This is a draft of the blinds Web page for 2025 – it is not official yet

note: use original pictures on current page for alignment

Sharp-tailed grouse viewing is available each April and May. Registration opens mid to late January. The Friends group and the Wisconsin DNR make blinds available for up-close viewing of the startling and entertaining mating dance of the sharp-tailed grouse.

Watch the video on making a reservation (if this is your first time), watch the DNR protocol video to get the latest version of the protocol, reserve a blind, and get up early to watch from just a few feet away as males show off, competing for the chance to mate.

The Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area (FNBWA) requests a minimum donation of $20 per blind reservation. All money goes to Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area (NBWA) management and includes a free FNBWA membership. We use PayPal for donations or you can send us a check (PayPal HERE).

Watch out for unrelated pop-up menus in the reservation software (especially on mobile phones). We do not ask for credit card numbers on the reservation form; rather we rely on donations made separately through our option on this website. More important information follows.

Steps For Registering:

—> 1)Watch the blind reservation tutorial video (HERE – draft of future video) – has typos

—> 2)Watch the video for the most recent DNR blind use protocol (link needed)

—> 3) Use this link to reserve a blind (HERE)

—> 4) Remember to make a donation (HERE) or by check with option #2 (HERE)

More about use of the blinds:

*Directions to the NBWA can be found on the Map and Directions on our Homepage (HERE)

* Directions for reaching the blinds are on the reservation Web site (HERE)

* Bathrooms on the Barrens information (HERE)

* Sunrise hours are available (HERE)

* Find information on where to stay or camp (camping is not allowed on the NBWA itself) on the Lodging Information page. (HERE)

* Initial sign-up is limited to 2 blinds/days unless it is 2 days prior to the viewing day.

* If you cannot keep a reservation, please cancel as soon as possible. (HERE)

* Keep looking back as cancellations and sign-ups occur frequently. DNR Wildlife Management initially reserves weekdays that may open up in late winter/early spring. (HERE)

* All blinds have bucket seats for up to 3 people. There is room for a 4th person (if people are small and/or willing to be cozy, but you will need to bring an extra seat), or room for 1 or 2 people and lots of photography gear.

* More videos of the mating dance are available on the FNBWA YouTube page (HERE).