Lesser Prairie Chicken

In the Texas Panhandle

Joining Forces for the Lesser Prairie Chicken
by Kevin Mote

The lesser prairie chicken is a ground nesting bird that is native to the mixed grass prairies of the Texas Panhandle, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Two distinct populations occur in the Panhandle, one in the sand hills country of the High Plains west of Lubbock and the other in the Rolling Plains region in the northeast.

Although once common, its -numbers have steadily declined across its range due to alteration of habitat for agricultural purposes. Concern over this population decline prompted the formation of the Lesser Prairie Chicken Working Group (LPCWG) from state, federal and private sectors. The goal of this group, coordinated by TPWD biologist Kevin Mote, is to develop a regional conservation plan that will ultimately reverse the decline of the lesser prairie chicken before it is too late. A related bird, the Attwater's prairie chicken, once abundant on coastal prairies, is currently the most endangered bird in Texas with only 42 wild birds recorded in the last census.

Because the majority of prairie chicken habitat occurs on private land, the group is working to develop proactive strategies for landowners who wish to voluntarily manage for this species. Management of lesser prairie chicken habitat is compatible with good farming and ranching practices. The LPCWG is currently working to develop a list of the best management practices for lesser prairie chickens and identifying financial incentive programs to help offset the landowner's management costs.

Hunting
Hunting seasons and daily bag limits are set by TPW Commission to provide hunting opportunity in the Texas Panhandle. Refer to Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual (2002 - 2003) for information on hunting zones, seasons, and bag limits.

Literature

Seyffert, K.D. 2001. Birds of the Texas panhandle: their status, distribution, and history. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, TX. 501pp.

Locate a Wildlife Biologist
For further information click here to locate a Wildlife Biologist in your county.