Greater Prairie Chicken Tours

Just before the sun rises over the vast grasslands each Spring, while most people are still snug in their beds, Prairie-Chickens are busy putting on a show that is critical to their survival.

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The Greater Prairie Chicken Tours were started in 1994 by a former officer of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. These tours were started to educate the public on these, at the time, endangered birds. The East Yuma County Historical Society was asked in the late 1990’s to take on arranging these tours to help raise funds for the Wray Museum. Then in the early 2000’s, the Wray Chamber of Commerce was asked to take over arranging the tours.


Today, the Wray Chamber of Commerce and the East Yuma County Historical Society partner together to make these tours possible with the gracious help and knowledge of the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Kitzmiller Grazing Association. The Greater Prairie Chicken is no longer endangered, but these organizations would like to keep it that way…so we continue the tours to help keep the public educated on these amazing birds.


We thank you for deciding to attend one of our tours to learn more about these birds which were once facing certain extinction. Whether you are a birder at heart, or becoming one, we know you will enjoy the tour and will leave with a greater appreciation of the Greater Prairie Chicken.


If for any reason you are unable to reach the Chamber Office, please contact the Wray Museum at 970-332-5063 for further assistance.


Our Greater Prairie Chicken Tours are ADA Compliant!

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Visit our FAQ's for detailed information about the Tour requirements, refunds, tips and more. Our tours are Non-Refundable unless under special circumstances or "Act of God."

FAQs

Basic Questions:

  • Are your tours ADA Compliant?

    Yes we are ADA Compliant.

  • Do we have to be at the orientation on Friday or Saturday night?

    YES! The orientation is mandatory. As previously mentioned, you will be briefed on the do’s and don’ts of the tour the following morning. You will also learn more about the Greater Prairie Chicken and get a chance to talk to a representative from the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The other key factor to being there is that we will let you all know what time to be at the bus the next morning. This information cannot be given out ahead of time due to weather and the sunrise. Therefore if you do not show up, you will not be allowed on the bus the next morning. The only exception that can be made is if you contact the Wray Chamber ahead of time with a logical reason as to why you can’t be there.

  • What happens if the weather turns bad?

    We will go on the tour no matter the weather…unless it becomes too hazardous to drive out to the lek. In the tour history, we have only had to cancel 1 tour. So, the likelihood that a cancellation would happen is small…but if it does, we will let you know as far in advance as possible and you will receive a full refund.

  • If I cancel my reservation, will I receive a refund?

    Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for these tours. If there is an extraordinary circumstance that prevents you from coming, you will need to contact the Wray Chamber and be able to offer proof of your reason. Otherwise we will be unable to offer a refund.

Recommendations:

  • Dining & Lodging

    Dinning and Lodging can be found in our Membership Directory. Search “restaurants” and “lodging” in our Directory.

  • Clothing

    • Wear dark clothing. The birds behave better when they don’t notice you!
    • Bring warm clothing. We will take the trip no matter the weather, unless traveling is too dangerous. You will be sitting still for quite some time so as not to disturb the birds. Please understand that the cold can be extreme. We recommend ski-type clothing or coveralls. Gloves & hats are also recommended.

  • Electronics

    • Please do not bring cell phones, watches, or anything that will make noise as it will disturb the birds.
    • Cameras are allowed…we just ask that you make sure they do not make any loud noises. A shutter noise is ok…but some cameras play music when you turn them off and on. Make sure to turn noises like that off prior to going on the tour.
    • You are allowed to bring a stand for your camera…but if you have a tri-pod you will be asked to not fully extend it. Room is VERY limited in the viewing trailer!

  • Viewing Trailer

    • Once you are in the viewing trailer, you will be there for approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours. We will then head to breakfast!
    • The trailer is set up with three rows of benches. There will be seat cushions and blankets provided. You are welcome to bring extra blankets and extra cushions or a bench seat for added comfort.
    • Be advised that there are no bathrooms in the viewing trailer or anywhere close to the lek! We will recommend that you limit your liquid intake prior to the viewing tour. There are bathrooms at the breakfast site immediately following the viewing.

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