A. S. Johnson

Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a common shrub in the southeastern United States, but no studies have examined white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) use of privet. We investigated the seasonality of deer use of privet browse and the effect of deer browsing on privet twig growth. We tagged and repeatedly measured about 200 privet twig clusters in forest and field-edge habitats at Chickamauga Battlefield Park (CBP) in northwestern Georgia during 2 consecutive years. Twig clusters were examined bimonthly for signs of recent browsing and measured in November, January, March, and...

Some land managers think that the effects of increasing numbers of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on habitat have been a factor in the long-term decline of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations in the Southeast. We studied effects of deer browsing of selected quail foods in northern Florida on an area managed for quail and supporting a population of about 40 deer/km2. Periodic observations of permanently tagged plants indicated use of some taxa by deer, especially in early autumn. In sample quadrats from which deer were excluded, seed production was greater for partridge peas...

Increasing hunting pressure and habitat loss have raised concerns about the age structure and potential overharvest of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations in Georgia. Nineteen juvenile and 15 adult gobblers were radio-tracked during January 1989-June 1991 in the vicinity of Clark Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Gobblers avoided the WMA in spring and summer, preferring fields and pastures on private land. They preferred the WMA in fall and winter. Upland hardwood was the most preferred habitat type. Recorded mortalities (27) resulted from spring hunting (23), mammalian...

We sampled forage and browse and made spotlight counts to study seasonal use of clearcuts and food plots by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Southern Appalachians. Browse production was greater in clearcuts than in adjacent forest. Deer used clearcuts most intensively during the summer when green leaves and herbs were abundant. Use of clearcuts was very low in winter. Browsing intensity was higher in clearcuts than in the forest in summer but not in winter. However, less than 4% of all twigs were browsed even in clearcuts in summer. Food plots, especially those containing...

We examined the influence of acorn abundance on fall and winter diets and on nutritional and reproductive status of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Southern Appalachians from 1983 to 1988. When acorns were abundant, they dominated the diet; when they were scarce, leaves of broadleaf evergreen species, primarily rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum), largely replaced acorns in the diet. When acorn production was poor, kidney fat indices in winter were significantly lower for most sex and age classes. Also, reproductive rates of yearling does were significantly lower...

Forty-five ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) were relocated in late summer 1984 from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Piedmont of Georgia to assess the feasibility of establishing huntable populations. Nineteen radio-equipped birds survived 2 to 183 days (x = 82 days). Radio-monitored grouse preferred hardwood scrub habitats, sparse hardwood sawtimber, and bottomland hardwoods-all of which had high understory stem densities. Unradioed grouse were observed periodically from release until spring of 1985, but there was no evidence of reproduction. A grouse also was seen in the study area 2...

Wildlife habitat research in the Southeast has undergone several changes in direction since its beginning in the 1920's. Most recently, it has been marked by increased emphasis on special, seasonal habitat requirements; species other than major game animals; application of computer technology; babitat evaluation procedures; and methods of managing for wildlife diversity. These areas will continue to be emphasized in the 1980's. The broadening nature of habitat research and demands for quick answers to immediate problems will challenge the ability of the profession to maintain scientific...