My theory on what would have happened with a natural lightning burn this time of year way back when buffalo and elk grazers were around is that it would have probably only really carried in the areas with excess grass that the grazers didn’t consume….It would have just crept everywhere else if it burned at all……..We’re talking about low intensity for the most part....These natural spring fires would have served the purpose of using up any excess grass left over as the fuel to help control hardwoods, promote forb growth, and release rats for the predators to key in on instead of going after things like turkeys.

This leads into your raptor population discussion........