Vol. 20, No. 5 
Page 4 
Among the unmanaged census areas, two cocks were found on the Mt. Erie 
(Wayne County) census area--the same number as in the previous spring (1976). 
The remnant flock near Bible Grove in Clay County apparently disappeared 
completely, as no prairie chickens were seen or heard booming--two cocks were 
still present last spring (1976). 
The count near Hoyleton in Washington County dropped from 11 males in 
1976 to 6 males in 1977- Although six males at Hoyleton is an average count 
since the first census in 1969; a decline was expected in view of three 
reports from farmers of nest destruction by hay mowing and plowing in 1976. 
At nearby New Minden (also Washington County) the count dropped from two males 
in 1976 to none seen or heard in 1977 __ a 1 though a single hen was observed. 
Thus, the unmanaged areas are either defunct or on the verge of extinction. 
Illinois may soon reach the point where all remaining prairie chickens are 
dependent on sanctuary grasslands for their continued preservation. 
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