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Vol. 10, No. 9 
Page 2 
distribution and abundance of pheasants is a study of the chemical composition of 
soil. Ten samples of soil were collected from each of three areas, one in good 
pheasant range (Ford and Livingston counties), another in fair range (northern 
Coles County), and the third in poor range (Neoga release area in Cumberland 
County). These samples were analyzed by the same procedures and for the same 
elements (excluding phosphorus) described in the report for June I 967 (Monthly 
Wildlife Research Letter l0(6):2-3)• 
When mean concentrations of the 23 elements for which analyses were conducted 
were subjected to a multiple range test, 14 exhibited statistically significant 
differences between at least two of the three areas. Mean values for good pheasa 1 -;- 
range were significantly greater than those for poor range for 10 elements-- 
calcium ( 1 , 402:716 ppm), magnesium (I,945:l,253)* potassium (1,213:477)* chromium 
(73:33)* copper (92:28), iron (47*367:29*493)* molybdenum (2.4:1.4), nickel 
(65:33)* titanium (4,783:2,430), and vanadium (30:4). Only one element (manganese) 
had a significantly lower mean concentration in soils from good pheasant range 
(333) than in soils from poor range (1,305)- 
These findings demonstrate that at least one constituent of the environment— 
chemistry of soil-- differs greatly between good pheasant range and poor range. 
Such differences could have profound effects on the distribution and abundance of 
pheasants in Illinois. 
4. Responses of Bobwhites to nabitat Manipul at ion J. A. Ellis, K. P. Thomas 
Whistle counts on the Dale (1964-67) and Forbes (1965-67) areas were made to 
determine the relationship between fall population densities of quail and the 
numbers of whistling cocks and calls heard during the period of May 15-July 15 
each year. Analysis of the data from the 1964-66 period showed significant re¬ 
gressions (P*01) between numbers of whistling cocks or calls per stop and fall 
populations densities. These regression formulae were used to compute fall 
densities for 1 967 - 
The numbers of calls per stop and of whistling cocks per stop during 1 967 
indicated high populations this fall on both areas. The average number of cocks 
per stop was 5-53 for Dale and 3.95 for Forbes. Using the regressions computed 
from 1964-66, the average number of cocks per stop indicated 32.2 quail per 100 
acres for Dale and 23 .1 quail per 100 acres on the Forbes Area. The number of 
calls per stop on Dale (28.3) and on Forbes (17-4) indicated that the fall 
populations would be 38.4 and 24.5 quail per 100 acres on the two areas, respec¬ 
tively. The predicted densities would be approximately 13 percent above the 
high population densities of 1964. We maintain, however, that whistle counts are 
valid indicators of fall populations provided summer mortality remains relatively 
constant. 
5 . Responses of P rairie Chickens to HabItat Manipul at ion R. L. Westemeier 
The effectiveness of the two oldest sanctuaries (Yeatter-77 acres, and McGraw- 
20 acres) for nesting prairie chickens on the Bogota Study Area has seriously 
