Sharp-Tailed Grouse Viewing Blind Reservations Opening Soon

Friends groups partner with the Wisconsin DNR to make blinds available for up-close viewing of the remarkable and entertaining mating dance of the sharp-tailed grouse. Photo credit: Michael Huebsch

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin accepting reservations for sharp-tailed grouse viewing blinds at Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area on Saturday, Jan. 10. Additional viewing blinds at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area will become available for reservations on Sunday, Feb. 1. 

Sharp-tailed grouse viewing blinds are available from April 1 through May at Namekagon Barrens and from March 21 through May at Crex Meadows.

Friends groups partner with the Wisconsin DNR to make blinds available for up-close viewing of the remarkable and entertaining mating dance of the sharp-tailed grouse.

Reservations fill up quickly, but dates do become available as cancellations occur, so check back often. The early morning wake-up is well worth it to watch from just a few feet away as males show off, competing for the chance to mate.

In addition to sharp-tailed grouse, visitors may see or hear many other species during the viewing, including northern harriers, sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, Canada geese and numerous songbird species.

Learn more about viewing blinds at the Friends Of The Namekagon Barrens webpage or the Friends Of Crex webpage.

Unique Habitats

The habitats of Namekagon Barrens and Crex Meadows are globally rare, pine and oak barrens that are home to a host of exceptional wildlife. These barrens were once widespread in Wisconsin but are now considered globally threatened.

Due to land use changes and fire suppression, the barrens of northwest Wisconsin currently exist in scattered fragments, surrounded by a forested landscape. Habitat fragmentation can threaten the long-term viability of species that depend on this ecosystem, like the sharp-tailed grouse.

For more information about Sharp-tailed grouse, please visit the DNR’s Sharp-tailed Grouse Management Plan webpage.