M. A. Melchiors

Pine (Pinus spp.) plantations comprise a major habitat type in the Southeast, and burning is used for forest and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) management. We studied turkey hen (N = 165) use of control-burned loblolly pine (P. taeda) plantations, July 1986-March 1991, in Kemper County, Mississippi. Generally, hen use of plantations during summer (Jul-Sep), fall (Oct—Dec), and winter (Jan-Mar) was equal to or less than available for plantations <1 year and 5:7 years since-burned. Use was equal to or greater than available for plantations 1-6 years since-burned. During spring (Apr-Jun...

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hens were monitored by telemetry from January 1987 through August 1988 in Kemper County, Mississippi. Thirty-nine of 52 hens reached incubation. Nesting success was 46% in 1987 and 36% in 1988. In 1987, all 12 located nests were in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations. Eleven hens nested in 17- to 19-year-old plantations; I hen nested in a 9-year-old plantation. In 1988,21 located nests were in plantations and I hen was in a mature pine-hardwood forest. Most hens (81 %) nested in plantations age 13-20 years old. Plantations used for nesting had been...

Wildlife agencies in the 16 southeastern states were surveyed by mail to determine what programs were offered to encourge wildlife management on and public access to privately owned lands. To promote wildlife management on these lands, 14 agencies offered technical services, 7 agencies provided wildlife management materials, and 1 offered tax incentives. Public access to private lands was promoted through free cooperative areas in 9 states and fee-based cooperative areas in 5 states. All agencies considered their programs successful. Seven agencies were studying new programs to encourage...