This calls for an extremely cautious, very cooperative dog that always keeps within sight and is willing to lock on point at the suspicion of chicken scent, often at a distance of 20 to 40 yards. In the hot, dry sand hills, that means a greater number of false points than average. Kelley is sure of quality chicken hunts for only a month, so that's all he books. Our season opens the second week in September. We'll get nasty weather, a hard freeze, and the chickens begin grouping.
Indian summer follows, the birds scatter across the hills, and hunting is easy.
Finally, in mid-October, temperatures plummet, it stays cold, and it's all over. There are 50 to 75 birds in unapproachable flocks. If you bring your own dog, make sure you're both in top condition. Running and walking in sand is tiring. The best prairie-grouse dogs are smart ones that have learned to run downwind and quarter back.