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 



