How to use online maps to identify prime habitat and terrain for hunting prairie chickens before scouting in person to check your spots.

The Lesser Prairie-Chicken is a favorite game bird in the western U.S., but its numbers are diminishing.

A collection of Hank Shaw's pheasant recipes, along with recipes for wild turkey, quail, grouse and other upland birds, from snipe to chukar.

Carex pensylvanica, or Oak Sedge, forms fine textured, deep green, slowly spreading plants with a tough constitution. Carex pensylvanica makes a great ground cover that has a flowing, wave-like form. Oak sedge is semi-evergreen and can provide both food and shelter for small birds. Also called Pennsylvania sedge, Carex pensylvanica is native to the eastern and central United States and Canada. Plants are naturally found in upland woods, clearings, oak savannas and upland prairies. It makes an excellent ground cover for dry, part sun to shady areas. Drought tolerant, once established. Try Carex pensylvanica under trees where lawn grass won't grow.

Welcome fall with a main course of delicious fried prairie chicken with gravy and sides.

Celebrate your favorite game bird with this 16oz Sage Grouse pint glass!  This is the perfect piece for upland hunters and prairie grouse lovers to add to their own collection or give as a memorable keepsake.  Each glass has the "Bird Dog of the Day" logo engraved on the bottom of the glass, resulting in a beautiful surprise as you finish your drink.   16 oz. capacity "Bird Dog of the Day" logo engraved on the bottom of the glass Dimensions: 6" X 3.5" Strutting Greater Sage Grouse design Hand-washing recommended Printed and engraved in the USA

Looking to expand your upland bird hunting? From deserts and plains to the Northwoods, here are 10 places and species to pursue. Learn more.

While Montana is known for producing big game trophies, hunters should not overlook the opportunity in over-the-counter hunting licenses like migratory and upland bird. Chances for big game hunting permits are up to the luck of the draw. When it comes to the over-the-counter permits, all you have to do is pack your gear and head out here to Eastern Montana.

While this recipe can be used with any upland bird, the prairie chicken's red meat pairs exceptionally well with the fresh ingredients of this pasta dish.

Danner Men's Cedar River 8" Moc Toe Waterproof Hunt Work Boot - Brown - 14304 On Sale Now! This Item Ships FREE! Move quickly and confidently through thicket, forest or prairie. Made for upland bird hunting, these hunting boots perform in the field and clean up nicely for after work or weekend wear. The leather upper is designed with classic moc toe construction. A waterproof Danner® Dry liner keeps feet dry in soggy fields, and a lugged Danner® Bob outsole delivers optimal traction in any season. Unmatched Durability and Comfort The Danner Cedar River Hunter boots are crafted with a Full-Grain Leather Upper, ensuring they can withstand the toughest environments. The classic moc toe construction not only adds style but also enhances durability. Inside, a Padded Collar and Removable OrthoLite Footbed provide superior comfort, cushioning your feet throughout the day. Superior Waterproof Protection These boots feature the Danner® Dry Waterproof Liner, a 100% waterproof barrier that keeps your feet dry in soggy conditions. Whether trudging through wet fields or catching in the rain, the Danner Cedar River boots ensure your feet remain comfortable and dry. Optimized Traction and Stability The Danner Cedar River Outsole is designed to deliver excellent traction and stability on various surfaces. This non-marking, oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsole offers confident footing whether navigating through dense forests or walking on slick surfaces. Key Features: Full-Grain Leather Upper: Provides durability and protection in rugged conditions. Danner® Dry Waterproof Liner: Keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long. Removable OrthoLite Footbed: Offers maximum cushioning and support with open-cell polyurethane for better air circulation. Danner Cedar River Outsole: Ensures optimal traction and stability on all terrains. Fit and Comfort The Danner Cedar River Hunter boots are built on the Portland-made 503 last, offering a casual fit without compromising the secure lace-to-toe construction. This design ensures the shoes fit true to size, providing comfort and support, especially during extended wear. Versatile Performance These boots are not just for hunting. Their durable construction and waterproof features make them ideal for various outdoor activities, from work to weekend adventures. The Danner Cedar River boots seamlessly transition from the field to after-work wear, making them a versatile addition to your footwear collection. Whether you're on the job or enjoying the outdoors, these good waterproof work boots will keep you comfortable and dry. Frequently Asked Questions Are Danner Cedar River Hunter boots true to size? The Danner Cedar River Hunter boots are known for fitting true to size, thanks to their well-engineered design and the Portland-made 503 last. Do these boots offer good traction on wet surfaces? Yes. The Danner Cedar River Outsole is designed to provide excellent traction on wet and slippery surfaces, ensuring safety in challenging conditions. Can these boots be used for work as well as hunting? Yes, the Danner Cedar River Hunter boots are versatile enough for hunting and outdoor work. They offer durability, waterproof protection, and comfort in a range of environments. ***Available Online Only***

A Latin American staple with an upland bird twist, this recipe utilizes the legs of prairie grouse embedded in a sea of deliciously seasoned rice.

NEW OLD STOCK: Issued in 1998 this is fourth and final edition of the series, artist Pat Ford beautifully depicts the prairie chicken-both male and nesting female-in a full color illustration at the center of the stein. Surrounding the main graphic are other upland game birds in ceramic relief. The stein is topped with an intricately etched pewter lid and thumbrest in an acorn and oak leaf motif. 8 1/2" tall, limited to 5000 individually numbered pieces. Comes in original gift box. Made by Ceramarte of Brazil.

The greater prairie chicken breeds in select grasslands in the spring, filling the air with their unusual booming calls. With their numbers dwindling, this rare bird needs strong conservation support.

https://ru.pinterest.com/pin/390194755198609295/ Male lesser prairie chicken Малый степной тетерев Латинское название: Tympanuchus pallidicinctus https://ru.pinterest.com/pin/537265430522539756/ https://ru.pinterest.com/pin/567735096759066372/ https://ru.pinterest.com/pin/200832464606384036/…

By lying in the dusty road to photograph this Upland Sandpiper, I accomplished three things: 1 - reduced the not very attractive road surface to a thin sliver remaining in focus; 2 - separated subject from background; 3 - attracted the curiosity of my subject. I uploaded a shot yesterday from the same session, in different light. Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan. Don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without explicit permission. © James R. Page - all rights reserved.

From brawls to star-crossed romances, these paparazzi birders caught it all on camera.

Celebrate your favorite game bird with this 11oz Sage Grouse Whiskey Glass!  This is the perfect gift for upland aficionados and prairie grouse lovers to add to their own glassware collection or give as a memorable keepsake.  This lowball whiskey tumbler is perfect for a bourbon Old Fashioned or your favorite top-shelf drink.

When it's time for muscle memory to kick in, the Cabela's® Instinct Prairie Runner™ Upland Coat for Men with 4MOST® DRYPLUS® and 4MOST® REPEL™ makes it easy to trust your Instinct. Built unlike any upland hunting jacket you've ever experienced, this Cabela's upland jacket has a back- and front-loading zip bloodprof game bag with zip expansion panel to hold and protect harvested birds. Exclusive 4MOST DRYPLUS delivers 100% waterproof/breathable protection to keep precipitation out while venting letting excess sweat vapor. 4MOST REPEL brings an extremely effective durable water-repellent finish to bead and shed light to moderate surface moisture before it can soak. The sleeves were designed for full mobility and range of motion to help you trek, sprint, and aim easier. 4 zip pockets, 2 bellows cargo pockets with shell loops, side-entry handwarmer pockets, and a gun-dog transmitter pocket allow virtually endless storage possibilities. Adjustable cuffs seal out the wind, while abrasion-resistant nylon overlays on the forearms prevent scrapes from burrs and briars. An internal suspender system clips to the front belt loops to provide an extra attachment point for better weight distortion across the shoulders. An extra pocket can even house a 2L hydration reservoir (reservoir not included), completing this Cabela's Instinct jacket as a must-have for hunters who demand serious upland hunting clothing. 100% polyester with mechanical stretch. Machine wash. Imported. 100% polyester with mechanical stretch. Back- and front-loading zip blood proof game bag with expansion panel Highly engineered sleeves with full mobility and range of motion Pit zips Adjustable cuffs 4 zip pockets, 2 bellows cargo pockets with shell lopps, side-entry handwarmer pockets, and gun-dog transmitter pocket Internal suspender system for better weight distribution Abrasion-resistant nylon forearm overlays Pocket for 2L hydration reservoir

Some more photos from a previous morning on a nearby lek.

New Mexico Dept. of Game and Fish/Courtesy Pheasants Forever, Inc. The effort to save one of America’s most beloved upland birds proves what’s good for the bird is good for the herd. Huddled in a blind on a 30,000-acre ranch in New Mexico, Jake Swafford, a Farm Bill wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, waits patiently in the morning darkness for an annual ritual to begin. As the glow of the eastern sun starts to creep over the horizon, dark figures with heavy wing-beats make a slight rise over shinnery oak-covered dunes before landing on a reclaimed oil pad. “Great start,” Swafford whispers, with more than a hint of enthusiasm. The lesser prairie-chicken is a grassland-nesting upland bird found in the mixed grass, sand-sage, and shinnery oak prairies of western Kansas, southeast Colorado, northwest Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle, and eastern New Mexico. Once a common sight on their historic range across the South Plains, this humble member of the grouse family has experienced more than an 85 percent reduction in population since European settlement in the late 1800s. Consequently, since May 2014, the bird has been listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. A recent study of habitat conditions preferred by the native bird shows a decline by as much as 92 percent across their range, according to federal scientists. What’s more, as of 2014, an estimated 22,415 individual birds comprised the entire population of lesser prairie-chickens in North America. Threats from habitat loss and fragmentation will only increase with proposed energy developments, agricultural conversions, and other land uses in the future. Despite this sobering news, organizations such as Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are working in close partnership with many other groups, landowners, and agencies to restore one of America’s most beloved upland birds. Working side-by-side with ranchers and producers, Swafford is one of 10 partner­-funded biologists and range conservationists who are helping to implement the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative in the south-central plains of the United States in hopes of restoring this iconic species to its former glory in partnership with nonprofit organizations, universities, and businesses. The initiative’s mission is twofold: to increase the abundance and distribution of the lesser prairie-chicken while also promoting the overall health of grazing lands and the long-term sustainability of ranching operations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. “The goal of LPCI is to help farmers and ranchers run profitable operations while they protect and restore habitat for the lesser prairie-chicken,” Swafford says. “Working through LPCI helps to provide certainty for these producers against any future regulatory actions that an ‘endangered’ listing could have throughout the southern Great Plains. These birds are a great indicator of environmental health, and we hope to get more landowners interested in Farm Bill programs so that they can see the benefits to themselves and this special bird.” Similar to other wildlife found in the United States, the lesser prairie-chicken relies heavily on the actions of individual landowners for the survival of the species. Habitat loss significantly increases the extinction risk for the lesser prairie-chicken because the bird requires unusually large parcels of intact native grassland and shrubland, often in excess of 20,000 acres, to maintain self-sustaining populations. By providing functional solutions for America’s ranching community, biologists are able to maintain — and expand — lesser prairie-chicken habitat. What’s good for the bird is good for the herd. “Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Farm Bill biologists working on LPCI have the knowledge to help landowners find the right program to fit the needs of productive rangeland and healthy wildlife,” Swafford says. Through a unique partnership, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill biologists are stationed at USDA Service Centers in priority habitat areas throughout the lesser prairie-chicken range to assist landowners with their personal habitat and land-use goals. A prime example of ranching for wildlife can be found on the rangelands of eastern New Mexico where Tom Davis, a landowner in Roosevelt County, has implemented prescribed grazing systems on about 17,000 acres of his family’s 100-year-old ranch. Working with Swafford to implement Farm Bill conservation practices such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Davis has received financial assistance to establish best management practices for the longevity of his ranch, as well as for the benefit of lesser prairie-chickens and other wildlife. “Working with Pheasants Forever and the LPCI, I’ve been able to add structure and cover on my ranch that helps bird and beast,” Davis says. “My current herd is down 50 percent due to persistent drought conditions that started in 2010. I view my enrolled Farm Bill practices as a safety net for future years of dry weather. Not only has my prescribed grazing plan built grass reserves for my herd, but it is also aiding wildlife populations.” The collaboration between Davis’ operation, Pheasants Forever, and LPCI provides a noteworthy example of the importance of working ranches in the recovery of our nation’s imperiled species. Ranchers and farmers can use the assistance provided through LPCI to implement grazing management systems, remove invasive foliage, plant grasses and shrubs suitable for rangeland, and add buffers to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. In most cases, practices that are good for the birds are good for cattle and can lead to improved rangeland health. “One area of my operation that has benefitted greatly from using EQIP practices is the management of mesquite and cactus invasion on the ranch,” Davis says. “Our grasslands are starting to return after the removal of these species from the landscape. In addition, I’ve noticed a nice crop of quail in the last year and hope for the repopulation of lesser prairie-chickens in the future.” As an added bonus, producers with land in the lesser prairie-chicken range can gain regulatory predictability if they work with LPCI to voluntarily undertake conservation activities that benefit the bird’s population and habitat. An agreement between the USDA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that ranchers and farmers can receive regulatory assurances from USFWS for up to 30 years by carrying out these voluntary conservation activities as long as the lesser prairie-­chicken is listed as threatened. Swafford is quick to acknowledge that even though state and federal conservation programs exist for chickens and other wildlife, signing up for such practices can seem overwhelming in the eyes of a producer. But they don’t have to be. “The existence of our biologist program is to help producers make easy, educated decisions for their land,” Swafford says. More than 100 biologist partnership positions exist across the United States to provide one-on-one assistance and guide landowners through the conservation planning process from A to Z. With more than 95 percent of lesser prairie-chicken habitat located on privately held lands, the private sector plays a pivotal role in the successful management and progression of lesser prairie-chickens and a host of other wildlife species. The true conservation heroes of LPCI are ranchers of the southern Great Plains who voluntarily implement conservation measures designed to benefit lesser prairie-chickens. Back in the viewing blind, the sun rises and a spring dancing ritual ensues, just as it has for centuries. Despite their timeless quality, one can’t help but feel concerned for these imperiled birds. Future generations deserve to see this. And thanks to landowners who want to play a part in a conservation success story, they hopefully will. With any luck, this won’t be the lesser prairie-chicken’s last dance. For more information about Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, visit www.pheasantsforever.org and www.quailforever.org. For more information on the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative, go to www.lpcinitiative.org. Explore:Living West

About a month ago, we posted a piece here at the Hayride on Entergy’s decision to join the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) instead of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) – which was something of an in-the-weeds story we’re following even though it’s outside our usual wheelhouse. We decided to cover this stuff for several […]

Photographer, Nicole Heitzman, has always had a love for pheasant hunting! Opening Day of hunting season is like a holiday in South Dakota. Photography is much like hunting. It offers a similar rush of adrenaline because It's tough to get close to these wild birds. This image is captured in Southeastern South Dakota. The sun was just about to set as the roosters were cautiously headed across the prairie. Every once-in-awhile you can witness them with the perfect lighting with just enough time to snag a photo. This is a 20"x16" Art Block print. It is a canvas material stretched over a solid block for more durability of the image. Other Print sizes available: (Please Inquire) Screen color may vary from actual print. To follow more of Nicole's work go to: WEBSITE: www.NicoleHeitzmanArt.com INSTAGRAM: Nicole Heitzman Art FACEBOOK: Nicole Heitzman Art and Photography

Can you hear it? Okay -- this was taken in July last year, but it is getting to be that season. Northern Bobwhite Quail male, Florida version. I love that he closed his eyes to sing.

A colorful collage of scientifically accurate illustration of various species of upland game birds of North America. The layout features seventeen different types of game birds, including some of North America's most prized species. AMERICAN WOODCOCK (Scolopax minor) CALIFORNIA QUAIL (Callipepla californica) DUSKY GROUSE (Dendragapus obscurus) GREATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN (Tympanuchus cupido) GREATER SAGE GROUSE (Centrocercus urophasianus) GREY PARTRIDGE (Perdix perdix) MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura) NORTHERN BOBWHITE (Colinus virginianus) RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE (Alectoris rufa) RING-NECKED PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus) RUFFED GROUSE (Bonasa umbellus) SCALED QUAIL (Callipepla squamata) SHARP-TAILED GROUSE (Tympanuchus phasianellus) SPRUCE GROUSE (Falcipennis canadensis) WILD TURKEY (Meleagris gallopavo) WILLOW PTARMIGAN (Lagopus lagopus) WILSON’S SNIPE (Gallinago delicata) FREE SHIPPING IN THE US