SHOOTING THE PRAIRIE GROUSE 415 
they did not give the dogs an opportunity to show 
off the best that was in them. A little later, therefore, 
a change was made, and grounds were sought where 
the sharp-tailed grouse was abundant. This was in 
northwestern Minnesota and in Manitoba, and here, 
for a number of years, were held what used to be called 
the chicken trials. 
Before they have been much shot at the young sharp- 
tailed grouse lie well, and offer easy shooting ; but when 
they attain their full growth, and the weather 
grows colder, they become much more shy, and while 
still spending most of their time on the upland prairies, 
seek refuge, when disturbed, in the ravines or the wil- 
lows of the stream bottoms. 
During the winter they get together in considerable 
packs, and live largely among the underbrush of the 
river bottoms; yet often they may be seen sitting on 
the roofs of buildings or willow trees, or fences im- 
mediately about the ranch, and sometimes at this sea- 
son of the year, while roosting in such places, may be 
killed in large numbers with a rifle. 
When it will lie, the sharp-tail furnishes fine sport 
with a dog, but often it runs for a considerable dis- 
tance, and so rapidly that it may rise far ahead of the 
dog. As soon as the weather has become cool a quick 
eye and arm and a strong lead to the gun are required 
to bring the bird down. 
In many respects the sharptail suggests the bobwhite 
quail, especially in the way in which it leaves the 
ground in flight and the speed with which it moves on 
