Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Range size and dynamics of black bears (Ursus americanus) were determined in Great Dismal Swamp (GDS), an 850-km2 forested wetland straddling the eastern border of Virginia and North Carolina. Male ranges were larger (P < 0.05) than female ranges annually and seasonally. Median range sizes were 21.4 km2 for adult females (N = 11),33.1 km2 for subadult females (N = 7), and 79.0 km2 for males (N = 10). Extensive fall movements inflated female ranges. Range shifts were maximal from late summer to early fall and early fall to late fall, averaging 4.4 ± 0.7 km (N = 14) and 4.4 ± 0.8 km (N = 17), respectively. Annual and seasonal overlap were extensive within and between sexes, with female range overlap increasing from spring to early fall. Range use and territoriality among female bears were influenced by spatial and temporal distribution of food.

The mean maximum distance moved (MMDM) of a southern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger niger) population during a l2-day trapping period was compared between radiotelemetry and capture location data. MMDMs derived from capture locations averaged 51% less than MMDMs derived from telemetric locations. In addition, tests of MMDMs based on capture locations failed to detect a difference between sexes, whereas MMDMs based on telemetric locations indicated a significant difference. Density estimates of the fox squirrel population were calculated using MMDM/2 as an estimate of boundary-strip width (W) to compensate for "edge effect." A combined density estimate based on capture locations was 27% larger than the estimate based on telemetric locations. Because MMDMs derived from capture locations depend on the number of recaptures and are a function of trap spacing, W is often underestimated, resulting in positively biased density estimates.

During 1978 and 1979, data were collected on wood duck (Aix sponsa) brood movements, habitat use, and survival in east-central Texas. Radio telemetry of 18 broods indicated most broods left the nesting site immediately after exiting nesting structures. Distances traveled from nesting site to brood-rearing site varied from 0.111.7 km. Overall, duckling survival (N = 167) was 8%. However, survival for 40 ducklings that reached adequate brood-rearing habitat was 48%. Duckling survival and habitat used by broods was positively correlated with an increase in wetland size, length of shoreline, percent floating and emergent vegetation, and percent flooded shrubs, and was negatively correlated with an increase in water depth and percent open water.

Adulteastem bluebirds (Sialia sialis) were monitored by radio-telemetry during the breeding (5M:5F) and wintering (5M:5F) seasons to obtain home range and habitat data. All birds used natural cavities on forested land in west-central South Carolina. Mean home range size of breeding season bluebirds was 19.2 ± 4.4 ha (¯x ± SE)for males and 13.7 ± 4.4 ha for females. Wintering season home ranges were 105.9 ± 15.5 ha and 120.8 ± 16.6 ha for males and females, respectively. Home ranges did not differ (P >0.05) by sex but did by season. Mean minimum total distance moved was similar for both sexes and was larger during the wintering season (3,757 ± 229 m) than during the breeding season (1 ,836 ± 698 m). Habitat preference varied by sex and season, but edge and clearcut habitats were always used more than expected. Dense pine stands were never used. Pine stands with open understories were preferred more than those with closed understories.

Movements of eastern wild turkey hens (Meleagris gallapavo silvestris) were monitored using radio telemetry on the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in Western North Carolina during 1985-87. Turkeys (N = 15) responded to the use of dogs for bear hunting by temporarily abandoning portions of their established home ranges and relocating to unhunted areas during the 2-month season. Hens returned to abandoned areas soon after hunting ceased and when dogs were not used for hunting. No mortality of turkeys was detected during bear season. The rapid return of hens to former ranges suggests that unhunted habitats were crowded or that preferred habitats on Coweeta were not available to turkeys during bear hunts.

Day rest sites and natal dens of Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi) studied from January 1986 to August 1989 were dominated by dense vegetation, especially saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Activity peaked around sunrise and sunset for both denning females and solitary panthers; however, solitary panthers exhibited greater extremes in activity and inactivity. Females were most likely to be at the den during daylight and spent about 50% of the denning period at the den. Day beds and den sites are important habitat features and should be considerations in panther management.

Responses from a mail survey of Florida Turkey Stamp purchasers were used to evaluate turkey hunter satisfaction. Using factor analysis, 7 dimensions of hunter satisfaction were interpreted from ratings of 31 aspects of turkey hunting. Individual aspects of turkey hunting poorly correlated with the rating of the overall hunting experience. The 7 dimensions (nature, social, hunting, management, harvest, disturbance, and preparation) accounted for 50% of the variance in responses; individually, dimensions accounted for 9% oftotal variance. Although traditional management strategies emphasize harvest and hunter man-days, we suggest that turkey hunting is a multidimensional sport and that no single aspect greatly influences hunter satisfaction.

We used winter aerial survey data to evaluate abundance, distribution, and habitat use of snow (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) and white-fronted geese (Anser alhifrons) wintering in Arkansas' Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV). Longterm survey data indicate that numbers of both species have increased more than lO-fold during the past decade, with recent maximum survey counts of 503,000 and 19,000 for snow and white-fronted geese, respectively. During our study (198589), snow geese were distributed throughout Arkansas' MAV, but most whitefronted geese were observed in the southern portion of the region. In agricultural settings, 65% and 55% of snow and white-fronted geese, respectively, were observed in harvested rice fields; 28% and 37%, respectively, were observed in harvested soybean fields; and 7% and 8%, respectively, were observed in winter wheat.

Male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns were collected from the wild at random in Alabama during the springs and summers of 1986 and 1987. Average body weight at 16 months of age was 58.3 kg (5004 to 68.2 kg) and antler weight averaged 150.1 g (25 to 339 g). Yearling weight and date of birth were not related (r = -0.36; P = 0.078) nor were antler mass and date of birth (r = -0.17; P = 00411). Racks averaged 4.2 points (range 2 to 8 points). Point number and date of birth were not related (r = 0.02; P = 0.914).

We studied habitat use by 32 radio-collared black bears (Ursus americanus luteolus) in the Tensas River Basin of Louisiana during April 1988-90. Preliminary data from telemetry and field observations were combined with a literature review to develop bottomland hardwood forest management guidelines for bears on Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge. Logged areas provided feeding, resting, denning, and escape opportunities for bears. Bears used bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), brushpiles, and ground nests for winter dens. Wooded drainages that traversed agricultural expanses were used as travel corridors. Even-aged management with a 100-year rotation, and selective cutting techniques were recommended to balance timber age classes, enhance habitat diversity, and provide stable food sources, denning sites, and cover.

We transported 2,220 giant Canada goose (Branta canadensis maxima) eggs by small aircraft from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, to EI Reno, Oklahoma, from 1986 through 1989. Stages of incubation ranged from 3 to 27 days. Eggs were covered with goose down and shipped in domestic turkey egg transport containers made of corrugated cardboard. Two techniques were used to maintain temperatures between 24 and 38 C. In 1986 and 1989, no attempt was made to heat the eggs other than from the aircraft cabin temperature. In 1987 and 1988, we used supplemental heat in an attempt to maintain egg temperature around 38 C. Because hatching success was greater for eggs that did not receive supplemental heat (P < 0.05), we do not recommend heating of egg containers during transit.

We examined plant response to moist-soil management in the delta region of Arkansas in 1985-87. We monitored 3 fields subjected to May, June, and July drawdowns and passive management (no summer irrigation). Total seed production varied from 253 to 1,288 kg/ha and vegetation mass ranged from 1,070 to 4,880 kg/ha. Seed production was more dependent on year and field effects than on drawdown date. Fall panicum (Panicum dichotomiflorum) was the most important seed producer and longpod sesbania (Sesbania macrocarpa) was the major problem species. Primrose willow species (Ludwigia spp.) became increasingly dominant in successive years. Drawdowns later than I June appeared to minimize sesbania problems.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvests from wildlife management areas in northeastern Georgia were compared with habitat variables, population variables from the previous fall harvest and hunters/km2 • Three years of harvest data from 8 Blue Ridge Mountain areas and 12 years of data from an Upper Piedmont area were analyzed. A significant stepwise multiple regression model (R2 = 0.57) related deer harvest numbers to the following habitat variables for the mountain areas: number and hectares of agricultural food plots, kilometers of roads, hectares of oak timber (all positive), and hectares of clearcuts (negative). On the Piedmont area, similar analyses yielded a model (R2 = 0.60) with number of bucks harvested related to number of hunters, number of food plots, food plot hectares (all positive), pine timber hectares (negative), and percent population harvested the previous year (negative).

An inexpensive, portable, simplistic, and safe (no blasting caps) drop net was developed and tested on ground-dwelling birds and I deer. The net is held up by tension and is triggered by rapid release ofthe tension. The net was effective on the species tested. Its simple design may lend itself for adaptation for use to capture many species of wildlife.

Nineteen gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were equipped with radiotransmitter collars and located by triangulation on the Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina, between 22 March 1985 and 24 May 1986. Telemetry locations (N = 3,(08) were used to estimate seasonal home range sizes (N = 23) and calculate minimum total distances (MTD) moved (N = 192). Seasonal home range sizes were not different between sexes or seasons (P > 0.05). Average seasonal home range sizes were 173 ha for males, 139 ha for females, and 158 ha for both sexes combined. MTDs were not different between sexes (P > 0.05). Denning season MTDs (¯x = 3,459 m) were smaller than those of pup rearing (¯x = 5,360 m) and dispersal and mating (¯x = 5,742 m) seasons (P < 0.05).

Densities of waterfowl (Anatidae) and American coots (Fulica americana) were compared across habitats to evaluate the relative use and value of reservoir habitats, particularly hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) beds. Hydrilla was selected by ducks as a group over all other habitats (P < 0.05) and was the most selected habitat (P < 0.05) for American wigeon (Anas americana), gadwalls (A. strepera), northern shovelers (A. clypeata), canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria), and ring-necked ducks (A. collaris). Five other duck species selected hydrilla as 1 of several (> I) habitats most selected (P < 0.05). In all seasons, American coots selected hydrilla and the hydrillaemergent interface (P < 0.05). Hydrilla was an important habitat component for waterfowl and coots and may improve the value of reservoirs for wintering waterbirds.

We compared Texas antihunters with hunters and neutrals in terms of 8 demographic characteristics, their views on 6 reasons for hunting, and opinions on 7 environmental statements. Antihunters were nearly indistinguishable from neutrals in demographic characteristics, levels of opposition to hunting, and environmental opinions. Membership in or desire to become a member of an antihunting organization does not necessarily identify an antihunter as evidenced by a measurable degree of antihunting sentiment among neutrals. Antihunters differed from hunters more in terms of demographic characteristics and all reasons for hunting than in environmental opinions. We offer 3 responses to address antihunting sentiments including: telling the real story about hunting and hunters, incorporating wildlife management education into public school curricula; and training hunters in ethics and public relations.

With a canine's proven scenting ability, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission began a study and pilot program to evaluate the possible uses of specially trained canines in conservation law enforcement. This paper will briefly describe the findings during the study period and the pilot program. Details into training methods will not be discussed.

At the request of Texas state game wardens, a low intervention weight-loss program was implemented for 48 officers assigned to 3 law enforcement districts and the department headquarters staff. The program was designed to take advantage of the social interaction and support of wardens assigned to the same unit. At termination of the l4-week program, 90% of the participants had lost weight and mean weight loss for all officers was 8.6Ib. Weight-loss was related to initial weight of participants and to the district of assignment. Program cost was similar to those of other low intervention programs and substantially less than other types of weight loss programs.

Nonresident fishing license sales are a significant proportion of the Florida Gameand Fresh WaterFish Commission's annual revenues. This study soughlto estimate annual revenue loss due to improper licensing of late-winter nonresident freshwater fishermen. Only 7% were improperly liceosed, representing $172,000 in lost revenue.

A guide for fish and wildlife law enforcement chief executive officers is provided which includes a definition and overview of law enforcement planning as a distinct profession and describing its utility within the law enforcement function. Specific examples of duties are enumerated as are guidelines for soliciting and hiring a professional law enforcement planner and establishing a functional unit.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is currently in the process of upgrading its law enforcement services through advanced training in the area of defensive tactics. One of the objectives of this mission is to certify each of Georgia's conservation law enforcement officers in the use of an intermediate weapon in an effort to have a complete line of force options available to its law enforcement personnel. In an attempt to fill this void, the Department has selected one of the most highly advanced intermediate weapons available to law enforcement today, the tactical baton. The Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) tactical baton is the one the Department feels will be most suited for Conservation Law Enforcement. The Department believes that based upon tactical performance, control potential, injury reduction, psychological deterrence, instructor certification training availability, ease of implementation, and cost there is no better choice.

The difference between surviving or not surviving a shoot-out will depend on many factors. Who are you up against, how many are you up against, how efficient are they, and then, how efficient are you? This could be the most important question you could ever ask yourself in a life or death situation. Nothing could be more important when confronted with a violent situation than training and equipment. Proper training and equipment are a must for a professional law enforcement officer, anything less is only flirting with danger. With liability cases on the increase, agencies who fail to provide the most up-to-date training and equipment are also flirting with danger. For these reasons, training and equipment must be put on the front burner and monitored continuously. The best defense to liability cases against officers and their respective agencies is, without question, competent training and competent equipment.

Extensive bird mortality was documented from oil contained in pits and opentopped tanks in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Annual mortality easily exceeded 300,000 birds including 100,000 ducks. An enforcement strategy was developed that included negotiations with state oil regulating agencies, seminars presented to oil industry associations, a news media campaign, and criminal and civil enforcement actions initiated at the state and federal level.

One of Missouri's largest and most unique game fish, the paddlefish, faced a threat that potentially was as great as the loss of spawning grounds resulting from construction ofdams. Poachers, well aware of Missouri's reputation for large concentrations of these primitive filter feeders, were reaping huge profits by illegally netting the fish and selling the roe as caviar. Covert investigators with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service infiltrated groups operating on the Osage River in Warsaw, Missouri, as well as another group based on the James River of Table Rock Lake. After 18 months of work, the network that moved eggs from Missouri streams to caviar dealers throughout the country was uncovered and prosecuted.

This study describes a method of constructing inexpensive, durable, shallow-water reefs in freshwater lakes with whole Australian pines (Casuarina spp.). Snorkel observations demonstrated that largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and redear sunfish (L. microlophus) abundance was significantly higher on reef areas as compared to between-reef areas, or control areas. A creel survey measured improved catch rates for largemouth bass and lower catch rates for sunfish on reef areas. The use of on-site materials during lake construction should be considered an economical method of concentrating certain sport fish species for the purpose of improving angler success.

Lake Talquin was dewatered in September 1983 and a 2-stage refill was completed by mid-July 1984. Spring creel surveys were conducted by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission prior to (1978, 1981) and following (1985-88) this drawdown. Harvest estimates have increased 5-fold for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) since 1986. Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromoculatus) were harvested in record numbers in 1987 but declined appreciably in 1988. Sunfish harvest after 1986 returned to pre-1986 levels and has stabilized. The sharp increase in harvest estimates for all species in 1987 was due to recruitment of their 1984 post-drawdown year class to harvestable size. Benefits to the sport fishery from the drawdown were not immediately realized but became evident to anglers as increased harvest in 1987.

Infonnation from applications to 2 angler recognition programs administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department were analyzed to determine changes in the number and weight of fish submitted each year. Frequent increases in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (5 in a 6-year time span), striped bass (Morone saxatilis) (9 in a 14-year time span), and hybrid striped bass (M. chrysops X M. saxatilis) (7 in 8-year time span) state records were documented. Significant annual increases in mean weight of largemouth bass (4.0 kg in 1974 to >5.0 kg in 1986 and 1987) and smallmouth bass (M. dolomieui) (2.16 kg in 1979 to 2.63 kg in 1987) certified for Big Fish Awards were recorded. Increases in size of largemouth bass and striped bass certified were directly related to stocking programs.

A survey was conducted of landowners on upper Lake of the Ozarks, from the Harry S Truman Darn at Warsaw, Missouri, to 16 miles below the darn. The study was initiated to determine citizen opinion toward the current 4-turbine operation at Harry S Truman Darn in light of managing authorities' proposals to increase power generation through routine use of 2 additional turbines that could diminish recreation and tourism values of upper Lake of the Ozarks. Results revealed that landowners residing at the lake had little tolerance for any changes in hydropower operations that would increase water fluctuations, bank erosion, and siltation at the lake. Generally, property owners indicated that fishing, swimming, and boating on the lake had worsened since the darn began generating power in 1981, but the quality of these recreational activities still was acceptable under prevailing management.

We conducted tests to quantify delayed mortality of white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) after catch and release by anglers. White crappie were subjected to I) catch and release in shallow water using traditional hook-and-line methods and 2) rapid depressurization to simulate catch in deep water. Mortality 6-11 days after catch and release from shallow water averaged 3%. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected between mortality rates of white crappie 15-25 cm and >25 cm total length, nor between fish caught using live and artificial baits. No mortalities occurred 96 hours after white crappie were depressurized from depths ≤10m, but 29% and 67% of the fish died when depressurized from 13 and 16 m, respectively. Regulations involving catch and immediate release of white crappie can reduce fishing mortality, but may be less effective when and where fish are frequently caught from deep water.

The commercial trotline fishery on the Kentucky portions of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley was evaluated by a telephone survey, an onboard survey, and from market data. Results indicate that the telephone survey was a reliable source of economic information based on high correlations (r ≥ 0.89) of effort and harvest data among the 3 data sets. Data obtained from the onboard survey overestimated economic impact of the fishery because of bias toward full-time fishermen. However, the onboard survey did yield accurate species composition information. Thirty-five percent of the respondents in the telephone survey were full-time fishermen, 44% were part-time, and 21% fished for non-profit reasons. Although the annual estimated harvest in the trotline fishery (745,500 kg) was valued at $0.8 million, fishermen reported an income of $1.5 million, nearly twice the value of their harvest. Ninety-seven percent of total catch (both kept and released) and harvest, by weight, was catfish.

Low altitude aerial surveys were conducted at approximately monthly intervals from I April 1987 to 31 March 1988 to determine temporal and geographic distribution of commercial fishing in Texas bay and Gulf (Texas Territorial Sea) areas. Observers counted a total of 4,841 bay commercial vessels and 1,906 Gulf commercial vessels conducting 7 types of fishing activities over the 12-month study period. Commercial shrimping made up 87.7% of all commercial activity. Most activity was observed between May and November. Thirty-nine percent of the bay commercial activity was concentrated in Galveston Bay while 27% was in Matagorda Bay. San Antonio, Aransas, and Corpus Christi bay systems collectively yielded 29% of the commercial bay vessel counts. Gulf commercial shrimping was evenly distributed along the entire coast with a slightly higher concentration around the Galveston offshore area. Photography and ground counts were assessed as verification to observer counts.

A major concern in managing commercial fisheries is the potential effect on game fish populations. The objective of this study was to design a model to determine annual game fish bycatch in hoop nets, wire traps, and pound nets utilized in the 51. Johns River, Florida, commercial catfish fishery. Annual bycatch was estimated with a model based on previous estimates of annual catfish harvest, catfish-to-game fish ratios, mean weight of catfish harvested and percentage composition of catfish harvested by each gear type. Hoop nets captured an estimated 435,635 game fish annually with 46,697 and 7,589 game fish captured annually by wire traps and pound nets, respectively. When catches of all 3 gear types were combined, black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus comprised 54.5% by number of all game fish caught, followed by Lepomis spp. (44.4%), Morone spp. (0.7%), largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (0.4%), and chain pickerel Esox niger (0.01%).

Juvenile spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus (48-73 mm TL) and snook Centropomis undecimalis (43-63 nun TL) were subjected to 35- and 42-day growth trials, respectively, at 5 different temperatures. Respective test temperatures were 11.5°, 15.5°,22.0°,28.0°, and 32.0° C, and ISS, 21.0°, 28.0°, 32.0°, and 37.0°C. Salinity was 20% for both trials. Optimum temperature for growth of both species apparently occurs at ≥28.0° C. Spotted seatrout specific growth rate (2.39%) and mean total length (TL) (78 mm) was greatest at 28.0° C, while specific growth rate (0.54%) and mean TL (67 mm) at lIS C was less than at all other temperatures. Specific growth rate of juvenile snook at 37.0°, 32.0°, and 28.0° C (1.20%, 1.46%, and 0.93%, respectively) was significantly greater than growth at 21.0° and 15.5° C (0.31% and -0.15% respectively). Snook mean TL at trial conclusion was greatest at 32.0° C (62 mm) and least at 15.5° C (52 mm).

South Carolina and Texas red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) fingerlings were compared to evaluate pond overwintering characteristics. Red drum from each hatchery stock were spawned in September 1987 and fry were reared in outdoor earthen ponds. Red drum fingerlings (mean ± SD total length (TL) South Carolina fish 50.5 ± 4.9 mm; Texas fish 48.3 ± 4.4 mm) were transferred to 6 0.2-ha saltwater ponds in November 1987, and ponds were harvested in March 1988. The lowest water temperature encountered was 3.00 C on 10 January 1988. Survival was similar between Texas (91.7% ± 13.9%) and South Carolina (83.5% ± 6.6%) fingerlings. Production (kg/halday) was also similar between the 2 stocks. Fish grew at equal rates over the production period; at harvest, mean TL of South Carolina fish was 87.7 ± 11.9 mm, TL of Texas fish was 83.7 ± 11.2 mm.

Phase-l hybrid striped bass fry were fed trout pellets at 0,6.7, and 13.4 kg/haJday, in 7 culture ponds in 1986. Yield ranged from 45.6 to 239.7 kg/ha. Survival ranged from 11% to 70%. Five ponds in which fish were fed trout pellets had substantially greater yields of hybrid striped bass fingerlings than 1 pond in which fish were unfed. In 1987, two culture ponds in which fish were fed trout pellets at 13.4 kg/haJday from the time of initial stocking had significantly greater (P < 0.05) yields of hybrid striped bass fry than 2 ponds initially fed 18 days after stocking. Yields ranged from 0 to 86 kg/ha and survival ranged from 0% to 61%. Feed allotment and time of initial feeding of trout pellets affected production of hybrid striped bass.

The growth in weight of hybrids of striped bass (Morone saxatilis x white bass M. chrysops) fed trout pellets was compared to that of hybrids fed redbelly tilapia (Tilapia zilli, the latter of which were starved to reduce lipid content or were well-fed to ensure greater lipid levels. Production did not differ significantly between fish that ate starved tilapia and those that ate trout pellets. Growth was significantly greater, however, in hybrids that ate fed tilapia than in those that ate starved tilapia. The nutritional value of the pelletized ration was inferior to that of well-fed tilapia, indicating the need for improvements in diet formulation.

Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) larvae were fed live cultured Daphnia at 4 densities to determine if larval survival and growth were affected by Daphnia densities at low (ambient) (15.0° ± 1.5° C) and high (21.1° ± 0.5° C) temperatures. Survival of larvae increased with increasing densities of Daphnia in both experiments. Survival was higher in the low-temperature experiment than in the high-temperature experiment. However, larval survival was also influenced by cannibalism and a deformity affecting swimming behavior. Maximum growth of larvae during the 7-day experiments was 23.2 mm in length and 88.0 mg in weight and was determined graphically at Daphnia densities ranging from 200 to 240/liter in the high-temperature experiment. Short-term intensive culture of paddlefish larvae fed live Daphnia appears to be a viable method for producing large, hardy fish for further grow-out in ponds.

Adult channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) monitored by radiotelemetry made frequent movements within Perche Creek, a tributary of the lower Missouri River. Individuals of both species moved at a rate greater than 50 m/day in >50% of all observations. The favored depth for both species was 1 - 2 m, even though shallower and deeper habitats were available. Both species avoided open water habitat and selected complex woody structure over other cover types. Channel catfish movements were more restricted in Hinkson Creek, an upland tributary of Perche Creek, where habitats > 1.5 m deep were rare. Catfish in Hinkson Creek selected the few deep pools available and favored cover types similar to those selected in Perche Creek. Channel catfish in Perche Creek tended to move to the Missouri River, but flathead catfish tended to remain in Perche Creek, even though these 2 species were equally mobile within Perche Creek.

Small diameter hoop nets were compared with low frequency, pulsed DC electrofishing for assessing flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) stocks in the Noxubee River, a small stream in east-central Mississippi. Small diameter hoop nets fished during summer low flow regimes were appropriate for collecting stock size fish (≥280 mm, total length) while electrofishing was a better tool for assessing smaller flathead catfish. No significant difference (P >0.05) was found between the 2 sample techniques with regard to kg/man-day or fish/man-day. Small diameter hoop nets were determined to be the most appropriate gear for sampling flathead catfish resources in streams where the use of boats is restricted by poor access.

Isoelectric focusing (IEF) and densitometric scanning were used to identify 6 species of catfish based on diagnostic bands and banding patterns produced by muscle proteins. Blue catfish (lctalurus furcatus), white catfish (Ictalurus catus), and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) each have diagnostic bands in pH 4-5 gels that allow positive species identification. IEF of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) musculature in this pH range exhibits a polymorphic system. One of the bands is diagnostic for this species when present, allowing identification of 58% of the channel catfish tested. Channel catfish without this band, yellow bullhead catfish (lctalurus natalis), and black bullhead catfish (Ictalurus melas) are indistinguishable in the pH 4-5 range gels, but can be identified by banding patterns produced by IEF of proteins in pH 6-7 gels.

Increased management of wild catfish stocks is imminent due to their growing popularity with anglers and commercial exploitation. Length-categorization systems, like those used for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), would improve catfish stock assessment and facilitate comparison of results among years, gears, samples, and populations. Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) from the Flint River, Georgia, collected by electrofishing and those caught by fishermen were assessed with Proportional Stock Density (PSD) and Relative Stock Density (RSD) indices. Population PSD was 72, suggesting a high quality fishery. Fishermen selected fish in the RSD Quality-Preferred and Preferred-Memorable length categories. Minimum length for size categories may be too low, and I submit alternate thresholds. Use of a standardized system is recommended for reporting results of catfish studies.

We conducted laboratory and field investigations to detennine the relative value of shads (Dorosoma spp.) and sunfishes (Lepomis spp.) as prey for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). In the laboratory, we examined the energy content of gizzard shad (D. cepedianum) and bluegill (L. macrochirus) and digestibility by largemouth bass. Although the ratios of proximate components in the 2 prey species differed, total energy contents as calories per gram were equal. The rates at which gizzard shad and bluegill were digested were similar at feeding rates <1.5%-2.0% of largemouth bass body weight, but gizzard shad were digested increasingly faster than bluegill at progressively higher feeding rates: maximum rate of digestion occurred at about 5% of the largemouth bass body weight for gizzard shad, and about 3% for bluegill.

We measured effects of an increase in the largemouth bass minimum length limit from 254-mm to 406-mm and a decrease in the creel limit from 10 per day to 3 per day in Tradinghouse Creek Reservoir, Texas, from 1985 to 1987. Electrofishing and rotenone surveys were used to measure regulation effects on largemouth bass population and predator-prey parameters; angler surveys were used to determine effects on creel rates. After the regulation was implemented, the population structure shifted from one dominated by small, young individuals to one dominated by larger, older fish. Although relative weight among stock-quality and quality length groups declined, growth rates remained stable. Estimates of available prey remained below optimum levels. Angler catch rates increased 89%; harvest rates declined 70%.

The minimum legal size of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) was increased from 305 to 406 mm in 1983 on West Point Reservoir to indirectly increase young-of-the-year recruitment by gizzard shad (Dorsoma cepedianum). Fish collections from 1982 through 1987 indicated that largemouth bass increased in abundance in response to the regulation change and their population structure shifted toward larger sizes. Concurrently, gizzard shad size distribution shifted downward. It appeared that the increased size limit for largemouth bass resulted in increased forage through increased gizzard shad recruitment. A survey of the sport fishery in 1984 and 1985 indicated effort and harvest similar to that before the regulation change.

Populations of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in Oklahoma reservoirs were sampled in 1986 and 1987 to determine the degree of introgression of Florida largemouth bass (M. s. floridanus), introduced over a 16-year period, into populations of native northern largemouth bass (M. s. salmoides). Florida subspecific alleles were present in 28 of 30 populations (93%) and were found in >50% of the fish from 8 (27%) reservoirs. Correlations with selected physical and biological parameters indicated that the percentage of bass with Florida alleles increased as the size of fish stocked increased and as cold weather and water level fluctuation decreased. Reservoirs in southern portions of the state with stable water levels that were stocked with fingerlings > 100 mm in length at rates > 25/ha for several consecutive years had the highest degrees of Florida allele introgression into existing bass populations.