Intro to this species—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.
Summary
The Sharp-Tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) is a striking game bird native to the grasslands and open woodlands of North America, known for its distinctive wedge-shaped tail and vibrant plumage, which features intricate patterns of brown, gray, and white. One of the most notable characteristics of the Sharp-Tailed Grouse is its elaborate courtship display during the breeding season, where males perform a captivating dance accompanied by unique vocalizations, making it a fascinating species to observe. For hunters, pursuing Sharp-Tailed Grouse presents a rewarding challenge; they are agile and swift, often taking flight in unpredictable directions, which requires both skill and precision. Hunting these birds typically involves strategies such as walking open fields and practicing good dog handling, as well-trained pointing dogs can significantly aid in locating the grouse amidst their preferred habitats of dense cover and sparse vegetation. The flavorful meat and the thrill of the hunt further enhance the appeal of pursuing Sharp-Tailed Grouse for both seasoned and novice hunters alike.
Sharp-tailed grouse hunts typically take place on expansive private grasslands and mixed‐cover prairies, where large tracts of rolling sagebrush, grass, and agricultural edges support high densities of these rollicking upland birds alongside pheasants and occasional Hungarian partridge. Guided, all-inclusive packages usually run from early September through mid-December and include lodging, meals, transportation to and from the field, and experienced guides (often with well-trained flush-and-retrieve dogs). Hunters can expect fast-paced, walk-up wingshooting in variable weather—rain, snow or sun—flushes at moderate ranges, and a blend of fair-chase upland tactics. These hunts appeal equally to newcomers seeking their first bird dogs experience and veteran shooters chasing plentiful coveys in classic Montana prairie country.
Sharp-tailed grouse hunts typically operate from rustic tent camps set up near prime grassland and brush habitat. Accommodations consist of canvas tents outfitted with sturdy cots for sleeping, and each tent is heated by a wood-burning stove to maintain a comfortable interior overnight. All meals are provided on-site, with a central dining area or cook tent serving hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to fuel daily field outings. This straightforward camp setup offers a balance of essential comforts and authentic upland experience suitable for both first-time and veteran hunters.
We think these three hunts should be at the top of your list.
Upland Bird + Waterfowl Combination Hunt in Montana
We think this is the most fun you can have with your pants on! Rain, snow, or sunshine we will have a great hunting option and that’s why these hunts are so productive! Our all inclusive 3 day combo hunt provides you with food, lodging and travel to/from the field. This hunt is action packed.
We provide you with coffee and doughnuts in the morning before escorting you to the field where you will be hunting ducks or geese. Your guides will have the decoy spread setup and waiting for you so all you have to do is jump in the blinds and shoot. Once your morning hunt is over we will pick you back up and take you to camp for brunch. After you change clothes and switch gear, we head out to spend the rest of the day upland hunting for Sharptail, Pheasants, and the occasional Hungarian Partridge. After an action packed day of wing shooting we head back to camp for cocktails and dinner. This is a fabulous way to experience all Montana has to offer!
Montana
Ring-Necked-Pheasant
Sharp-Tailed Grouse
Grey Partridge (Hungarian Partridge)
Duck
Goose
3950
Montana Upland Outfitters
Fair Chase
Private
Tent
Yes
Wood Burning Stove
Cot
Meals Provided
Unspecified
3950
Combo Hunt
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
100% Wild Sharptail Grouse & Hungarian Partridge
With over 100,000 acres of private land to choose from you are sure to find the perfect piece of cover to fit your needs. Sharp-tailed Grouse and Pheasant are the primary birds of choice in this area but there are also opportunities for Hungarian Partridge.
Our season runs from the first of September through the first half of December. If you've always dreamed of taking a step back in time to chase prairie birds in Montana we have just the hunt for you!
Montana
Sharp-Tailed Grouse
Grey Partridge (Hungarian Partridge)
3350
Montana Upland Outfitters
Fair Chase
Private
Tent
Yes
Wood Burning Stove
Cot
Meals Provided
Unspecified
3350
Combo Hunt
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
100% Wild Pheasant Grouse & Sharptail Grouse Hunt
With over 100,000 acres of private land to choose from you are sure to find the perfect piece of cover to fit your needs. Sharp-tailed Grouse and Pheasant are the primary birds of choice in this area but there are also opportunities for Hungarian Partridge.
Our season runs from the first of September through the first half of December. If you've always dreamed of taking a step back in time to chase prairie birds in Montana we have just the hunt for you!
Montana
Ring-Necked-Pheasant
Sharp-Tailed Grouse
3750
Montana Upland Outfitters
Fair Chase
Private
Tent
Yes
Wood Burning Stove
Cot
Meals Provided
Unspecified
3750
Combo Hunt
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
Sharp-Tailed Grouse FAQs
What you need to know before you book:
What methods are commonly used to hunt sharp-tailed grouse?
Hunters walk the grasslands and prairie edges with a guide and a flush-and-retrieve dog. The dog works cover to push birds into the air at moderate ranges for a classic fair-chase wingshooting experience.
How does weather affect hunting sharp-tailed grouse?
Sharp-tailed grouse remain active in rain, snow or sun, but weather can change their feeding and roosting patterns. Light precipitation may concentrate birds along sheltered fence lines and brushy draws, while colder snaps drive them to open flats where they seek midday warmth.
Is hunting sharp-tailed grouse a good fit for new hunters?
Yes. Guided, all-inclusive packages provide trained dogs, field instruction and support with every step—from flushing to retrieving—making it an ideal introduction to upland hunting.
Explore Our Sharp-Tailed Grouse Hunts
Filter, sort, and find the perfect hunt tailored to your style.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
With over 100,000 acres of private land to choose from you are sure to find the perfect piece of cover to fit your needs. Sharp-tailed Grouse and Pheasant are the primary birds of choice in this area but there are also opportunities for Hungarian Partridge.
Our season runs from the first of September through the first half of December. If you've always dreamed of taking a step back in time to chase prairie birds in Montana we have just the hunt for you!
Montana
Sharp-Tailed Grouse
Grey Partridge (Hungarian Partridge)
3350
Montana Upland Outfitters
Fair Chase
Private
Tent
Yes
Wood Burning Stove
Cot
Meals Provided
Unspecified
3350
Combo Hunt
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
100% Wild Pheasant Grouse & Sharptail Grouse Hunt
With over 100,000 acres of private land to choose from you are sure to find the perfect piece of cover to fit your needs. Sharp-tailed Grouse and Pheasant are the primary birds of choice in this area but there are also opportunities for Hungarian Partridge.
Our season runs from the first of September through the first half of December. If you've always dreamed of taking a step back in time to chase prairie birds in Montana we have just the hunt for you!
Montana
Ring-Necked-Pheasant
Sharp-Tailed Grouse
3750
Montana Upland Outfitters
Fair Chase
Private
Tent
Yes
Wood Burning Stove
Cot
Meals Provided
Unspecified
3750
Combo Hunt
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.
Upland Bird + Waterfowl Combination Hunt in Montana
We think this is the most fun you can have with your pants on! Rain, snow, or sunshine we will have a great hunting option and that’s why these hunts are so productive! Our all inclusive 3 day combo hunt provides you with food, lodging and travel to/from the field. This hunt is action packed.
We provide you with coffee and doughnuts in the morning before escorting you to the field where you will be hunting ducks or geese. Your guides will have the decoy spread setup and waiting for you so all you have to do is jump in the blinds and shoot. Once your morning hunt is over we will pick you back up and take you to camp for brunch. After you change clothes and switch gear, we head out to spend the rest of the day upland hunting for Sharptail, Pheasants, and the occasional Hungarian Partridge. After an action packed day of wing shooting we head back to camp for cocktails and dinner. This is a fabulous way to experience all Montana has to offer!
Montana
Ring-Necked-Pheasant
Sharp-Tailed Grouse
Grey Partridge (Hungarian Partridge)
Duck
Goose
3950
Montana Upland Outfitters
Fair Chase
Private
Tent
Yes
Wood Burning Stove
Cot
Meals Provided
Unspecified
3950
Combo Hunt
Contact
Check Availability
Contact Outfitter
Thank you! Your submission has been received! We will be in touch in the next 24 hours.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
This info will not be shared with other outfitters or sold in any way. We will not SPAM you. We grab this info so that we can (quickly) make a warm introduction between you and the outfitter. Then we step aside and let you communicate by email, text, or phone with the outfitter as you see fit.
Alternatively, log in or sign up to see this outfitter’s contact info so you can reach out directly.
Check Availability
Request received! We’re reaching out to the outfitter and will update you as soon as we hear back.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
When you submit this request, we will do the legwork of calling and emailing the outfitter to see if they have an opening on your requested dates. We will continue reaching out to the outfitter daily until we hear back. You’ll hear from us very soon.