The Game Types of Oklahoma
10. THE SANDSAGE-GRASSLAND GAME TYPE
Definition
This game type was set up to include all of the sandy grasslands on which sandsage (Artemisia filifolia) forms an important part of the ground cover. This species is not found in eastern Alfalfa and Grant counties to any appreciable extent. However, the condition here so closely approaches that of the true sandsage that it was included within the type.
The Sandsage - Grassland Game Type is found throughout the north-western part of the state, mainly on the north sides of the principal streams, and includes some 2,600 square miles. The characteristic plant species are sandsage, associated with sand plum (Prunus angustifolia), fragrant sumac (Rhus trilobata), hackberry (Celtis sp.), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), sandhill bluestem (Andropogon halli), and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans). Representatives of the short grass species are typical of the shortgrass plains areas, and are common on the tighter soils. Retired fields and all marginal conditions support an abundant growth of weedy annuals and are usually in close association with woody cover species which persist here.
In part, this type corresponds with the sandhill bluestem classification of the Soil Conservation Service, the western Andropogon Associes of Bruner (1931), and sand areas of the Mixed - Grass and Shortgrass Districts of Blair and Hubbell (1938).
Climatic Characteristics
The bulk of this type lies within the climatic province characterized as subhumid, mesothermal and moisture deficiency at all seasons, but overlapping on the west into semi-arid, microthermal climatic conditions. The Sandsage - Grassland Game Type extends from the western boundary of Cimarron County, with an average annual precipitation of 15-17 inches, eastward approximately to the 28 inch rainfall belt. The entire Game Type experiences from 190 to 200 growing days a year.
Periods of drouth under the present land use have resulted in a serious depletion of game cover on the pasture lands, particularly since grazing loads are seldom lessened during these times. Recent wet seasons of 1942-43 have, however, contributed much toward a rapid recovery of the vegetation. Heavy snows, especially in the northwestern portion are often of sufficient intensity to seriously damage small game populations.
Physical Characteristics
The Sandsage - Grassland Game Type is characterized by a rolling to dune-like relief. However, that portion level enough for cultivation has been somewhat leveled by the continued use and wind erosion. Surface drainage is not well developed, due to the porous nature of the soil. Where streams do occur, however, they develop a luxuriant vegetation.
The soils supporting the Sandsage - Grassland Game Type are, for the most part, developed from Quaternary parent material which is found overlying the Permian red beds. Some recent expansion of the Sandsage - Grassland Game Type has resulted from the moving sands of cultivated fields and closely grazed pastures.
Land Use Characteristics
From 40 to 50 percent of this type is in cultivation, largely to wheat and grain sorghum. The remainder of the land is used for pasture land on which cattle are grazed. The average farm size is around 385 acres, with the majority of the tracts being either 360 or 640 acres in size. Rural population densities for this type range from 5 to 10 persons per square mile. Approximately 40 percent of the land is operated by tenants.
Wildlife Characteristics
The principal game species of the Sandsage - Grassland Game Type are the bobwhite quail, lesser prairie chicken, mourning dove, and cottontail rabbit. Scaled quail are found in the western panhandle counties. Bobwhite here do much seasonal shifting similar to that described for the other upland types within this part of the state.
This type offers opportunity to do some of the most effective game management in western Oklahoma. Often any soil disturbance results in an abundant food production for small game, and the permanent cover of sandsage, scattered plum and sumac makes for excellent game habitat under moderate use.
About the plates
Plate XXVII - Showing excellent recovery of pasture from effects of drouth and overgrazing. The results of unwise pasture management.
Plate XXVIII - Typical view of Sandsage Game Type in southwest Oklahoma.
Plate XXIX - These hunters got their limit of bobwhite. Showing moderately grazed, unburned sandsage pastureland in Harper County.
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This document is a product of the Oklahoma
Biological Survey
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