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Axillary bud production is responsible for over 95% of reproduction in native perennial grass species. The impacts of herbivory on bud development are primarily attributed to livestock grazing, while herbivory by native wildlife, such as black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), is not well understood. Extensive prairie dog populations on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation limit forage availability for livestock; however, control measures may be limited. Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) is a perennial native grass that occurs both on and off of prairie dog colonies in the area. The impact of prairie dog and cattle grazing on western wheatgrass axillary bud production, viability, and determination were examined over a 2-year period at multiple landscape positions on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near McLaughlin, SD. Collections throughout the growing period and a double staining procedure utilizing triphenyl tetrazolium chloride and Evan's blue allowed us to quantify the overall effect of each disturbance type, as well as the effect of the combination of the two on the vegetative reproduction of this species in northern mixed-grass prairie, with the goal of gaining a better understanding of the role of prairie dog herbivory in grass vegetative reproduction. Data collection and analysis is ongoing, with final results to be presented at the SRM 2015 annual meeting.