Sharp-tailed Grouse Tours at Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Sharp-tailed Grouse lek tours support habitat improvement for prairie grouse at Audubon of Kansas’ largest and most pristine wildlife sanctuary.
No birdwatcher should miss seeing this yearly ritual unfold as males fight among themselves and display to females.
- What to Expect
- Schedule
- Pricing
- What to Bring
- Location: 15 Miles North of Bassett, NE
- Lodging Options
What to Expect
You will view Sharp-tailed Grouse from a popup blind (Ameristep Magnum Caretaker). These large blinds comfortably accommodate four people and one small tripod. Two participants will sit in front near the viewing window, with two seated behind them. Each participant will receive a chair and approximately 30 x 30 inches of space. Participants are encouraged to switch positions (front/back) at least once during the morning of observation. Blinds are placed 100-200 feet from the grouse, with the opening facing west to optimize photography (sunrise behind the blind) and toprevent sun from shining inside.
Attention photographers: Photographers using large tripods and lenses are encouraged to reserve at least two spaces or "seats" in the blind. Buying two spaces provides 30 x 60 inches of space, allowing a photographer to comfortably photograph half the lek. Reserving three spaces means that one other person may share the blind. Reserving four spaces ensures exclusive use of the blind and provides enough room to comfortably photograph the entire lek. Reserving four spaces also gives the photographer the option of using their own blind if preferred.
Participants should be prepared to sit still in cold temperatures for 4+ hours without restroom access. Participants must be at least 12 years old and able to walk up to a half mile in the dark over uneven terrain. Accommodations are available for those with mobility issues.
Schedule
Plan to leave the Hutton House headquarters 1.5 hours before sunrise. Visitors arriving more than 10 minutes late will forfeit their tour without a refund. The only restroom facility is at the Hutton House and is available for use before departure.
A guide will drive you to the lek (approximately a 30-minute drive) and set up the blind (about 15 minutes). You will enter the blind 45 min before sunrise. The birds typically arrive 30 minutes before sunrise. To avoid disturbing the birds, you will remain the blind until they depart—usually 3 hours after sunrise. A guide will then drive you back to the Hutton House headquarters.
Tours are offered from mid-March through early May, typically Thursdays through Mondays. Mating activity peaks in mid-April.
Pricing
The cost is $100 per person and includes guided transportation to and from the blind, a chair and space in the blind for viewing. Photographers requiring additional space for tripods or equipment should purchase extra seats. For more information, read HERE. Lodging is available on-site with pricing depending on room.
What to Bring
It is incredibly cold sitting in a blind for 4 hours at sunrise, the coldest part of the day. In March, average lows are in the 20sºF, while April averages are in the 30sºF, and May in the 40sºF. Sitting in the blind can feel colder than these averages, especially with the wind. Wear at least three layers, such as long underwear, pants, and snow pants or coveralls. Warm footwear, gloves, hats, and scarves to cover your nose and mouth are essential. A blanket can also help keep you warm.
Space in the blind is limited, so avoid bringing backpacks. Instead, carry essentials such as snacks, your phone, and a camera in your pockets. Bring a water bottle and wear binoculars around your neck. Backpacks can be left in the vehicle.
Lodging Options
We recommend staying at our facility the night before your reservation. For example, if your tour is on April 7, request lodging to arrive April 6 and depart April 7. Check-in is 3 PM, and check out is noon. Additional nights may be available. Lodging reservations can be made when booking your tour.
If you would like to stay at a traditional hotel, these are the closest options:
- Bassett Lodge (25 min drive): http://bassettlodge.com/
- The Sisters Bread and Breakfast (30 min drive): https://www.facebook.com/TheSistersHouseStuartNE/
- Hiland House (40 min drive): https://www.hilandhouse.com/
Hutton House on the Sanctuary
Our Hutton House (HH) is a large updated house located on the sanctuary and includes 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Most rooms share bathrooms. Guests have access to the full kitchen, dining, and living rooms. Wi-Fi is available, but pets are not allowed. By staying at our facility, you support habitat conservation for prairie grouse. During the booking process, you will have the option of specifying which of the following rooms you would like to reserve. Prices below are PER ROOM, not per person.
- Room 1: HH Main Floor - Full bed, no stairs to bedroom (3 steps up to kitchen and shared bath); $125/night
- Room 2: HH North - Queen bed, private bath, one flight of stairs; $150/night
- Room 3: HH East - Two twin beds, shared bath, one flight of stairs; $125/night
- Room 4: HH Southwest - Two twin beds, shared bath, one flight of stairs; $125/night
- Room 5: HH Southeast - One full bed and two twin beds, shared bath, one flight of stairs; $125/night
Book Your Tour
Questions?
Contact Amy for other questions:
Phone: (402) 382-5538
Email: amy@audubonofkansas.org