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Just reread Maj. Charles Askins book on American Game Birds.. Made me think I should hunt the native prairie chicken.. I think Kansas, Neb. and Montana has huntable populations.. Any one have any thoughts or experience with these birds???


Molon Labe
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None in MT, and never have been as far as I know. Look at SD, NE, KS, MN and CO with the best odds in SD, NE and KS.


Pursuit may be, it seems to me, perfect without possession.
Robert Kelley Weeks (1840-1876)
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Thanks.. I thought I saw a 406 prefix phone # offering these hunts.. Could be in a next door state..


Molon Labe
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I'm not sure where there are any but pick me up on the way once you locate some.
I've never hunted them either.
Matter of fact, I haven't even hunted Sharptail.

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Field, glad to.. I think you can only shoot them with a pump gun!! ha ha..


Molon Labe
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There are two types or sub species of prairie chickens. I've shot Greater Prairie Chickens in SD on public land.
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

The next January I shot Lesser Prairie Chickens in western Kansas, north of Dodge City on some private land a local got me permission on.
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Both are way cool birds. Be sure to keep some binos on you as they have a tendency to fly a long way when flushed. They do hold pretty well for a dog.

I had roosters of each in the freezer for the taxidermist, but they ended up freezer burnt before I got the $$ together. Big regret, but I think I may have to go back for another as long as they can stay off the Endangered Species list.

FWIW, the last confirmed sighting of Greater Prairie Chickens in Indiana was in 1970! I'd like to see the DNR do a re-introduction effort.

Last edited by pointer; 03/11/15.
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Thanks.. Nice photos and looks like you had a great hunt..


Molon Labe
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Originally Posted by WyoCoyoteHunter
Field, glad to.. I think you can only shoot them with a pump gun!! ha ha..


I'm ok with that but you'll have to loan me one.

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Not a problem, I have lots!!!!


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Some pretty impressive chicken (and other wildlife) images on this page.

https://www.facebook.com/nopnatureimages

This guy has written/photographed a book "Save The Last Dance" about the prairie chicken. Currently has an exhibit at The Flint Hills Nature Center in Manhattan, Kansas.

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I grew up in central SD and killed lots of chicken and sharptails. The populations tend to cycle a bit. pointer - thanks for the nice pics. I'm especially fond of your weim - looks just like my Lucy! She is 6 this June and in her prime. I hope to get her back to my home stomping grounds in the short-grass prairie to watch her roam and work hard. These MN pheasants don't hold very well for her...so she just runs them down!


Selmer

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Thanks for the kudo's, but that's a pard's dog. I've yet to own a bird dog, but am looking to fix that "problem" this year. Hope you get back to the land of chickens and sharpies! Great country to walk with a shotgun and dog.


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