Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

UPLAND GAME BIRD HABITAT

Scaled Quail (referred to as Blue Scaled Quail)

Found mostly on the Grassland south of the Cimarron River in the sandy areas. Prefers cover found around old buildings, oilfield equipment and old farm machinery. Also found in shade of Cholla Cactus and sand plum thickets.

Bobwhite

Found mostly in the Cimarron River Corridor. Prefers cover found in the heavier brush among the trees.

Lesser Prairie Chicken

Found mostly south of the River in sand-sage areas (similar to the scaled quail areas). Prefers cover of sagebrush, yucca, and short to mid grasses.

Pheasant

Found mainly on the croplands adjoining the Grassland. Prefers cover and food provided by corn, wheat and other crops. Uses the Grassland for resting (“loafing”).

The Forest Service builds guzzlers, plants sand plum thickets, puts up quail cover tents, builds fences around wildlife areas, and maintains the vegetation cover of the Grassland; all to provide good habitat for the birds and other wildlife.

The Grassland works with the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks and other partners to produce and update pamphlets, checklists, and books on birds located on the Grassland within the local area.

Outfitter and guide permits are required on Forest Service land!

Outfitter/Guide permits are required on Cimarron National Grassland for any individual or organization (e.g. bird touring groups) charging a fee. A limit of one outfitter/guide bird tour will be allowed at any individual prairie chicken blind per day. Outfitter/guide requests must be submitted by January 1 of each year. Scheduling for the prairie chicken blinds will be based on the date the permit request is submitted.