PINNATED GROUSE 241 
THE PINNATED GROUSE TO-DAY. 
An inquiry made in 1906 among the game commis- 
sioners of States where prairie chickens were formerly 
very abundant brought out a number of replies of 
great interest. Mr. E. E. Earle, then chief deputy 
warden of the State of Indiana, wrote to Forest and 
Stream as follows: 
“Our supply of pinnated grouse decreased rapidly 
from year to year until 1901. Prior to that time the 
open season had run from September 1 of any year to 
February 1 of the succeeding year. Under this law 
large numbers of these birds were slaughtered every 
year, they being young, not gun shy, and easily found. 
“In 1901 a law was passed prohibiting the killing of 
pinnated grouse, or possession of same, at any time 
between January 1 and November 10, and prohibiting 
export of such birds. Under the provisions of this 
act, which was rigorously enforced, pinnated grouse 
have increased in numbers, and may be found in great 
droves on our prairies and marshes. 
“T was in Porter County last March, and one duck 
hunter told me of having seen in one flock what he 
estimated to have been one hundred prairie chickens, 
and such scenes are by no means rare. Wise laws and 
strict enforcement of same will increase them in any 
country that is suitable for their habitation.” 
Illinois, in the youth of men who are now elderly, 
was the great chicken ground of what used to be called 
