For the flush
Whether it’s grouse, pheasant or partridge, upland game birds bursting from cover make for one exciting hunt
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SHARP-TAILED GROUSE
Roughly twice the size of a Hungarian partridge, these prairie-dwelling game birds sport relatively short and somewhat pointed tail feathers, hence their name. Sharptails are typically found in smaller coveys ranging in size from just a few birds to as many as 10. Because of their larger size and the unique way they flush, sharp-tailed grouse are my personal favourite upland game bird to hunt.
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WHERE
Often inhabiting similar grassland and shrub habitat to that of Huns, sharptails can also be found in mixed agricultural fringe areas and mixed open woodlands. They’ve even expanded into limited boreal forest areas, favouring the mostly open clear-cuts. Sharptails are widely distributed from B.C. to the westernmost edge of Quebec, as well as in the Yukon and the western half of the N.W.T.
Like other upland game birds, sharpies hang out where food and water are available, feeding on buffalo berries, rose hips and other prairie bounty. To survive, they rely on their ability to see predators, and tend to linger in thin, grassy cover. While that can include calf-high grass, sharptails are more commonly found in shorter cover. They also prefer higher elevations with good views so they can watch for approaching danger.
HOW
For upland hunters willing to walk, covering ground in sage-covered, semi-arid landscapes can produce excellent gunning opportunities. In these prairie grasslands, the hunting strategy for sharptails is straightforward. The birds are often active in the early morning, flying from roosts in lower trees down to feeding grounds in the thin grass they prefer. With this in mind, savvy hunters target brush-laden draws, coulees and treelines. You can often hear their unmistakable squawky wingbeats as they fly to their to feeding areas.
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Similar to hunting Huns, working with a good hunting dog for sharptails is an asset, but it’s not imperative. I’ve hunted sharptails by simply walking, spotting them and moving in. The beauty with sharpies is that their coveys are often spread out. When one or more members of the covey flush as you walk in, the other birds further away usually stay grounded until you get closer to them, giving you multiple shooting opportunities.