campgrounds have potable pump water from the aquifer and vault toilets, and the Bessey Recreation Area campground has day-use hot showers and restrooms with running water. Most of the designated camp areas have shade, fire pits and picnic tables.
This article was featured in the September 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe .
