Iowa DNR asks for public to report prairie chicken sightings

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is looking for prairie chickens this spring and Iowans can help.

Iowa’s prairie chicken population had resided in three locations in Ringgold County — two on or near the Kellerton Wildlife Area; the third on private land — but have been seen in Union, Clarke, Decatur and Taylor counties.  

“Whether your checking on the cattle or working the fields, we’d like you to keep an eye out for prairie chickens and let us know if you see them,” said Stephanie Shepherd, wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR’s diversity program.

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Prairie chicken sightings can be reported by calling 515-230-6599 or emailed to vwmp@dnr.iowa.gov.

“There’s a concern for this population,” Shepherd said. “Our numbers are down, not just here, but across the border in Missouri, and we want to keep tabs on any birds that we missed as part of our previous surveys.”