Please read the entirety of this page and follow all directions. Failure to do so will result in the automatic cancellation of your reservation.

Want to get up close and personal with sharp-tailed grouse? This is your chance! Once again, we are happy to offer viewing blinds at Crex Meadows this spring. There are two blinds available this spring. Additional blind opportunities may become available weather permitting. Be sure to check back regularly.

How to Reserve a Blind:

1. Read all FAQs and directions first!
2. Find a date with blind availability. We recommend viewing all available dates by clicking here or by viewing our events calendar.
3. Once you have found a date with availability, purchase one ticket. You only need one ticket for your entire group. Do not buy more than one ticket for the blind. You may only make one reservation per weekend. Additional reservations will be cancelled!
4. Wait for us to contact you. We will contact you with more information at least a week before your reservation.
5. If you need to cancel your reservation, please send us an email at information@crexmeadows.org so we can offer your reservation to someone else. The $5 fee is non-refundable.
6. If there are no available dates, please email us at information@crexmeadows.org to be added to our waitlist.

FAQs

1. What time do I need to get to the blind?

Everyone must be in the blind at least 45 minutes before sunrise.

2. When can I leave?

Please do not leave the blind until after the birds have left the lek. Our goal is to disturb the birds as little as possible to ensure they continue using the leks. Typically, the birds leave somewhere around 9:00 a.m. but timing can vary by over an hour in either direction. Do not exit the blind at any time during your viewing experience.

3. How many people can be in the blind and how often can I reserve a blind?

Blinds can seat up to 4 people comfortably, but you may want fewer people in your blind if you plan to bring photography equipment. Anyone may reserve the viewing blinds, but you are only allowed one reservation per week to allow an opportunity for others to view. You will be asked to provide the names of anyone joining you in the blinds via email after making your reservation.

4. How do I find my blind?

Once you’ve purchased a ticket below, someone will contact you with details on how to get to the blind you will be sitting in. You will be randomly assigned one of the available blinds. We do not allow people to choose their location unless there are mobility/accessibility concerns. Please contact us at 715-463-2739 if you have mobility concerns or would like more information about accessing the blinds. We recommend visiting the site in daylight (be sure not to disturb the site in the morning!) before your viewing date so you know where to go and what to expect.

5. How far do I have to walk to get to the blind?

Both blinds require some walking to get to. From the parking areas, expect to walk around 1/4 mile to get to your blind. While much of the walking is on relatively flat ground, vegetation can make parts of the walk challenging due to uneven terrain. Please call us at 715-463-2739 if you have concerns about accessing the blinds. You should make your reservation as usual and a staff member will be in contact with you regarding your concerns. Depending on your situation, some accommodations may be available to make your trip to the blind possible.

6. What if it’s raining? Will the birds still be there?

Depending on the severity of the weather, the birds may still show up to the lek! While dry and sunny mornings are ideal, in previous years people still had success viewing on rainy mornings. If conditions seem dangerous please email us so we can decide if rescheduling makes more sense for your group.

7. What is a lek?

A lek is an open area that sharp-tailed grouse gather in to perform their mating dances.

8. Am I guaranteed to see grouse?

No, but your chances to see grouse are very high! Blinds are positioned at leks that are actively and regularly used by grouse.

9. Should I report my sightings?

You do not have to, but if you would like to record the number of males you see dancing and the number of females you see, we would love to get that information from you! You can call, email, or stop in to report your sightings.

10. Why do I have to donate $5 to use the blinds?

The Friends of Crex and the Wisconsin Sharp-tailed Grouse Society worked together to make these blinds available to the public. Your donation helps us keep these blinds available and also ensures that people who sign up for the blinds are serious about using them.

11. Why can’t I make a reservation?

Reservations fill quickly so there may be no openings available. You can email us at information@crexmeadows.org to be put on our waitlist. Blinds will become reservable at 12:00 p.m. on February 1.

By purchasing a ticket, you agree to the following rules, please read carefully!

1. Arrive at the blind at least 45 minutes before sunrise. Sunrise is at: 5:36 a.m. on the day of your reservation. Please be quiet and seated in the blind no later than 4:51 a.m..
2. Leave the blind only after the grouse have left the lekking site. Typically, birds leave somewhere between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
3. When leaving, leave quietly and quickly in case the birds try to return to the site.
4. The individual making the reservation is responsible for the conduct of their party. We recommend having all participants read the full FAQ and rules on this page. If members of your party fail to obey these rules, the blinds will not be available for use to you or the members of your party in the future.

If you have further questions, please call us at 715-463-2739 or email us at information@crexmeadows.org

Please read the entirety of this page and follow all directions. Failure to do so will result in the automatic cancellation of your reservation.