Burned plots that were grazed following fire did not show a significant increase in prairie-chicken use. Fall burning increased grass and forb yields more than spring burning did. Insects also increased. More nests were found in burned areas after the second, third, and fourth seasons following both March and August fires. Hens were more attracted to the vegetation after August fires.
Prescribed fires can stimulate growth of food and cover plants.
Burning in late September or early October can create these display grounds in autumn and spring. However, some grasses may not recover quickly enough to provide alternative cover in place of bluestem grasses, which tend to decrease in these communities following fire. More frequent fires are recommended where heavy shrub cover needs to be reduced. Optimum cover has been determined at 15 percent brush to 85 percent grassland. Donohoe, Robert W. 1974.