Prairie Chicken Responses to Changing Booming-Ground Cover Type and Height

Prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) responses to experimental and natural changes in booming-ground cover were observed in central Wisconsin. Natural changes included cultivation, wild- fire, snow, and natural succession and growth of vegetation. Experimental changes included burning, mowing, and installation of a conifer windbreak. No consistent pattern of use or preference for cover types was evident. Cocks preferred cover heights that were 6 inches or less. The presence of an artifi- cial windbreak disrupted booming grounds. Abstract: Prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) responses to experimental and natural changes in booming-ground cover were observed in central Wisconsin. Natural changes included cultivation, wild- fire, snow, and natural succession and growth of vegetation. Experimental changes included burning, mowing, and installation of a conifer windbreak. No consistent pattern of use or preference for cover types was evident. Cocks preferred cover heights that were 6 inches or less. The presence of an artifi- cial windbreak disrupted booming grounds.