As October approaches, golf season in the Sandhills begins to wind down. But right as most golfers prepare to pack away their clubs, Nebraska’s prairie bird seasons officially open.
This creates a rare three-week window, running roughly from September 15 through October 8, where both seasons run side by side before the courses close for winter. At most destinations, you are forced to choose between one last golf getaway or an early bird hunt. At Dismal River, you can do both on the same day: an early morning in the field with a team of pointers, followed by 18 holes of links golf under the afternoon sun.
Morning: Into the Prairie for Upland Birds
The 3,000 acres surrounding the property hold some of the finest upland habitat in the region. Dismal River’s guided hunting packages pair your group with experienced local handlers and trained pointing dogs. Walking prairie cover behind a pair of setters locking up on point carries a similar rhythm to walking a round of golf, but with a total shift in focus.
The Shooting Grounds: Clays, Steel, and Handguns
If a few people in your group prefer to warm up before heading out with the dogs, the club’s full shooting facilities sit right on-site:
- Sporting Clays Course
- Long-Range Rifle Range
- Handgun Range
Afternoon: 18 Holes of Championship Links
Your afternoon begins on the tee while the sun stays across the dunes.
Heading into the final weeks of the season, both courses play fast and firm. On Jack Nicklaus’s White Course, the tight turf rewards solid ball-striking to carry the deep sand blowouts. Over on Tom Doak’s Red Course, wide fairways and natural contours let you run balls along the ground toward the pin. The turf is lean, greens stay quick, and crisp autumn winds keep shot selection engaging on every hole.
Evening: Whiskey, Fire Pit, and Ribeyes
After your round, clean up and head to the club patio to sit around the fire pit with a drink as you wait for your dinner reservation.
There’s a distinct atmosphere around the fire tables at dusk. You’re on a high from a full outdoor experience, two sports you never thought you’d mix in one trip. And you know everyone is thinking the same thing as they’re sharing stories from their favorite part of the day.
Dinner features thick Nebraska steaks and top-shelf bourbon while the sky goes dark over the valley. Conversations from the fire pit carry on inside the restaurant as you eat your cozy meal.
The bonus: food tastes better out here, that’s just a fact.
Timing Your Dual-Sport Trip
Because upland bird dates are governed by state wildlife schedules, planning around the calendar window is essential. You don’t have to put your golf clubs away just because bird season started. Deep in the Sandhills, you just bring both bags.
