The Northwest Region is roughly the northwest one-fourth of the state and includes 26 counties. Physio-graphically, it is comprised of the short grass High Plains in the west and the mixed grass prairie of the Smoky Hills in the east. Between these two regions are areas known as the Chalk Buttes and the Blue Hills, each region running from north to south almost to the Arkansas River Lowlands. The landscape ranges from flat plains to rugged canyons, bluffs, and creek beds interspersed with farmland, especially in the central portions of the state. Western portions of the region hold the largest population of mule deer in the state, and white-tailed deer are also abundant. Most of the state's pronghorn may be found in this area, as well as turkey and waterfowl. The region boasts some of the state's best pheasant hunting, and quail are abundant in the easternmost counties. Greater prairie chickens may be found from Gove County east, and lesser chickens, although not abundant, may be found in the southcentral counties of the region. Wherever woodlands are found — primarily in riparian areas and shelterbelts — fox squirrels and cottontail rabbits are common, as well. There are eight federal reservoirs and several state lakes and community lakes scattered around the region.