Fire is an important factor in creating and maintaining sharp-tailed grouse habitat. On native northern mixed prairie grassland in South Dakota, sharp-tailed grouse were absent in an unburned control area, which contained dense grass. Fire helps to eliminate dense mats of dead grasses, sedges, bushes, sticks, and other debris which can act as a barrier to walking and feeding. Although fire is generally beneficial to sharp-tailed grouse, severe fire may eliminate valuable cover essential for nesting, roosting, hiding, and feeding.
Fire helps to stimulate new food supplies for sharp-tailed grouse.
Ragweed is one of the best foods for sharp-tailed grouse. Sharp-tailed grouse in central Wisconsin occupy semiopen oak woodlands which have been opened up by fire. Acorns are easier to find in these woodlands. Oakwoods with dense underbrush are generally not used by sharp-tailed grouse. Repeated prescribed fire in Michigan has helped to improve sharp-tailed grouse habitat and increase populations.