Grassland biodiversity is threatened by habitat loss associated with human expansion. In response, land managers need to collect wildlife data more efficiently and implement management practices that promote wildlife habitat. To assess methods and land use practices for managing game birds in the Northwestern Great Plains, we quantified the behavioral response of sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanucus phasianellus) to small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) exposure and measured production of upland nesting ducks on former Conservation Reserve Program land. We found survey altitudes ≥ 121 m above ground level and moderate wind speeds reduced behavior response of grouse. For waterfowl production, we found that nest survival increased with nest age, vegetation height, and relative humidity. Future sUAS application for grouse surveys should explore altitudes ≥121 m above ground level. In terms of duck production, we suggest land managers use practices that increase vegetation structure.