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13. 
Pete ee eae ON Be OTe eh Ten efi 
PRAIRIE CHICKEN MANAGEMENT IN ILLINOIS 
By J. W. Galbreath 
Suitable nest-brood range is, by far, the most critical factor in Prairie 
Chicken production and survival. 
To assure success in perpetuating the species, long-term land control of 
a sufficient amount of breeding range is essential. 
Good nesting sites are on well-drained, open grassland with sufficient 
soft duff for nest material. 
Nesting sites are seldom over 1 mile from booming grounds. 
Booming grounds are usually level or gently sloping, open sites with 
short vegetative cover. The chickens must be able to see the vicinity. 
Booming grounds tend to be traditional if they are undisturbed. 
Growing redtop grass for seed is compatible with good chicken manage- 
ment. To date, redtop appears to be the best species for nest-brood 
cover in Illinois. 
. Light grazing of livestock on permanent pasture after early July is 
compatible with good chicken management. 
The Soil Bank Reserve from 1957 to 1964 increased nesting and brooding 
cover, which undoubtedly enhanced chicken welfare. 
Scattered tracts of 40 to 100 acres of permanent grassland, over 20 
to 30 percent of a 2-square-mile area, should guarantee survival of this 
colorful species. 
Experience in Wisconsin and Missouri has indicated that fewer but 
larger parcels of grassland will give more assurance of survival during 
population lows. The overall goal of these states is to control enough 
land to guarantee survival of breeding stock during population lows. 
If this can be done, there will be high populations during years of good 
production. (An important factor in Illinois is that desirable small tracts 
desirably located are not always available. We can only purchase land 
that is for sale.) 
The food of adult Prairie Grouse is mainly herbs, buds, catkins, grain, 
seeds, berries and insects. Young birds prefer insects and dewberries. 
As with all species of wildlife the Prairie Grouse tends to eat the most 
readily available preferred food. 
There is good evidence that properly managed Sanctuary lands revert 
to native prairie plants suitable for chickens and for educational and 
scientific purposes. 
There is much evidence that good upland grouse management is also 
beneficial to the Bobwhite Quail, Cottontail Rabbit, Upland Plover, 
Meadowlark, and other desirable animals. 
GET YOUR RESERVATIONS IN EARLY 
Those who wish to visit the booming grounds in the spring of 1965 should 
get their reservations in early to R. J. (Joe) Ellis, RR 1, Box 105, Bogota. 
REMINDER: No visitors are allowed on the sanctuaries during the booming 
and nesting season except for the supervised visits to the booming grounds 
from March 1 through April 10. 
9405 S. Richfield Rd., East St. Louis, III. 
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