Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

We estimated survival rates and cause-specific mortality of radio-marked game farm (N=120), F1-wild progeny (N=120), and wild-relocated northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) (N=80) released on the Amelia Wildlife Management Area (WMA) during October 1998 and March 1999 using the Anchor Covey Release System™ (ACRS) and a habitat release system. Mortality of game farm and F1 bobwhites was high immediately following both releases. During fall, game farm bobwhites survived an average of 1.6 ± 0.2 days and Fl-wild progeny survived 3.3 ± 0.8 days. Post-release survival of game farm and F1 bobwhites released during spring averaged 3.8 ± 0.4 and 6.1 ± 2.4 days, respectively. Survival of pen-raised and F1 bobwhites did not differ (P>0.05) between seasons or by release method. Wild-relocated bobwhites survived longer (P≤0.05) than game farm and F1 birds during both seasons. Predation was the primary cause of morality for released bobwhites.

Louisiana black bears (Ursus americanus luteolus) are protected under the Endangered Species Act and live in 3 isolated geographic areas thought to encompass nearly all breeding individuals for that subspecies. Management strategies to recover these bears continue to evolve without knowledge of any differences in demographic patterns among these populations. We summarized data on Louisiana black bear deaths to see if any evidence existed for differences in mortality patterns among the 3 subpopulations. Since June 1992, 34 of 75 (45±6 [SE]%) verified losses (72 deaths plus 3 live removals) were caused by vehicular collisions, including road kills (27), farm equipment (5), and train (2), which was the most common cause of death. Although this bear subspecies has been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1992, at least 12 (16±4%) have been illegally shot.

We assessed survival and reproduction of Georgia and Iowa eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) relocated to the Pineywoods of Texas. Using approximately equal numbers from each state, 12 females and 3 males were radio tagged and released at each of 4 sites in February 1994. In February 1995, 8 resident females were captured, radio tagged, and released on a disjunct study area intensively managed for wildlife. Radio tracking of the turkeys began immediately after release and continued until 30 June 1996. We found no differences in annual, first-year after release, spring-summer nesting season, or study-period survival among Georgia, Iowa, or resident females (P >0.05). For each group, nests were initiated later (P≤0.05) in the spring following capture than during subsequent springs. Georgia males survived better than Iowa males (P≤0.05), which were all dead or missing 16 months post-release.

We estimated breeding season survival rates and nest success for Bachman's Sparrows at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, using radio telemetry. The 1995 breeding season (2 May-9 Aug) survival rate was 0.905 (95% C. I. 0.779-1.03) with 2 mortalities out of 20 individuals. The 1996 breeding season (10 May-25 Jul) survival rate was 0.882 (95% C. I. 0.729-1.04) with 2 mortalities out of 18 individuals. No significant differences in survival rates were detected between years, sexes, or habitat types. The overall breeding season survival rate was 0.893 (95% C. I. 0.794-0.992). Daily nest survival rate in 1995 was 0.952 (0.013 SE N=26) and 0.889 (0.027 SE N = 15) in 1996. Daily nest survival was significantly greater during 1995, with only 1 of 15 nests fledging a single individual in 1996. Nests attempts initiated before 15 June (0.975 [0.012], N = 15) had higher survival rates than later nest attempts (0.914 [0.029] N=11, X2=3.77, 1 df, P=0.05).

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are important furbearers that generate considerable income and recreation across the southeastern United States. Growing concerns about impacts of raccoons on wildlife populations necessitates sound information on raccoon behavior and population dynamics. Forest management has changed throughout the southeastern United States due to increased demands for wood fiber and changing land-use objectives on public lands. However, little research has examined potential influences of forest management strategies on raccoon ranging behavior, particularly within intensively managed forests. We examined spatial use patterns and movements of 118 radio-marked raccoons on 2 areas in central Mississippi during 1996-97. The Tallahala Wildlife Management Area (TWMA) was managed by the U.S. Forest Service for multiple use, whereas the Timber Company lands (TC) were managed intensively for wood fiber production.

Home range size quantifies space needed by an animal in a given area and time. Because fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) home range estimates in the Southeast are rare, I radio-monitored fox squirrels to determine their seasonal and composite (i.e., total duration of monitoring) home range size in southwest Georgia between March 1998 and September 1999. There was no sex by season interaction (P =0.11). Male seasonal and composite home ranges (35.8±4.4 ha and 37.0±3.6 ha, respectively) were larger (P <0.001) than female home ranges (seasonal = 13.3±1.5 ha, composite =21.0±6.3 ha). Seasonal home ranges were largest (34.3±5.9 ha) during March-May of 1998 and smallest (5.9± 1.2 ha) during January-February of 1999. Southeastern fox squirrels require more space than midwestern fox squirrels, perhaps a result of patchily distributed and/or temporally variable food supplies. Food abundance and breeding behavior may explain seasonal variation in home range size.

We conducted a survey from 1990 to 1995 to determine the distribution and status of the swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) in South Carolina. Populations appear largely confined to 3 counties in the Savannah river watershed of northwestern South Carolina. We found little evidence that a significant change in distribution has occurred in South Carolina since the species was first reported in the late 1930s. Swamp rabbits are restricted to bottomlands, but were found in a variety of successional habitats ranging from old-fields to mature hardwood forests.

We implanted radio transmitters in 11 armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) on Cumberland Island, Georgia, and monitored them seasonally from July 1987 through May 1988. Six individuals survived (S) the entire study: 5 died (D) between 1-4 months post-implantatin. Home range sizes for S individuals did not differ significantly between sexes (N=6; 3 males and 3 females). Mean overall home range size was significantly smaller for S compared to D armadillos for both the minimum convex polygon (MCP) (S=6.55 ha, D = 11.55 ha; F = 12.49, df=1, P <0.002) and adaptive kernel (AK) (S=9.47 ha, D = 18.81 ha; F = 11.07, df=1, P=0.003) methods. Mean home range sizes for S armadillos differed among seasons for both the MCP (summer =5.34 ha, fall =5.23 ha, winter = 1.65 ha, spring =3.95 ha; F =6.58, df=3, P <0.003) and AK (summer = 10.26 ha, fall =8.75 ha, winter =3.70 ha, spring =6.02 ha; F =5.29, df=3, P<0.008) methods.

We examined relative body size and space use patterns of free-ranging coyote (Canis latrans)-like canids occupying a marsh complex known to have been one of the last refuges of red wolves (Canis rufus). Morphometric analysis indicated that these animals were larger than other Louisiana coyotes, but smaller than red wolves. We radio-tagged 25 (13 male and 12 female) animals during January-August 1996 and January-April 1997 at Sabine National wildlife Refuge, Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Based on 10 individuals (4 males and 6 females) for which we had adequate data, annual MCP (100% Minimum Convex Polygon) home ranges averaged 12.99±2.97 km2 (x±1 SE) and did not differ by sex (P=0.85). Five other radio-tagged animals dispersed from the study area, but stayed within marsh-dominated areas. Canids included human activity zones in their home ranges more often than expected (P=0.01). Levees were preferred as travel paths (P=0.04).

Maintaining a motivated workforce is a challenge for all organizations. Law enforcement agencies are faced with the apparent contradiction in that the factors and performance we value most in officers can utimately lead to them becoming disgruntled and malcontent. Recognition of the early indications of problems is the responsibility of administration, first-line supervision, and the officers themselves. The goal is to guide officers into a well-rounded and balanced life, which will in turn lead them to being productive and motivated for their entire career.

Wildlife Crime Watch is a program based on the successful “Neighborhood Watch.” The objective is to develop a close working partnership with citizens within their communities. This program is an agency-wide effort, not just law enforcement, to involve people in the protection and development of wildlife, the environment, property, and people. By utilizing traditional crime prevention strategies/training we attempt to involve individuals within a community who are not normally interested in wildlife and environmental issues. Hopefully, by giving something of value to these people we expect to be able to interest them in issues important to our agency.

The need for game warderns in metropolitan areas is greatly underestimated. Demographics are used to show comparisons between tasks performed by wardens in metro vs. rural areas. This is demonstrated by tabulating the activity from wildlife agency reports. Results from Oklahoma hunter participation surveys are used to calculate regional hunting pressure and illustrate the violume of investigations. Wildlife revenue data from 3 county-based license categories are used as relative indices to show sportsmen density. This paper will show the great disproportion of sportsmen density to wardens deployed. Much of the information presented in this paper is based on 20 years of practical field experience as a game warden in the 2 major metropolitan counties in Oklahoma.

Conservation Rangers in the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) face new challenges that have resulted from social and ecological changes caused by urbanization during the past 10-20 years. As the type of natural resource user in Georgia has changed, so has the role and responsibility of the conservation ranger. These changes include increased numbers of boaters, decreased numbers of hunters, an increased emphasis on education of the public by law enforcement personnel, and new laws (some of which are not game and fish laws) to enforce. As a result of these trends, conservation rangers in the future will be required to assume more diverse responsibilities than that of the traditional game warden. To meet the challenges associated with these trends, DNR will need more and differently trained conservation rangers in the future to serve the increasingly urbanized public in Georgia.

In south Arkansas, the use of open oil pits by the oil industry and the oil, which has escaped into the secondary containment areas, is having a detrimental impact on migratory waterfowl, game species, non-game species, and the surrounding environment. The use of aerial surveillance to visually locate these sites and recording of the sites with a GPS has proven the most effective method for location of problem areas. The formation of a partnership of 5 agencies provided the manpower for the land-based investigative teams and a letter gave the oil producers the knowledge of the investigation and problems thought to exist. The retrieval of migratory birds and game and non-game species during the on site investigative visits gave the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the evidence necessary to pursue criminal charges against offending oil producers.

The succession and species composition of necrophilous insects on animal carcasses can be used by wildlife law enforcement officers for estimating postmortem interval (PMI) at suspicious death scenes. Necrophilous insects infesting wildlife carcasses (Louisiana black bear, white-tailed deer, and alligator) in a woodland habitat were monitored during the spring of 1999 to eventually develop a guide for estimating PMI by wildlife officers based on an insect database. The study was conducted at the Waddill Outdoor Educational Center in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. An overview of the study is provided herein based on sampling of aerial and ground inhabitating necrophilous insects associated with the carcasses. Sixty-five species of insects were manually collected during the spring study (20 fly species, 33 beetle species, and an assortment of spiders, mites, and other miscellaneous insects of minor forensic importance).

During 1996 and 1997, local wildlife officers reported illegal activity indicating the need for a covert operation to be conducted in and around the Everglades City area of Collier County, Florida. Information indicated individuals in the area were taking large amounts of wildlife and fish including deer, white ibis, snook, and possibly marine sea turtles. As a result, in May 1998, Operation Alliance was born. The operation consisted of 1 covert investigator taking up permanent residence in the Everglades City area. His task was to establish himself as an outlet for illegally taken wildlife and fish. Another investigator was assigned as case agent to handle evidence, non-covert investigations, and officer safety. After 2 years of investigation, Operation Alliance closed with the arrest of 13 individuals on 101 charges. This included 53 second degree misdemeanors, 3 first degree misdemeanors and 45 third degree felonies.

As our nation grows in a successful economy, wildlife enforcement agencies find themselves in a highly competitive race to recruit and develop qualified applicants for the ever-changing career of the wildlife enforcement officer. This challenge is not limited to any one area of the country and solutions must be as innovative as the technological advances our society is experiencing. Agencies that have developed standards for the level of experience and education they require in their officers, must also develop programs that target the recruitment and retention of those officers. Intern programs have often been viewed as a means to show effort on the part of agencies to hire minority and female applicants and yet most have not succeeded.

Specialization is a needed law enforcement function and strategy to combat white-collar criminal activity involving natural resources. Increased state and federal management concerns of living natrual resources have led to a dramatic increase in law enforcement responsibilities. Effective enforcement of all regulations is integral to the management process to protect, conserve, and maintain sustainable levels of living natural resources. State and federal resource regulations mandate a comprehensive and specialized compliance program. Comprehensive and specialized programs will maximize existing resources ultimately benefiting the public and the living natural resources.

We sampled 3 species of catfish (blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus, channel catfish I. punctatus, and flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris) from 3 different habitat types (tailrace, main channel, tributary) in 4 river systems in Alabama to quantify their relative distribution, age structure, growth, and habitat use. Blue and flathead catfish were more abundant than channel catfish in all systems, and flathead catfish were both most numerous and had the greatest average length in 3 of the 4 systems. Blue and flathead catfish had similar age distributions containing both juveniles and adults, while channel catfish were dominated by young and immature fish. Flathead catfish abundance did not differ across habitat types, although they tended to be found near woody debris and in higher flow. Blue catfish catch rates did not differ among habitats, although their abundance tended to be higher in pebble/cobble substrates.

The food habits of flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) in the Altamaha River system, Georgia were determined by examining the contents of 866 flathead catfish stomachs from the Altamaha and Ocmulgee rivers during the summer of 1997. Stomach contents were analyzed by frequency of occurrence, percent composition by weight, and percent composition by number. Dominant prey items consumed were centrarchids, ictalurids, and invertebrates. Invertebrates were the most prevalent diet item by number and weight consumed by flathead catfish <30l mm. Centrarchids were the dominant prey item consumed by flathead catfish >301 mm. Since the establishment of flathead catfish in the Altamaha River system there has been a decrease in the native redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus) population.

Ultrasonic telemetry was used to determine seasonal temperature selection by adult flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) in a 93-ha reservoir in west Texas, Buffalo Springs Lake. We implanted temperature-sensing ultrasonic transmitters in 29 flathead catfish and monitored them from June 1993 through June 1995. During the summer months, flathead catfish were found in the warmest lake waters (24.5-31.5 C) even though cooler well-oxygenated water was available. As lake temperatures decreased in fall and winter, flathead catfish were located in the warmest available water. Coldwater habitats were utilized only when the reservoir was not stratified. There was no significant difference in temperature selection by flathead catfish based on size, sex, year, or month. Other habitat variables may be more important to the overall habitat selection by flathead catfish in Buffalo Springs Lake.

We examined food habits of bowfin (Amia calva), in the Black and Lumber rivers, North Carolina. Stomachs from 192 Black River bowfin and 175 Lumber River bowfin were analyzed to determine frequency of occurrence and percent by number and weight of individual food items consumed from 1994 to 1997. Crustaceans [primarily crayfish (Astacidae) and grass shrimp (Palaemonidae)] were the dominant food item consumed by bowfin in both rivers. They occurred, on average, in 79% of Black River bowfin stomachs containing food and accounted for 65% by number and 53% by weight of all food items consumed. In the Lumber River crayfish occurred, on average, in 71 % of bowfin stomachs containing food and accounted for 63% by number and 27% by weight of all food items consumed. Fishes, primarily centrarchids and ictalurids, were of secondary importance in the diet of bowfin.

Food of bluegills (Lepomis macorchirus), redear sunfish (L. microlophus), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from Belews Lake was examined during their recovery from selenium (Se) contamination to evaluate the influence of diet on the continued bioaccumulation of Se in their skeletal muscle tissue. The redear sunfish and largemouth bass consumed food items that originated primarily from Belews Lake while bluegills consumed mostly terrestrial insects. Food items originating from the lake generally exhibited higher concentrations of Se and resulted in higher concentrations of Se in the skeletal muscle tissue of the redear sunfish and largemouth bass when compared to bluegills.

In October 1997, apparent spatial heterogeneity in the black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) age distribution was observed in B.E. Jordan Reservoir. The number of age groups for black crappie increased from downlake to uplake. The objective of this study was to verify this spatial heterogeneity. Trap nets were used to collect black crappie in 4 sections of the reservoir. Black crappie ages ranged from 1 to 17 years, and fish ≥10 years were found only in the upper 2 sections of the reservoir. Significant (P<0.05) differences in the black crappie age distribution were found between most reservoir sections in April 1998. However, only the lower most section and upper most section were significantly different in November 1998. There were no differences between sections in April 1999.

Contest angler exploitation rates for crappie (Pomoxis spp.) ≥254 mm total length (TL) were estimated for Lake Texoma, Texas-Oklahoma, from tags returned by anglers fishing in Crappiethon USA contests in 1994 and 1995. Unadjusted contest angler exploitation was 27% in 1994 and 23% in 1995. Exploitation rates were adjusted for handling and tagging mortality and tag retention. Non-reporting was assumed to be 0%. Handling and tagging mortality rate estimates were 22% in 1994 and 10% in 1995. Tag loss for both years was calculated at 14%. Adjusted contest angler exploitation rate of crappie ≥254 mm TL during Crappiethon was 41% in 1994 and 30% in 1995.

Crappie Pomoxis spp. population structure on Arbuckle Reservoir was monitored from 1984-1997 using fall trap-net samples. A creel survey was conducted from 1985-1995. A 254-mm length limit/15-fish daily creel regulation was placed on the lake 1 January 1993. Prior to the length limit, the population was characterized as fast-growing and short-lived. Angler harvest steadily increased after the length limit and in the final year of the creel survey, yield (kg/ha) was higher than in 5 of the 8 years data were collected prior to the length limit. Angler acceptance of the length limit was high. Growth rates remained unchanged following implementation of the length limit. Although no differences in mortality rates could be demonstrated using the trap-net data, size and age structure of the crappie population improved. Based on the data collected, the length limit regulation met the objectives as stated.

Streams and rivers in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia provide an excellent cold water resource and have historically supported exceptional wild trout populations. In June 1995, a flood of greater than 500-year recurrence interval created a unique opportunity to assess the impact on trout populations within 3 rivers of the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). Debris flows impacted the lower one- to two-thirds of the Rapidan, Staunton, and North Fork Moormans rivers, either extirpating or greatly depressing trout populations. The number of trout collected in debris flow areas were significantly reduced (P≤0.05) in 1996, 1997, and for the post-flood 3-year mean when compared to pre-flood means. Trout populations in the flooded headwater reaches of all 3 rivers were not reduced. Debris flows, in association with severe flooding, greatly depress and even extirpate native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations, but flooding alone may have little effect on populations.

Growth and condition of rainbow trout and brown trout in the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam in middle Tennessee were investigated for 1 year. Rainbow trout stocked in that spring grew faster (13 mm and 20 g/month) than rainbow trout stocked in June and August 1997. Brown trout grew slower in summer and fall (8 mm and 10 g/month) in summer and fall and faster (17 mm and 61 g/month) in winter. Adjusted mean weight of brown trout dropped from 141 g in May 1997 to 113 g in October 1997. Rainbow trout stocked in summer 1997 lost 14% of their body weight by fall 1997. Condition of both species improved in late fall with a corresponding improvement in tailwater dissolved oxygen concentration.

We used a multiple linear regression approach to develop models predicting water, protein, and lipid content of bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) under 4 measurement approaches varying in terms of time and money. Inputs were length, weight, relative weight, total body electrical conductivity, and water. Models predicting water and protein weights were very accurate (<5% mean error). No regression predicting lipid weight was accurate enough to be used as a predictor (>37% mean error). We then attempted to reduce inaccuracy by standardizing lipid weight 4 ways. No standardization substantially improved predictive accuracy (>30% mean error). However, our results suggest that increasing the range of values used to fit the regressions may increase precision and accuracy of prediction.

Fishery managers routinely collect scales from black basses (Micropterus spp.) for age determination; however, the validity of these ages is often unknown. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy and precision of scales and whole otoliths relative to sectioned otoliths for determining ages of largemouth bass (M. salmoides) in North Carolina. Scales and sagittal otoliths were collected from largemouth bass during spring and summer of 1997 from the Chowan river, Neuse River, B. E. Jordan Reservoir, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, Hyco Reservoir, Tillery Reservoir, and Santeelah Reservoir. Sample sizes varied between 94 and 149 largemouth bass per water body and were pooled for data analysis. Reader-derived ages, mean total length at age capture (TL, mm), and between reader precision for scales and whole otoliths were compared against otolith sections. For comparative purposes in this study, ages determined from otolith sections were considered to be the correct ages.

We surveyed black bass (Micropterus spp.) populations in Baron Fork in northeastern Oklahoma and Glover River in southeastern Oklahoma during 1994 and 1995 to assess population characteristics and management options particularly for smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu) in eastern Oklahoma streams. Smallmouth bass dominated the catch of black bass species in both streams during both years. The fishery potential for smallmouth bass in Glover River was limited in part by low abundance, poor year-class success, and high annual mortality resulting in low recruitment to older ages. In contrast, smallmouth bass in Baron Fork were abundant, exhibited good year-class success, and low annual mortality. Growth of early-age smallmouth bass was similar between streams.

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were tagged and released following a series of weekly tournaments at Lake Thunderbird, Oklahoma, in 1993. Forty-nine percent of the 176 fish recaptured in 1993 were caught within 0.8 km of the release sight and 64% were caught within a 1.6-km radius. Dispersal during the second year was slightly greater with 35% of the 56 recaptured bass coming from within 0.8 km and 46% from 1.6 km of the release site. The maximum distance from the release site that a tagged fish was recaptured was 12 km with a median distance of 1.6 km after 18 months. Natural dispersal and the use of live-release boats to redistribute tournament-caught bass during the second year of the study reduced the number of tagged fish that were recaptured; however, the harvest rate of tagged bass caught by non-tournament anglers was similar between 1993 (68%) and 1994 (67%).

Angler exploitation, sex and size selection, temporal and spatial capture patterns, and angling mortality were determined in 1996 and 1997 for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), spotted bass (M. punctulatus) in Norris Reservoir, Tennessee. Adjusted annual angler exploitation was 20% (± 4) for 1996-tagged largemouth bass and 14% (±4) for 1997-tagged largemouth bass. Adjusted annual angler catch was 47% (±8) for 1996-tagged fish and 34% (±7) for 1997-tagged fish. No significant differences (P>0.05) were detected between years for either exploitation or catch. No significant differences (P>0.10) by sex or size were detected for largemouth bass in either year. Anglers caught the majority of largemouth bass in the spring and 86% were captured within the embayment of tagging. Total angling mortality was estimated at 23% (± 1) in 1996 and 16% (± 1) in 1997 for largemouth bass.

From 1987 to 1998, gill netting was conducted annually in Jordan Lake, North Carolina, usually 3 times per year with 9 nets distributed over 3 reservoir sub-basins. White perch (Morone americana) began appearing in gill-net samples in 1988. By 1993 they were the second-most abundant species (11.2/net night), following black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) (21.2/net night). White perch catch rates in 1994 (16. I/net night) exceeded rates for other fish captured in gill nets. White perch continued to constitute a large percentage (21.1%) of the gill-net catch from 1995-1998. Analysis of variance of log-transformed white perch catch data detected significant year effects (P=0.0001). No significant season or sub-basin effects were detected. Neither interaction between sub-basin and year nor interaction between sub-basin and season was significant. The 3-way interaction between year, sub-basin, and season was not significant.

Striped bass have been stocked into the Upper Coosa River Basin (Alabama and Georgia) since the 1970s. The increased presence of small striped bass within these waters in recent years suggested the possibility of a resident spawning population. Ichthyoplankton samples were collected once or twice per week from April to June 1997 and 1998 from sample sites in the tributaries of the Coosa River above Weiss Reservoir. Fertilized striped bass eggs were collected from the Oostanaula River during both years and the Conasauga River in 1998 (the only year sampled). The peak spawning activity for both years occurred in mid-May, when the water temperature reached approximately 18 C. The peak density was lower in 1997 than in 1998, at 4.7 and 77.1 eggs/m3, respectively. The majority of the eggs collected were spawned less than 20 hours prior to harvest, indicating that much of the spawning was occurring within 76 km of Weiss Reservoir.

Buffalo Springs Reservoir is highly eutrophic with a dense population of large gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and limited production of young gizzard shad. Fingerling (40 mm total length) striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were stocked into Buffalo Springs Reservoir in 1992 and 1993 at a rate of 550/ha to restructure the gizzard shad population. Three to 4 years after these stockings, density of large gizzard shad declined and a strong gizzard shad year class was produced. White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) recruitment paralleled gizzard shad recruitment. White crappie growth declined during 1991-1995 when age-0 gizzard shad were scarce or absent but increased in 1997, presumably a result of the abundant forage provided by the 1996 gizzard shad year class. No clear effects on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) or bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) growth were apparent, but relative abundance of both species increased.

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) stocking rates were increased in 1988 and more restrictive harvest regulations were initiated in 1992 to increase striped bass abundance in Lake Normal, North Carolina. The objective of this study was to make inferences about current forage sufficiency for striped bass from length at age of capture and body condition of striped bass collected since 1994. Fish were obtained from November-January fishing tournaments and gillnet sets in 1994-1998. Late season samples were designed to collect fish after they had several months to recover from any reduced condition caused by summer temperature and dissolved oxygen related habitat stress. Striped bass were also collected with gill nets in late June or early July 1996-1998 to gather pre-summer habitat stress body condition information. Growth for fish older than age 2 had declined from pre-study data collected by Duke Power Company.

The use of infrared-triggered activity monitors in wildlife science has increased during recent years. In most cases, trail monitors are mounted to stationary objects. However, trail monitors in aquatic environments where change in elevation is necessary, because of varying water levels, curently restricts their use. In our study of Florida Key deer, we needed information on deer activities in areas influenced by tides. We developed an inexpensive device that allowed trail monitors to operate as tides changed. We propose that this device can expand the use of trail monitors to include aquatic environments.

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) and coyotes (Canis latrans) are sympatric in many areas; however, this sympatry has evolved relatively recently in the southeastern United States with coyote range expansion. Where the 2 species are sympatric, habitat selection and diets of bobcats and coyotes may overlap. Knowledge of seasonal variation in prey selection is required to assess interspecific competition and understand factors facilitating coexistence between sympatric species, yet long-term (>5 years) information on sympatric diets is unavailable. We collected and analyzed 1,183 scats (591 bobcat, 592 coyote) from 1991-1997 in central Mississippi. Diet was assessed using frequency information and frequency-based correction factors to determine seasonal prey consumption. Coyote diets were dominated by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.), and fruits; whereas, bobcats consumed primarily rabbits and rodents.

To facilitate recovery of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW), management priorities and practices on >800,000 ha of Forest Service land in the Southeastern United States have been realigned to restore the pine-grassland system to which the RCW is adapted. Management regimes for RCW involve fire and mechanical suppression of hardwood understory and midstory. As such, RCW management practices might be expected to alter plant communities and associated wildlife populations. We examined differences in vegetation composition and structure between mature pine stands managed for red-cockaded woodpeckers and similarly-aged stands not managed specifically for RCWs on 2 national forests in southern Mississippi. During the growing seasons of 1997 and 1998, 123 vegetation plots were sampled on both study areas using nested circular plots. Pine sawtimber stands under RCW management differed in structure and composition from those under traditional U.S.

Schlumburger Geco-Prakla (SGP) conducted seismic operations in St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes of Louisiana, between October 1997 and March 1998. This area is located on the marsh-swamp interface and contains approximately 40% of the state's nesting bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service used spatial buffer zones with a 460-m radius to protect all eagle nests located on properties of the SGP seismic operations. Bald eagle production during seismic operations (1998) was compared to the previous season (1997) and the following season (1999). Production did not differ (P=0.85) for the interaction between year and area (seismic affected nests/non-seismic affected nests). Experimental airboat disturbances were used in the 1998 and 1999 nesting seasons to evaluate flush response at distances closer than 460 m. Flush response increased as the distance from an airboat to a nest tree decreased.

A detailed understanding of the spatial arrangement of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) habitats would allow more focused efforts by wildlife managers. We used a 4-year average of northern bobwhite call-count data in conjunction with remotely sensed habitat maps to study landscape-level habitat associations. Landscape metrics were calculated for the landscape surrounding each stop and were used in 2 modeling exercises to differentiate between high and low northern bobwhite populations. Both pattern recognition (PATREC) and logistic regression models predicted levels of northern bobwhite abundance well for the modeled (73.5% and 73.9%, respectively) and independent (74.6% and 76.6%, respectively) data sets. The revised models were applied to the remotely sensed habitat maps of the eastern 2/3 of Virginia to develop maps expressing the quality of a landscape for supporting a high population of bobwhite based on existing land cover.

Multi-year studies in wildlife science and management can provide novel insights not detected in short-term investigations. Therefore, we continued a 2-year study by Stephens et al. (1998) to evaluate wood duck (Aix sponsa) reproduction in conventional and small nest boxes (i.e., approximately one-half conventional size) at Noxubee and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in Mississippi. Small nest boxes were designed to deter excessive dump nesting by wood ducks at these refuges. During 1994-1997, use of large boxes by wood ducks remained high (≥70%) at both study areas, but use of small boxes declined from 61% in 1994 to 34% in 1997 at Noxubee NWR. Concomitantly, use of small boxes by passerine birds increased from 14% to 65% at Noxubee NWR, but use of large boxes by passerines never exceeded 15%. Large boxes never were used by passerines at Yazoo NWR.

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) grasslands do not provide quality habitat for northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus). Converting tall fescue fields to other cool-season grasses and legumes (CSG) may provide more favorable wildlife habitat. We evaluated the effectiveness of spring and fall pre-emergence Round-Up PRO” applications with and without prescribed burns for eradicating tall fescue and establishing CSGs. Two tall fescue fields were located in western Kentucky. Prescribed burns, herbicide applications, and CSG seedings were applied in 2 0.05-ha treatment plots during spring and fall 1996 and spring 1997 at each site. Mean planted CSG cover at both sites was higher (P<0.05) in treatments with fall plantings (range=12.0%-124.5%) compared to treatments with spring plantings (range=0.0%-18.1%) during the first growing season.

Effect of exploitation on sympatric southern squirrel populations has not been documented. Additionally, opportunities to study effects of harvest on unexploited populations are rare. Consequently, we investigated the effect of exploitation on a previously unharvested population of fox (Sciurus niger) and gray squirrels (S. carolinensis) on Twin Oaks Wildlife Management Area, Mississippi, from 1993-1998. We annually collected age, body morphometrics, color, sex, and species composition of harvested squirrels at voluntary check stations. A population decrease was documented for both species with stabilization occurring at different times (P≤0.001). Fox squirrel age ratio changed following exploitation (P=0.031), but color and sex ratios did not (P>0.05). Gray squirrels exhibited no change in age, color, or sex ratios following exploitation (P>0.05). Body morpho-metrics of both species were affected by exploitation (P≤0.003) and demonstrated a density dependent response.

Scent-station surveys have been used to examine trends in felid and canid abundance throughout the Southeast. Scent station methods have been developed on the presumption that canids rely on olfactory stimuli and that bobcats (Lynx rufus) rely on sight and auditory stimuli. No studies have quantified the effects of various olfactory, auditory, and visual stimuli on scent-station visitation by bobcats and canids; however, such information could improve the effectiveness and ability of scent-station surveys. We established scent stations and track transects in intensively managed pine forests in east-central Mississippi from August 1989-May 1991 to evaluate the effectiveness of 4 attractants for eliciting response from 3 carnivores. We randomly allocated synthetic fatty acid scent, bobcat urine, an auditory stimulus, a visual stimulus, and a control to stations at monthly intervals.