Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Habitat use of forested landscapes by wild turkey hens (Meleagris gallopavo) during pre-incubation is poorly documented. Information is needed on how vegetative conditions resulting from forest management influence hen movements, habitat use, and reproductive success. We studied habitat relations of wild turkey hens (TV = 111) during pre-incubation in central Mississippi, 1985-1989. Groundstory composition and structure were different (P < 0.05) between areas used and not used by hens. Hens used areas with relatively low (ˉx = 28 cm) groundstory canopies composed of mostly (79%) grasses and forbs. Mature bottomland hardwood forests and pine forests prescribed-burned the previous February provided suitable groundstories, and these areas were selected by hens (P < 0.10). Hen movements were nearer to creeks than expected (P < 0.001) unless recently-burned pine forests were available to hens (P = 0.02).

Concern has arisen about effects of predation on wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations because of increases in predator abundance. We examined differences in canid (Canis spp.) and bobcat (Felis rufus) predation of adult wild turkey hens between a hardwood bottomland forest and a mixed forest in Mississippi. Daily mortality rate from canids and bobcats was higher on the hardwood bottomland forest (0.002) than on the mixed forest (0.0006), but overall daily survival rates were similar. A higher predation rate on the hardwood bottomland forest from large predators may have been caused by its insular nature, a lack of a groundstory vegetation layer, and/or use of small (<4 ha) hardwood regeneration areas by wild turkeys for nesting. A higher prey base (i.e., small mammals) on the hardwood bottomland forest may have contributed to higher canid/felid populations. Selective timber harvest within the forest may improve turkey nesting habitat conditions.

We studied efficiency of the rocket, rocket box, and cannon-net trapping techniques and the effects of the techniques on the physical condition of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris). We trapped 1,168 wild turkeys during a 5-year period (1989-1994). There were no differences in trapping efficiency (P > 0.05) among techniques. Fall (Sep-Oct) and winter (Jan-Apr) trapping efficiencies were not different (P > 0.05). Trappers with ≥1 year of experience had higher trapping efficiency (P < 0.0002) than trappers with no prior experience. There were differences in trapping efficiency by year (P < 0.006). Techniques used averaged < 2% severe injuries or mortalities. Training of new trappers appears warranted to improve trapping efficiency.

Effects of capture on study animals requires thorough examination. We investigated effects of age, sex, and environmental conditions on probability of eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) post-capture survival in central Mississippi during winter and summer capture periods, 1984-1995. Females were more likely to die from capture-induced stress than males during winter capture; adult hens were more likely to die than subadult hens during summer. Survival rates of hens captured versus those not captured in a given period were similar. Environmental conditions did not affect probability of death from capture stress. We recommend researchers and managers, when possible, curtail trapping during periods of extreme cold or heat and that researchers quantify human-induced mortalities of research animals.

Analyses of movement patterns of free-ranging animals derived via radiotelemetry assumes that capture has no effect on the parameters of interest. To mitigate against potential biases, many researchers will censor locational data for an arbitrary post-capture duration (e.g., 2 weeks). To investigate validity of this assumption, we compared home range size, average inter-location distance, dispersion, and total distance moved between hens captured in a given interval to those captured in previous intervals. Data were from winter-captured hens in Kemper County, Mississippi, 1986-1992. No significant differences were found in any movement parameter. We concluded that, for hens not suffering acute capture-related stress, no substantial bias in movement data occurred within 30 days post-capture.

Numbers of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and turkey hunters have increased greatly in the Southeast during the last 3 decades, and administrators and managers should be aware of hunter attitudes toward potential hunting regulation changes. Our objective was to determine attitudes of turkey hunters regarding regulations on use of hunter orange, baiting, and a fall either-sex harvest. We conducted a mail survey of turkey hunters (N = 4,026) who hunted turkeys in Mississippi during the 1994 spring gobblers-only season. An initial mailout was followed by a second request, and a total response rate of 51 % was attained. Logistic regression analyses were used in 3 models— 1 for each potential regulation. Twenty-five hunting and demographic variables were entered into each model based on forward stepwise variable selection. Most (89%) of the respondents disagreed that turkey hunters should have to wear blaze orange.

We studied availability of natural cavities for wood ducks (Aix sponsa) on 5 areas in 3 southeastern states in 1988-1990 because of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) guidelines that called for the reduction of nest boxes on National Wildlife Refuges. Selected forested wetlands dominated by bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) or tupelo gum {Nyssa aquatica) were randomly sampled using 0.5-ha plots to estimate the density of cavities suitable for wood duck nesting. Density of suitable natural cavities in live, mature (≥28 cm dbh, ˉx age = 117.6 years) bald cypress-tupelo gum stands averaged 0.08/ha (SE = 0.03) and ranged from 0.00 to 0.29/ha. Bucket cavities were deemed unsuitable because of their tendency to retain moisture in dry periods. The mean cavity density for all areas in this study was among the lowest densities reported for timber stands in North America.

Nearctic dabbling ducks (Anatini) use varied wintering habitats. Spatial and structural variability among these may translate into differing capabilities of habitats to meet behavioral and physiological requirements of ducks. Our study was conducted on the Santee River Delta (SRD) in South Carolina, an important wintering area for dabbling ducks in the Atlantic Flyway. Our objectives were to determine (1) activities of dabbling ducks wintering on the SRD, (2) if different habitats within managed wetlands had differing functional values (intra-and interspecific), based on dabbling duck behavioral usage, and (3) if there were intraspecific differences in activity patterns between those observed in this study and those reported for other continental wintering locations. We quantified activities of northern pintail (Anas acuta), American green-winged teal (A. crecca carolinensis), American wigeon (A. americana), gadwall (A. strepera), northern shoveler, (A.

We estimated total harvest, hunter participation, hunter success, and age-sex composition of the wood duck (Aix sponsa) harvest during Florida's special September duck seasons, 1989-1995. We sent mail questionnaires to a sample of Florida's duck hunters to estimate harvest and hunter participation, and collected wings to estimate age-sex composition of the wood duck harvest. An average of 3,555 (SE =178) hunters participated annually, and hunter-days averaged 8,082 (SE = 473). During years when teal (Anas discors,A. crecca) were included in the season, hunter participation and wood duck harvest remained similar to levels in years when the season was restricted to wood ducks; however, on average, teal harvest nearly doubled the total duck harvest. Mean number of wood ducks harvested each year (1989-1995) was 6,391 (SE = 296), and mean teal harvest (1992-1995) was 5,924 (SE = 1,095).

We used mark-resight methods to estimate sighting proportions of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) during night-light and aerial helicopter surveys. Alligators ≥122 cm were captured during 5- to 12-day periods on Orange Lake and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Florida, and marked with paint on the dorsal neck area. Replicate helicopter surveys were subsequently flown on each area to record marked and unmarked individuals. Population estimates were calculated and compared with night-light and aerial counts of alligators ≥122 cm. Estimated mean proportion of alligators ≥122 cm sighted during May-June night-light surveys was 0.189 for Orange Lake and 0.090 for Lake Woodruff NWR. Mean sighting proportions during May aerial surveys were 0.106 for Orange Lake and 0.172 for Lake Woodruff NWR.

The relation between natural nest temperatures and hatchling sex ratios of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has not been determined adequately. The few studies to date have been limited by study design, low sample size, and inadequate equipment. We investigated this relationship in 20 nests in impoundment habitat in South Carolina during 1995. Actual sex ratios were highly correlated (r = 0.971, P < 0.001) with sex ratios predicted from laboratory results, on the basis of mean nest temperatures between days 30-45 of incubation (temperature-sensitive period (TSP)). Mean nest temperatures during the TSP ranged between 29.1 to 33.8 C, with daily fluctuations within a nest ranging from 0.4 to 1.9 C. Rainfall appeared to have the greatest effect on nest temperatures. While nest temperatures provided a useful estimate of hatchling sex ratios, we recommend that researchers monitor hatchling sex ratios directly.

Environmental factors such as flooding, drought, and predation can adversely affect alligator nesting success. No prior studies have documented the effects of wildfires on alligator nesting ecology. In July 1995, wildfires burned over 1,300 ha of alligator nesting habitat on Rockefeller Refuge in southern Louisiana. Although most alligator eggs from nests in the burned area had previously been removed by staff biologists, the burned area was searched to evaluate fire damage to remaining nests and eggs. Twentynine (46.0%) of 63 nests located were not damaged by the wildfires, due probably to water and moist vegetation adjacent to the nest site. Fourteen nests (22.2%) were deeply burned, with the nest cavity exposed and damaged. Uncontrolled summer wildfires can limit alligator nesting success. Management implications for alligator egg ranching programs are discussed.

We monitored white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) use of riparian zones (RZs) and adjacent pine plantations of 3 age classes (young, 1 -3 years old; intermediate, 5-7 years old; and older, 9-13 years old) using radio telemetry for 2 years on a 1,300- ha study area near Alto, Texas. Riparian zones comprised 22.0% of the area; young, intermediate, and older pine plantations comprised 19.1%, 45.7%, and 13.2%, respectively. Based on data from 4 to 9 deer the first year and 12 to 17 deer the second year, home ranges averaged 103, 71, 95, and 114 ha during spring, summer, fall, and winter, respectively, and were composed primarily of intermediate-age plantations and RZs. Deer showed significant preferences for intermediate-age pine plantations during all seasons and for RZs during fall and winter. Older plantations produced little forage due to canopy closure, and were generally avoided throughout the year.

We studied the effects of 3 planting dates (Sep, Oct, Nov) and 2 fertilization rates (the recommended nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P], and potassium [K] based on soil testing and twice the recommended N, with P and K) on rye (Secale cereale), oats (Avena sativa), and wheat (Triticum aestivum) planted for white-tailed deer {Odocoileus virginianus) from 1991 to 1993. Forage plantings established early (September) in the cool season produced the most forage during the season and maximized production during hunting season. Doubling the recommended rate of N fertilization increased forage production and maintained higher crude protein (CP) content throughout forage growth compared to forages fertilized according to soil test recommendations. Calcium (Ca) and P levels generally were unaffected by additional N fertilization.

We conducted a 10-year study in oak-hickory stands in the Arkansas Ozarks to investigate the effects of intermediate thinning and nitrogen (N) fertilization on the annual production of understory vegetation. A total of 101 experimental plots was thinned to residual overstory densities of 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100% of full stocking. Nitrogen fertilizer (336 kg N/ha) was applied to a subset of plots in each thinning treatment. Understory species composition and biomass were estimated 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 years after treatment. Thinning and fertilizing increased (P < 0.01) the total biomass of understory plants and production of preferred browse species through the first 5 years after treatments. Fertilized plots thinned to 40% of full stocking produced 392 kg/ha of preferred browse, a 5-fold increase over control plots. Peak understory production occurred in the third year after thinning and the second year after fertilization.

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 July during both years. Deer browsing on privet was highly concentrated in the winter months when percent use reached >60% in both habitats. Twig cluster length was reduced during the winter browsing period by <5.0 cm and the reduction was exceeded 4- to 6-fold by regrowth.

A vegetation and soil study was conducted on upland disposal sites of a 4,425- ha management area in Mississippi. This area comprised disposal sites managed for northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus). The soil and subsoil materials of these disposal areas originated from vertical cuts of geological strata up to 54 m and contained acidic overburden. Soil samples were collected at 0- to 10-cm and >10- to 20-cm depths on 35 disposal areas. Soil pH values in 0- to 10-cm depths were not related to depths to overburden. Soil pH levels in >10- to 20-cm depths were related to overburden depths (P < 0.0001). Soil pH levels in 0- to 10-cm depths (range: 5.2-7.7) on vegetated disposal areas were higher (P < 0.0001) than pH levels (range: 3.2-7.7) at >10- to 20-cm depths. Soil pH values on sites where overburden was intermixed in the upper 40 cm of substrate ranged from 2.9 to 3.9.

We conducted an operational scale trial of the herbicides Sonar® (fluridone) and Rodeo® (glyphosate) to evaluate control of giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliaceae) and effects on waterfowl food plants in moist-soil managed impoundments of the Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area, Darien, Georgia. Sonar and Rodeo reduced giant cutgrass frequencies both post-treatment years, although greater reduction occurred in the Rodeo-treated impoundment. Panic grass (Panicum spp.) frequency within the Rodeo- treated impoundment decreased the first year post-treatment. First-year frequency of flat sedges (Cyperus spp.) decreased in all impoundments when compared to pretreatment frequency. However, second-year frequency did not differ from pretreatment for the Sonar or Rodeo-treated impoundments. First-year smartweed (Polygonum spp.) frequency was lower in the Sonar-treated impoundment; second-year frequency was higher in the Rodeo-treated impoundment.

We captured 54 black bears (Ursus americanus) 91 times and equipped adult females with radio-transmitters in a managed forest in the mountains of South Carolina during the summers of 1991-1993 to determine population dynamics and female denning ecology. Ages of captured bears ranged from 1 to 10 years, averaging 3.3 + 0.3 (± 1 SE) for males and 3.7 ± 0.3 years for females. Litter size (N = 7, ˉx = 2.3), lactation rate (42.3 %), suspecting mean age at primiparity (4 years), and interbirth interval (2.2 years) were representative of a productive population and good-quality habitat. Eight female dens were visited and consisted of 3 ground nests, 2 root systems, 1 tree den, 1 brush pile, and 1 hollow log. Most dens (N = 5) were associated with early successional communities. Estimated population density for the 192-km2 study area was 0.31-0.34 bears/km2.

We estimated litter size and age of first reproduction of female black bears in Florida from the examination of 139 female reproductive tracts. Corpora lutea occurred in 81 of the tracts. The number of corpora lutea per tract, a close approximation of litter size, averaged 2.6 (range: 1-4). Most (75%) female bears bred initially when 2.5 years old, and the remainder at 3.5 years. Litter sizes and age of first breeding of female black bears in Florida are comparable to those found in other productive areas of eastern North America.

Expansion of the black bear (Ursus americanus) population outside White River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas, has caused local citizens to request reduction of the population. An estimate of black bear population size is necessary before any management recommendations can be made. We used 2 census methods to estimate population size. Hunter surveys of bear sightings during the 2-day firearm deer hunt were used in 1994 to estimate population size with a Petersen-Lincoln estimator. The survey yielded a population estimate of 213 bears (95% CI = 129-297). We used cameras triggered by infrared monitors to photograph bears visiting bait sites over a 7-day period during August 1995. Infrared monitors recorded 176 events, resulting in 87 photographs of 23 different bears. We used 2 separate models to calculate population sizes using data from cameras. Program CAPTURE calculated a population size of 348 (95% CI = 300-396) bears for the refuge.

Habitat use occurs at several spatial scales; however, bobcat (Felis rufus) habitat use has not been investigated at multiple scales. Additionally, sex-specific differences in bobcat habitat use have been hypothesized but not tested. Therefore, we investigated habitat use of 30 bobcats (9 males, 21 females) from 1 January 1989 to 31 December 1993 on 2 study areas in east-central Mississippi. We investigated bobcat habitat use at 2 spatial scales: habitat use within the home range and habitat composition of the home range relative to habitat composition of the study area. We did not detect differences (P > 0.10) in bobcat habitat use among sexes or study areas for either spatial scale. An empirical example of the importance of assessing habitat use at different spatial scales was discovered. Sapling and pine stands were preferred (P < 0.10) habitats when habitat compositions of home ranges were compared to study area compositions.

During 1990-1992, 291 northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) were captured, radio-tagged, and relocated from southern and eastern Texas to an intensively managed 563-ha eastern Texas study area; 139 resident birds were also captured, radiotagged, and released at the point of capture. We examined macro- and micro-habitat selection by relocated and resident birds. At the macro-habitat level, all 3 groups of bobwhite were associated with food plots (P < 0.05), preferred stands of pure pines > 30 years old, and avoided stands of pure pines 6-15 years old, hardwoods > 30 years old, and mixed pine-hardwoods > 30 years. At the micro-level, bird locations had more dead grass and bare ground but less live grass than random locations (P < 0.05). Bobwhite were not associated with edges (P > 0.05).

Stress Survival Tactics is a program developed as part of an officer survival in-service program for Texas Game Wardens. This paper presents a training technique that works well when dealing with the emotion-laden issue of survival stress or critical incident stress. Hormones released in a survival situation have a tremendous effect on emotions, sensory perceptions, psychomotor skills, and on one's ability to process information. Stress Survival Tactics mentally, psychologically, and physically prepares officers to train for a survival situation such as a use-of-force situation. A critical incident can be any incident, personal or professional, that pushes one to the limit and challenges the ability to endure. Mental rehearsal and preparation is a technique that can be used to prepare for an incident before it occurs.

Over the past decade, Florida has undergone rapid suburbanization of its borderline wilderness areas. New airspace restrictions and low-level flight restriction over what are now populated areas have increasingly impeded aerial wildlife research and law enforcement patrol with fixed-winged aircraft. During the same decade, domestic marijuana cultivation in Florida's wilderness areas, especially Commission-maintained wildlife management areas, has increased dramatically. Enter now the federal government's plan to surplus over 3,000 helicopters, including parts and tools over a 5-year period. How to justify a transition from fixed-wing operations to a mix of fixed- and rotary-winged operations, how to acquire the helicopters, how to operate and maintain them, and how to make it all work within a limited budget are the foci of this paper.

Since the 1987 closure of Texas' Type II Public Hunting Lands to the hunting of deer with dogs and a subsequent statewide prohibition of the method in 1990, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has received numerous complaints about small bands of East Texas hunters who continue to use the method in open defiance of the prohibition. These complaints further allege that outlaw dog deer hunters have virtually taken over public hunting lands, intimidating lawful users and ignoring the rights of adjoining private landowners. Texas game wardens, operating in a covert capacity, infiltrated dog deer hunting groups in Jasper and Newton counties and took 25 defendants to the courts for violations of wildlife regulations.

This research project examines traditions and cultures in Florida supporting the rights of private property ownership and the harvest of game or fish, whose ownership is common to all. The conflicts which arise from these deeply held values will be identified and discussed. This study presents the results of a questionnaire administered to wildlife law enforcement officers and interviews conducted with property owners and wildlife resource users throughout the State of Florida. This study will examine, from a current and historical perspective, the steps taken by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC) to resolve conflicts.

As a result of an increasing frequency of assaults on conservation agents performing their duties, administrators of the Protection Division of the Missouri Department of Conservation requested Conservation Agent Training Academy staff look at the current status of officer safety training offered to agents. The division also decided to complete an extensive assessment of all training provided for conservation agents. To satisfy immediate needs and prepare a way to meet long-term needs, a Safety Needs Assessment was completed. Results of the assessment revealed relatively small gaps in safety training as well as a viable method for evaluating any future training needs.

Fish and wildlife officers are trained in most aspects of law enforcement, arrest, search and seizure, all types of criminal investigations, fish and wildlife identification, firearms, drugs, interrogation, driving, and so on, but fewer may be trained in something they do just about every day and which could be life saving: tracking.

The Conservation Monitor was a telephone survey of 854 Missourians first conducted in 1994 by the Gallup Organization for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Objectives were to assess Missourians' opinions on the state's environment, MDC's performance, and conservation issues. Results revealed high satisfaction among Missourians with the care given their state's fish, forests, and wildlife, and more generally with the care given Missouri's natural environment. However, 28% did not know or were incorrect about MDC's responsibilities, and 40% were unable to suggest one thing the agency might do better. Missourians thought a much larger portion of the state is in public ownership than is true and perhaps assume that state and federal resource agencies in Missouri are in a stronger position to influence land management than is the case.

Small watershed impoundments provide the principal recreational fishing opportunities within national forests in Mississippi. Relative abundance and stock structure of bluegiii (Lepomis macrochirus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were assessed by electrofishing 18 national forest impoundments during spring 1990, autumn 1990, and spring 1991. There were no significant yearto- year or seasonal differences in catch per unit effort (CPUE) or proportional stock density (PSD) for either species. Mean CPUE for stock-size largemouth bass (total length ≥ 200 mm) ranged from 8.2 to 9.7 fish/hour of electrofishing and mean PSD ranged from 14.0 to 22.5. Mean CPUE for stock-size bluegill (total length ≥80 mm) ranged from 38.7 to 45.0 fish/hour and mean PSD ranged from 21.5 to 21.8. Twenty-five habitat, accessibility, and watershed variables were evaluated by multiple regression techniques to determine factors that significantly described largemouth bass and bluegiii CPUE and PSD.

During spring and summer 1986, a massive disease-caused fish kill occurred on Lake Walter F. George, Georgia, which resulted in significant and longlasting changes in the fish populations of this reservoir. Prior to the fish kill, populations of both threadfin (Dowsoma petenense) and gizzard shad (D. cepedianum) were dominated by intermediate- and harvestable-size fish. Anglers reported largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fishing was poor, and age analysis indicated poor recruitment for several years. Following the fish kill, shad populations were dominated by large numbers of fingerlings, and standing crops of intermediateand harvestable-size shad were much reduced. Large numbers of largemouth bass were recruited to the fishery the year following the fish kill, and recruitment remained good for 8 of the 9 years following the kill.

We surveyed the extent and availability of fisheries data from major (>200 ha) impoundments in 2 southeastern U. S. drainage basins, the Apalachicola- Chattahoochee-Flint and Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa, both located primarily in the states of Georgia and Alabama. Data were used to generate regression models relating fish reproductive success to hydrologic variables. Results were used to define relationships between reservoir operations and abundance of young fishes. Of the 25 major mainstream and storage reservoirs in the 2 systems, 4 had sufficient historical data for fisheries and hydrologic variables to allow statistical analyses. Species of concern were black bass (largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides and spotted bass, M. punctulatus), as they were abundant in both systems and have served as indicator species in similar studies in other basins.

The management objective at Caney Creek Reservoir, a Louisiana lake impounded in 1986, was to produce trophy-size largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Management actions included introduction of Florida bass (M s. floridanus), supplemental forage stocking, and initiation of length limit regulations. Prior to impoundment, the reservoir basin contained northern largemouth bass (M. s. salmoides) and intergrades between the northern and Florida subspecies. Eight years after the initial stocking of Florida bass in 1986, 49% of the population were northern bass, 23% were Florida bass, and 28% were intergrades. Relative abundance of bass fry and fingerlings was higher during the first 4 years of impoundment than reported for similar new lakes in Louisiana. Forage availability declined for bass <305 mm by 1988, 2 years after impoundment. Mean relative weight (Wr) of bass 203-305 mm declined to 86 by 1989; bass >305 mm had a mean Wr of 96.

One component in evaluating the need for or the result of a fishing regulation is an angler survey. In recent years, efforts have advanced the way an individual survey is designed, conducted, and analyzed. However, managing approximately 30-40 on-site angler surveys each year led Missouri to develop and implement stringent data processing guidelines. These guidelines ensure survey objectives are addressed; appropriate survey methodologies are used; clerks are properly trained; survey forms, questions, and coding are standardized; and data entry and analysis results are completed in a timely manner. The standardization techniques used in Missouri and the improvements generated as a result of these guidelines are discussed.

Percent return, survival, and harvest rates of stocked rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were evaluated in 3 Tennessee streams from 1991 through 1994. Harvestable-size trout were stocked 2-4 times during spring at densities of 29-188/km. Subharvestable (fingerling) trout were stocked only during fall at densities of 69-286/km. Mean annual returns ranged from 13% to 29% over the 4 years of the study and averaged 23% for all 3 streams. Returns for fall-stocked trout were negligible. Survival of spring-stocked (March-May) trout was low, ranging from 2% to 7% by July of each year. Similarly, survival of fall-stocked trout was also low and ranged from 1% to 3% by the following March. No significant relationship (P > 0.05) was detected between stocking densities and mean harvest rates or percent returns of individual stockings. Thus, altering stocking densities and periods did not achieve a greater return to the angler in these streams.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is often used to induce spawning offish. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved HCG for use in fish because they claim additional efficacy data are required. Efficacy of HCG for spawning striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and white bass (M. chrysops) was evaluated at 15 hatcheries in 10 states. For strip spawning of females, a single dose of HCG was effective for 90.2% of striped bass (N = 428) and 89.4% of white bass (N = 660). After strip spawning, hatching rates were 39.5% for striped bass and 26.1% for white bass. Of 90 striped bass and 70 white bass females injected with saline, none ovulated. Milt was obtained from all striped bass males (N = 325) and from 98.8% of white bass (TV = 862) males injected with HCG. Of 47 striped bass and 24 white bass males injected with saline as controls for the stripping technique, only 63.8% of striped bass and 37.5% of white bass produced milt.

White bass (Morone chrysops) were reared to maturity and spawned in 2 consecutive years to evaluate their hatchery performance and potential for reuse. Egg production and hatching could not be statistically compared between 2- and 3-year-old fish due to estimation of size data and pooling of hatch data in 1994. Three-year-old virgin females had a mean production of 81,413 larvae/kg body weight and an egg hatching level of 62.9%. No statistical differences (P ≤ 0.05) in latency, egg and fry production, or hatching were detected between 3-year-old virgin and previously strip-spawned fish. Hatchery performance data for domesticated white bass were similar or greater than the information available on similarsize wild white bass. Our results suggest that domesticated white bass may be a suitable substitute for wild fish currently used in hatchery operations.

A winter drawdown was evaluated to control waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in B. A. Steinhagen Reservoir in southeast Texas. A 1.8-m drop in water level was initiated on 15 December 1993 and maintained through 17 February 1994. Freezing temperatures were recorded on 19 days during the drawdown with the lowest temperature —6.7 C. A significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in waterhyacinth frequency of occurrence was indicated in line transects. Waterhyacinth areal coverage was reduced from 1,476 ha in June 1993 to 26 ha in June 1994.

The existence of a distinct walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) population in south-flowing drainages of the southeastern United States has been suspected for some time. Recently, a mitochondrial-DNA (mtDNA) marker was identified that permitted discrimination of these southern walleyes from northern forms. In order to determine the type and distribution of walleyes in Alabama, mtDNA analysis was conducted on 35 individuals collected from 3 river systems within the state. Thirty-one fish collected in the Mobile Basin were the southern form of walleye, which previously had been identified only in northeastern Mississippi, while 4 fish from the Tennessee River were of the northern form. There was no evidence for the successful establishment of any female walleyes from Ohio that were stocked into 2 impoundments in the Mobile Basin 10-20 years ago.

Genetically-marked strains of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreuni) from Arkansas (ARS) and Iowa (IAS) were stocked simultaneously into a Texas reservoir in 1985 to evaluate strain-related performance differences associated with spawning and growth. Post-stocking collections made during the spring spawning season (1988-1990) resulted in the capture of 132 walleyes from this year class. ARS walleyes comprised 35% of 1985 year-class samples which was significantly higher than the stocking proportion (26%). Differences were attributed to ARS females being more abundant than IAS females in samples. This unexpectedly high abundance of ARS walleye was not considered an indication of higher survival but merely evidence of temporal differences in movement of females of each strain to spawning grounds. This hypothesis was supported by strain-related sex ratio differences identified in samples; ARS ratios favored females whereas IAS ratios favored males.

Fish biomass and angler harvest data were collected from Keowee Reservoir during a period when thermal characteristics of this reservoir were significantly altered by operation of a large steam-electric power plant. Plant operation increased the heat load of the reservoir and depressed the depth of the thermocline. During the 22-year sampling period, fish biomass (primarily for nonsportfish taxa) declined, fishing effort increased, and angler harvest rates remained unchanged.

Fish standing crop data from rotenone surveys of 43 Louisiana lakes from 1969 to 1989 were analyzed in an effort to classify them for fisheries management purposes. Total fish, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and >30-cm largemouth bass standing crops averaged 207.7, 11.8, and 7.7 kg/ha, respectively. Results from these rotenone surveys were compared to those of similar studies in the 1950s when Louisiana lakes were placed into habitat categories. Standing crops were compared to various water-quality parameters; they were positively correlated to chlorophyll-a levels. Standing crops of fish were affected by the location of the lake within land resource areas in Louisiana. Higher fish biomass occurred more often in lakes associated with the fertile soils of the Southern Mississippi Valley Alluvium than with the Southern Coastal Plain region of the state.

Fish habitat of the Edisto River Basin in South Carolina was evaluated using a geographic information system (GIS). A committee of fisheries biologists was formed to evaluate fish habitat within the Basin, and the GIS was used to compile and analyze data and generate maps to represent quality of fish habitat. United States Geological Survey (USGS) 1:24,000-scale digital line graph (DLG) hydrography data were assigned values for data on species composition, predesignated protected areas, riparian habitat, dams and impoundments, ditches and channelization, and water quality. Criteria were developed to evaluate fish habitat in the Basin. Each criteria was assigned a point value, and these values were totaled and subdivided into Value Classes 1, 2, and 3 representing high, moderate, and low quality fish habitat, respectively. Value Class 1 consisted of 92% of the main river reaches and the entire estuarine portion of the Basin.

Scales and otoliths from largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) of known ages (age 6, 7, and 8) were prepared and examined by 3 experienced readers who were uninformed of specimen age or length. Results indicated limited agreement between readers and numerous inaccurate age estimations. Among 97 scale samples read, all 3 readers only agreed on the age of a single specimen which was older than estimated; using otoliths, readers agreed on 4 specimens which were correctly aged. Percentage of correctly-aged fish ranged from 10% to 30% with scales and 39% to 47% with otoliths. Percent of fish correctly aged ± 1 year ranged from 29% to 77% with scales and 78% to 98% with otoliths. Backcalculated lengths-at-age based on scale annulus measurements made by a fourth reader who knew specimen age, length, and sex were typically less than actual measurements taken each year (in October) with the greatest differences for earlier years of life.

Age, growth and mortality of lane snapper {Lutjanus synagris) from the northern Gulf of Mexico (Port Aransas, Texas, to Panama City, Fla.) were examined. Otolith sections from 694 fish collected from January 1991 to December 1994 were used to develop growth information using 2 methods (direct proportion and regression) of back-calculation. Fish ranged in age from 2 to 17 years and their size ranged from 210 to 673 mm total length. Males grew slightly faster and were larger at age than females; however, the oldest (age 17 at 500 mm) and largest (673 mm at age 11) were females. Full recruitment to the recreational fishery was at age 4-5. Estimated instantaneous total mortality (Z) ranged from 0.3750 to 0.5767. Natural mortality (M) ranged from 0.1125 to 0.2388.