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.

To reserve your blind, simply find a date with tickets available and purchase a single $5 ticket for your entire group. Please do not reserve more than one blind per week!

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 sites. Typically, the birds leave somewhere around 9:00 a.m. but timing can vary by over an hour in either direction. Please 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 6 people, 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 weekend 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 assigned to one of two available 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. 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, last year 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.

6. What is a lek?

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

7. Am I guaranteed to see grouse?

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

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: 6:42 a.m. on the day of your reservation. Please be quiet and seated in the blind no later than 5:57 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 Dicey or Lauren at 715-463-2739 or email us at information@crexmeadows.org