Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

From 1977 to 1983, non-uniform probability creel surveys were conducted on Lake Norman, North Carolina, and Lake Wylie, North Carolina and South Carolina, to estimate seasonal and annual creel parameters of pressure, success, harvest, and angler preference. Despite their geographical proximity on the Catawba River, mean annual pressure and harvest estimates on Lake Wylie were >3 times higher than respective estimates on Lake Norman. Catch rates for the 2 reservoirs were similar. Based on harvest, the Lake Norman sport fishery was a crappie and largemouth bass fishery, while the Lake Wylie fishery was a catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie fishery. The substantial productivity difference for these 2 edaphically similar reservoirs was attributed to certain physical/chemical characteristics of the reservoirs.

The catchable rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) fishery in the tailwaters of Bull Shoals and Norfork Dams, begun in 1948, has apparently reached equilibrium with respect to angler use and harvest. Angler days during 2 creel studies (1971-1973 and 1980-81) ranged from 139,000 (1973) to 272,000 (1981). Anglers harvested 46.1 % to 98.4% of the 800,000 to 880,000 rainbow trout stocked annually. Stocking schedules were tailored to well-established patterns of spatial and seasonal angler use. The number of fish caught per hour decreased from 1971-73 to 1980-81, but the weight of fish caught per hour remained unchanged. The use of guides increased substantially from 1971-73 to 1980-81. The effects on fisherman harvest were substantially different during years of very high and very low water in the tailwaters. A discrete creel census of the Norfork tailwater was conducted during 1980-81 and results were compared to the fishery during that period in the Bull Shoals tailwater.

Creel census data for a 14-year period (1970-1983) from Lake Powell show a high quality fishery for this 25.1-ha lake. Fishing pressure averaged 203.8 hours/ha/year, and the total fish harvest averaged 191.8 kg/ha/year. Average annual harvests of the major game species were: 62.4 kg/ha, bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus); 11.6 kg/ha, redear sunfish, (L. microlophus); 11.9 kg/ha, black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus); 10.5 kg/ha, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides); and 4.8 kg/ha, chain pickerel (Esox niger). Average weights of the creeled pan fishes were well above normal. Catch rates were exceptionally high and averaged 2.1 fish/ hour and 0.56 kg/hour. Catch rates were directly correlated with relative abundance of pan fishes in the total creel. Individual species harvest and total fish harvest were not strongly correlated with fishing pressure. It is speculated that high turbidity during some years adversely affected fishing pressure, catch rates, and harvest.

A post card survey questionnaire was used to obtain information about the catch and release practices of anglers participating in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) tag reward exploitation studies at 2 North Carolina reservoirs. The surveys demonstrated that at least 60% of all tagged bass captured were released. The post card survey resulted in substantial reductions in the estimated exploitation rates at both reservoirs.

Estimates were made of the percent of sport-boat interviews and retained fish that would be missed by terminating weekend surveys early when no anglers have been seen prior to specified times. Surveys could be terminated at 1200 hours during the summer and not miss more than 2% of the total interviews within any 1 bay system. Fall, winter, and spring surveys could be terminated at 1400 hours and no more than 4% of the total interviews would be missed. The percent of surveys that could be terminated early is highest in winter (37%-67%) and lowest in summer and fall (2%-10%). The percent of fish retained by anglers that would not be seen in interviews due to early termination was never more than 4% within any bay system and season.

Suitability of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) as a biological agent in controlling phytoplankton was studied in situ in 3 sequential dairy farm ponds in Anderson County, South Carolina. Concentrations of chlorophyll a, soluble orthophosphate and associated water quality parameters were measured biweekly from May 1979 through May 1980 prior to introduction of silver carp (100-150 mm total length; 23.1 g average weight) to 1 pond on 12 June 1980. Water chemistry measurements continued through October 1980. Increases of chlorophyll a concentrations in 1980 over 1979 values were 5 times to 7 times in ponds without silver carp and only 2 times in the pond with silver carp. In addition, the pond with silver carp showed significantly lower total hardness and calcium concentrations during 1980. These data suggest that silver carp can effectively lower phytoplankton biomass. Silver carp were harvested during December of 1980.

Riparian vegetation has numerous, well recognized values to the stream ecosystem. In small watershed projects in North Carolina, the problem of maintaining and managing this riparian vegetation both during and after channel improvement is an important planning consideration. To date, efforts have largely concentrated on leaving existing trees along the channel bank during construction. Several problems have been encountered with this practice and alternative methods of managing riparian vegetation are being evaluated. This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of planting trees along constructed stream channels. Four shrub and 6 tree species were evaluated for the following parameters: establishment methods, plant survival, and species performance. Three replicate plantings were made. Observations on the effects of mulching and competition from native vegetation were also recorded.

Island Creek, a tributary of the Northeast Cape Fear River in Duplin County, North Carolina, was modified through excavation and snagging during 1977 and 1978. To evaluate the effects on resident fish populations, rotenone samples were taken before alteration in 1977 and after the project in 1981 and 1982. Mean standing crop of fish increased from 27.5 to 38.3 kg/ha after the project and total number of fish captured increased from 424 to 1,058. Significantly greater (P < 0.05) centrarchid and total game fish biomass were found after the project. No statistically significant differences could be detected between biomass and numbers of nongame fish or numbers of game fish before and after the project.

A study was conducted from April through October 1980 to characterize seasonal changes in distribution, diversity, and abundance of ichthyoplankton within the Cracraft dike field in the lower Mississippi River. During high river stages (April through June), diversity and abundance of larval fishes were greater at open-water than nearshore stations. Under moderate to low river stages (July through October), diversity was low and greatest densities of larval fishes were observed along the shoreline inside the middle bar rather than in the open-water.

The Field Training Officer Program is 1 part of the total wildlife officer selection process. This is accomplished by selecting experienced senior officers and placing them in specialized seminars where they are taught how to assist, direct, and evaluate probationary officers in the field. The primary objective of the Field Training Officer Program is to introduce the recruit to actual work-related experiences and to bring the officer to a level that allows him to work alone in a safe, skillful and professional manner. Secondary results are increased efficiency and supervisory experience for the field training officer, and data feedback that helps update academy entry-level criteria and standards.

The cooperation of the uniformed conservation officer as a valuable source of information and the involvement of other state and federal agencies is vital to the success of any covert operation.

Because of the nature of our work, fish and wildlife departments have traditionally been involved in boating safety. Even though many of the states have separate water patrol departments whose primary duties are policing the waterways, game agents find that a substantial amount of their time is spent providing public services on the water. This reality has forced many of our states to begin boating safety programs within their enforcement ranks and to accept these tasks as routine duties.

The use of aircraft to hunt wild animals has been a problem in recent years. With the number of helicopters increasing every day, wildlife is threatened with potential disaster. Those few poachers that would take immoral, as well as illegal advantage of wild animals by hunting them from an aircraft, have the potential of destroying years of careful wildlife management. We in the wildlife law enforcement field must concentrate our efforts on stopping this type of illegal hunting.

The public generally has inadequate knowledge about 1) good places to observe quality wildlife populations and 2) habitat requirements for such populations. Wildlife observation areas are designed to help resolve both problems. Of 28 sites designated between 1981 and 1983, 75% are in cooperation with other agencies. Cooperative plans for each area are site-specific, but the owner-cooperator is normally the lead agency for enhancing wildlife observation opportunities and interpretative programs. By blending programs of similar interests, good opportunities are provided for improving enjoyment and public support of all wildlife resources at a minimal cost. A major goal of Tennessee's Nongame Wildlife Program is to provide the public with maximum opportunities for enjoyment of wildlife. Another goal is to better educate the public about habitat requirements of wildlife. Wildlife observation areas (WOA's) are designed to accomplish both these objectives.

A content analysis of annual reports for 15 southeastern state fisheries and wildlife agencies revealed that resource information (e.g., habitat, populations, and use) appears much less frequently than administrative information (e.g., revenues, personnel, permit review). The “typical report” consists of 35% administrative, 28% fisheries, 16% facilities, 11% wildlife, and 11% public involvement information. States cluster into 4 groups based on relative emphasis of freshwater fisheries, freshwater and marine fisheries, wildlife, or facilities and administrative information. Reports consist primarily of quantitative data in a textual or tabular format, with little comparison to previous years. Content analysis of these reports is useful to illustrate objectively how state agencies present themselves and to provide a baseline for monitoring changes in the character of agency programs.

A mail questionnaire was used to determine behaviors of Mississippi nonindustrial private forest landowners toward hunting on their lands. Seventy-three percent (516 of 704) of the questionnaires were returned. A telephone survey of nonrespondents indicated negligible bias in the mail survey. About 45% of the respondents posted their land and 43% allowed no hunting by the general public. At least 77% of the respondents allowed hunting on their lands. Since only 6% of the respondents leased hunting rights, most hunting was by the landowner, family or guests. Timber was the most important use of forests followed by wildlife, residence and grazing. Most (63%) of the respondents had multiple-use goals of ownership. Most respondents did not actively manage for timber or wildlife.

St. Regis Corporation has developed a multi-faceted wildlife program. The company's program has been successful in integrating wildlife management guidelines into its forest management practices. The wildlife department's responsibilities also include biological data collection from leasees, wildlife research, management of customer and guest hunting areas, and cooperative working relationships with staff and federal wildlife agencies. Hunting lease fees generated from the company's forest land fund the program. These funds have increased from approximately $89,000 in 1976 to more than $500,000 in 1983.

In 1979, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) initiated a program permitting landowners with department-approved management plans to harvest antlerless deer (Odocoileus virginianus and O. hemionus) in numbers exceeding those recommended for general areas by the department. Preparation of management plans and problems encountered with the program are discussed.

Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) nests were located on the Texas A&M University campus during the 1981-1982 nesting seasons. Daily survival rates, calculated using nests and individuals as units of analysis, were compared for eggs, nestlings, and eggs and nestlings combined. No difference (P > 0.05) was detected in any of the comparisons, indicating that equivalent data were obtained by knowing only the fate of the nest and not of individuals within the nest. Thus, disturbance at the nest can be minimized without loss of accuracy. Nest data tended to underestimate survival for eggs while overestimating slightly for nestlings, and eggs and nestlings combined when compared to survival rates calculated for individuals.

Age ratios were determined for 361 gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and 130 fox squirrels (S. niger) taken on 50 ha in Northeast Texas during 5 weekend hunts. Data indicated that adults were more likely than young to be taken on the opening weekend. During weeks 2 and 3, young were more frequently taken while during weeks 4 and 5, adults were again taken more frequently. Results were inconsistent with the beliefs of most biologists and hunters who claim that young animals are more susceptible to the gun than are adults. Because of different vulnerability of adults and young squirrels by week, caution should be observed when interpreting age-ratio data taken from hunter bags.

Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) restoration efforts were initiated in Arkansas in 1981, with the relocation of 50 wild-trapped birds from Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Virginia to a release site in Newton County, Arkansas, along the Buffalo National River. In 1982, restoration efforts continued with the release of 67 Wild-trapped grouse captured in Virginia and Minnesota. These birds were released on the Buffalo National River site and on the Ozark National Forest in Johnson County. Population monitoring, particularly winter censuses and spring drumming surveys, documented minimum first year survival rates of 24.0% and 20.0%, respectively, for the 2 release sites. From 1982 to 1983, the number of birds observed, indirectly and directly, on the Buffalo National River site during winter censuses and spring drumming surveys indicates the birds are not only maintaining themselves, but are increasing.

Removal trapping was used to study opossum (Didelphis virginiana) demography at an upland site in western Tennessee during March 1983. Monthly differences in scent-station visitation were assessed at 5 western Tennessee localities, representing upland and lowland habitats, from April 1982 to May 1983. A density of 1 opossum/ 15.6 ha was determined using removal trapping. Yearlings made up 64% of the 14 animals captured. Adult and pouch-young sex ratios were approximately 100:100. Mean litter size was 8.8 young. Monthly differences in scent-station visitation were found in lowland habitat (P = 0.02) but not in upland habitat (P = 0.38).

Loss of corn sprouts to birds (predominantly common grackles, Quiscalus quiscula) was estimated in a O.5-ha plot in each of 270 fields in 36 counties in Kentucky in 1978 and 215 fields in 21 counties in Tennessee in 1979. Estimated loss of sprouts to birds in Kentucky and Tennessee averaged 0.15% (SE = 0.03) and 0.95% (SE = 0041), respectively, for a maximum projected grain harvest loss of about 4,600 metric tons in Kentucky and 12,400 metric tons in Tennessee. Although maximum calculated bird damage to sprouts for both states was $1.8 million, 453 (93%) of the 485 plots surveyed had relatively minor <1%) losses. However, those 32 plots receiving ≥=1 % sprout loss accounted for 82% of all bird damage losses and would have benefitted from recently developed bird repellent seed treatments.

Potential chemical repellents against rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta) depredation of wood duck (Aix sponsa) nesting boxes were tested under controlled conditions on the Rum Creek Wildlife Management Area, Georgia. Two repellents (Tack Trap and a mixture of Tack Trap and pine gum) effectively repelled rat snakes from wood duck nesting structures under pen conditions (P<0.l 0). The stickiness of the repellent material and not the presence of pinosylvin phenols appeared to be the deterrent to rat snakes.

Field studies of delta duckpotatoes (Sagittaria graminae var. platyphylla) disclosed that plant density was 1.5 times greater in wildlife exclosures than in control areas. Tuber production where nutrias (Myocastor coypus) and ducks were excluded was 652.3 g/m2• Tuber production was considerably less in plots subjected to foraging by wildlife (nutria foraging only: 104.7 g/m2, duck foraging only: 75.8 g/m2 , nutria and duck foraging: 64.8 g/m2 ). Tubers were found to a soil depth of 30 em but where animals were excluded greatest production (40.3%) was at the 10-15 cm depth. Nutrias foraged to the 30 cm depth but most duck foraging was from the 0-15 cm depth. Tank studies disclosed that a deep (30 cm), constant water depth produced taller plants and enhanced seed production, but water depth variation had no effect on tuber production. Constant 20 and 30 cm water depths encouraged above-ground biomass production.

Ten wood ducks (Aix sponsa) were radio-tracked during the wintering period on Steel Creek, Savannah River Plant, South Carolina. Home range size, daily movement and habitat use were determined from 1,140 radio-locations. Data collected during approximately 21 to 28 days of intensive radio-tracking were sufficient for delineating individual wintering wood duck home range size.. Males had significantly larger home ranges than females (42 ha vs 12 ha) and exhibited greater diurnal movements. Females made 0.5 to 3-day excursions (N = 10) to locations outside their home ranges throughout the entire tracking period. Wood ducks generally preferred emergent wetland habitat over scrub-shrub, forested, and open-water habitats. Emergent wetland habitat exhibited a more open canopy and greater herbaceous understory development than did other types. Preferred nocturnal roosting sites were located adjacent to feeding and loafing areas and were characterized by dense overhead and lateral cover.

Two definitions of crippling rate, cripples! shot and cripples! hit, have been employed in field studies to compare waterfowl wounding losses for lead and steel shot. Properties of these 2 definitions were compared using the Louisiana Lacassine Study data (Hebert et al. 1982) and a mathematical model. Cripples! shot was shown to decrease to a limit of 0 with an increase in misses even though the actual number of cripples remains constant. Cripples! shot, and not cripples! hit, was subject to an interaction between load and distance. The susceptibility of cripples! shot to an interaction between load and distance may result in the conclusion of no significant difference in crippling rates for the loads, regardless of what the actual relative wounding losses might be. Cripples!hit was more reliable than cripples! shot for comparing wounding losses for lead and steel shot.

Monthly censuses for 18 months were taken of avian communities on 12 ponds in South Texas. Ponds were classified into 4 types: stock, semi-permanent pasture, semi-permanent field, and temporary field ponds. Thirty-eight families represented by 132 species and 17,912 individuals were observed. Anatidae, represented by 22 species and 7,839 individuals, had the highest importance value of any bird family. Bird densities were similar across all pond types within each of 3 major time periods.

A method of habitat assessment known as Habitat Evaluation Procedures has been developed by the U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. A linear relationship is assumed to exist between an area's Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) and carrying capacity. The objective of this study was to determine whether an HSI model for clapper rail (Rallus longirostris) is valid for predicting habitat suitability for this species in Georgia. Call-count surveys were conducted for clapper rail on 12 40-ha areas of tidal salt marsh during the winter and the spring of 1982-1983. Call counts and HSI values were not strongly related during wintering or nesting seasons based on correlation analyses. Several possible interpretations of study results are discussed.

A linear programming model was used to evaluate trade-offs between timber returns and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus ) habitat in East-Central Mississippi. The model was designed to maximize capitalized present net worth of a sample forest subject to white-tailed deer habitat, wood flow, and acreage regenerated restrictions. Four levels of habitat diversity were evaluated. Enhancing habitat diversity will cost, in terms of timber revenue foregone, between $2.08 and $30.711hectare per year. These cost estimates are not applicable to all loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) forests. However, the methodology is applicable for other forests when appropriate forest inventory data and wildlife habitat restrictions are specified.

A management plan was implemented for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on a 1,781-ha East Texas hunting club. Objectives included the improvement of the herd's age structure and antler quality by reducing the population density and by selective harvest. During the 3-year study, 145 antlerless deer and 60 antlered deer were harvested. In spite of the accelerated antlerless harvest, the population increased approximately 15% each year. These increases apparently were because of increased fawn production. The buck population increased 48% during the study and noticeable improvements in quality were observed. Results of the study were used to exhibit methods of deer management to hunters and area landowners.

Nutritional quality of diets selected by 3 tame deer (Odocoileus virginianus) during spring 1980 were determined on forested and clearcut, unburned pine-hardwood sites in central Louisiana. Diets were dominated by leafy browse from plants of moderate to high preference for wild deer. From mid-March to late May, nutritive values of deer diets decreased an average of 43.1% for crude protein, 56.9% for phosphorus, and 9.3% for digestibility. Deer diets from clearcuts were generally higher in nutritive value than diets from forests.

Paired rumen and fecal samples from 89 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) collected in the South Carolina Coastal Plain were analyzed using standard macro- and micro-techniques, respectively. Compared to fecal analysis, rumen analysis identified fewer plant taxa per sample (P < 0.05). A significant correlation among mean percent weights of forage categories (P < 0.05) and taxa (P < 0.05) was found. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients for percent frequency of detection were also significant for forage categories (P < 0.05) and taxa (P < 0.05). Estimates of mean percent weight were significantly different between techniques for 7 of 9 forage categories and 16 of 26 taxa found by both. The time needed to analyze the 2 types of samples was not significantly different. Usefulness of fecal analysis in estimating diets of southeastern Coastal Plain deer is discussed.

During 1982, 3,095 social groups of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were observed in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Both time of day (dawn, day, dusk, and night) and season of the year (spring, fawning, summer, breeding, and winter) had a significant effect on total deer/ group and numbers of adults, adult females, and adult males. Group size was largest at dusk (mean 2.7, range of 1 to 28), and slightly smaller at night (2.4, 1 to 21), at dawn (2.3, 1 to 10), and during the day (2.3, 1 to 13). Seasonally, group size was largest in winter (mean 3.4, range of 1 to 28). noticeably smaller during breeding (2.5, 1 to 13) and spring (2.4, 1 to 9), and smaller still during late summer (2.0, 1 to 10) and fawning (1.7, 1 to 9). Time of day did not significantly affect occurrence of doe, buck, and mixed groups, but season did, with doe groups occurring most frequently (90% of all observations) and buck groups least frequently (4%) in winter than during any other season.

Forty-eight white-tailed deer fawns (Odocoileus virginianus) were marked during the spring and early summer of 1981 and 1982. Forty-one (85.4%) of these fawns died, 26 (63%) due to predation. In 18 of the 26 predator-caused deaths, the species of predator could be determined. Bobcats (Felis rufus) accounted for 12 deaths, while red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) , gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and alligators (A lligator mississipptensis) were responsible for a total of at least 6 fawn deaths. Criteria for determining predator damage are discussed. Foxes and alligators have not previously been documented as predators on white-tailed deer fawns.

Difficulty in capturing a sufficient sample of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for a biotelemetry habitat use study led to the development of an alternative methOd using track plots. One-hundred 1 X 3 m plots/site were proportionately allocated by percentage area of distinct cover types, prior to random location in the 3 study areas. Results from 13 months of use indicated that the method was acceptable for monitoring habitat use patterns. Potential uses and problems are discussed. Comparisons with biotelemetry and direct observation data are made.

Capture and handling techniques developed by river otter (Lutra canadensis) trappers, were evaluated during a 3-year telemetric study in the coastal marsh of Louisiana. A modified No. 11 Victor leghold trap was found to be the most practical and efficient live trap for otters in a marsh habitat. A total of 30 otters were captured. Trap-related injuries were infrequent and not serious. Eighty-four percent of the captured otters sustained minor cuts or no injury at all. Trapped otter were handled safely and efficiently by means of a long-handled net. This handling technique was also used to handle 5 captive otter on several occasions.

An annual scent station survey was conducted in Louisiana from 1978 through 1982 to determine relative abundance of bobcats (Felis rufus) and relate indices to geographical regions and habitat types. A total of 29 lines each with 50 stations per line was proportionally divided into 5 regions. The use of fatty acid scent resulted in an average visitation rate of 4.6% for bobcats, 9.7% for coyotes (Canis latrans), 7.3% for fox (Vulpes vulpes and Urocyon cinereoargenteus), 7.2% for raccoon (Procyon lotor), 11:8% for opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and 7.1% for skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Significant differences were detected among years, regions and habitats for bobcat (P < 0.01). Regional visitation rates varied for coyotes with current harvest data supporting survey results (P < 0.01). Significant differences occurred among years and regions for fox (P < 0.01).

From December 1981 through July 1983, No.2 Kleflock snares, No.4 Victor leg-hold traps, and No. 330 Conibear traps were evaluated for beaver (Castor canadensis) control in Mississippi. No. 330 Conibears captured more (P < 0.10) beavers than did snares in dive sets and more (P < 0.01) beavers than any other set-type combination tested. The number of non-target species captured in snares was less (P < 0.01) than the number captured in either of the other devices. Economic analyses of vehicle, labor, and equipment costs/beaver captured showed No. 330 Conibears to be the least costly to use, No.2 Kleflock snares were next, and No.4 Victor leg-hold traps were most expensive.

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus rivalicius) movement and activity patterns were studied in a Louisiana coastal marsh. Trap success was 8.2% in January-February, but only 3.3% in June-August. Of 46 muskrats captured, 65.2% were males. Lodge use was greater than expected in JanuaryMarch and less than expected in April, July and August (X2 =92.5, N =557, P < 0.01). No radio-collared muskrats (11 males and 6 females) were observed rearing young. Five (33.3%) muskrats emigrated in the spring and 3 of the dispersals occurred during a storm tide (29 March- 3 April). Long movements (>70 m) within the study area were associated with high water levels (>20 em). Average home range (0.7 ha, SE = 0.2, N = 44) and hourly movements (33.8 m, SE = 1.8, N = 695) recorded on diel tracking sessions varied widely among individuals.

To assess the taxonomic status of the coyote (Canis latrans) in Tennessee, the relationship of 61 Tennessee canids (unknown taxonomically) were compared to specimens of coyotes, dogs (C. familiaris), and red wolves (C. rufus). Twelve skull measurements were used in the assessment. Discriminant function analysis showed a well-defined separation of canid groups sampled. Tennessee canids clustered distinctly and were statistically separable from dog and red wolf groups. Hybridization between taxa was minimal. The wild coyote-like canids occurring in Tennessee are taxonomically coyotes.

In order to devise an ecologically sound management plan for the wild boar herd in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, data on the impact of these animals on the environment are essential. Soil chemical properties and nutrient concentrations were examined for possible boar impact from 9 high elevation beech gap communities ranging in severity of boar disturbance. Levels of soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and acidity, increased on boar-rooted sites, whereas percent base saturation declined. These changes suggested that boar rooting stimulated organic matter decomposition and soil nutrient mobilization; both A and B horizons were susceptible with the extent of change being a function of the intensity and length of disturbance. Potential long-term implications for the growth and productivity of these forest communities are presented.

Two distinct patterns of bedding behavior of black bears (Ursus americanus) were observed; all summer beds (N =25) were surface depressions which required no preparation and all winter beds (N =9) were elaborately constructed nest-type structures. Seven summer beds were depressions in association with fallen trees, 3 were at the base of large standing trees, and 1 was adjacent to a large rock. Fourteen beds were not in the immediate vicinity of similar structures. Eight summer beds were in game trails. Eight of 9 winter beds were adjacent to obviously selected structures such as large logs, trees, and rocks. Dimensions of summer and winter beds averaged 1.35 X 0.73 X 0.23 m and 0.79 X 0.62 X 0.21 m (length X width X depth), respectively. Scats (x =2.5, range = 1-4) were present at all summer beds and therefore may be indicative of the time spent in beds and reflect the importance of bedding sites as micro-habitat components. Scats were present at only 3 of 9 winter beds.

A telephone survey of 3,081 Texas hunters was conducted after the 1981-1982 hunting season. The typical hunter was white, urban, middle aged (x =40, SD = 15 years), male, was a college graduate, had an average income of $28,150 (SD =$6,100), and held a white-collar job. The average age of hunting initiation was 14 (SD =8) years. Respondents hunted an average of 22 (SD = 14) years and learned about hunting mostly from experiences in Texas. Mixed bag hunting was the norm, but 75% hunted white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The recreation and sport associated with the hunt rather than the harvest was the reason why 70% of the respondents hunted. High lease cost (23%) was the main factor which would contribute to desertion from hunting. Respondents who hunted without leases (62%) used land owned or leased by friends or relatives. Nonlease hunting expenditures averaged $445 (SD = $935) per hunter and white-tailed deer leases averaged $395 (SD =$547) per leasee.

The use of otoliths for aging hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis), proved successful in central Florida where reading scales is not a reliable method. Verification of annulus formation was accomplished by checking known-age fish, determining the time of annulus formation and comparing assigned ages of fish with stocking records to verify that the number of annuli was not greater than expected. Aging by reading otoliths revealed that hybrids live at least 3 years longer than indicated by reported growth rates and length frequency analysis.

The optimum stocking rate in hatchery rearing ponds was determined for female striped bass (Marone saxatilis) X male white bass (Marone chrysops) hybrid fry that would yield the highest number of fingerlings/ha of acceptable size and condition. Five fry stocking rates ranging from 494,000 to 2,470,000/ha were tested to determine the effect on number of fingerlings produced, average total length, average weight/I ,000, total weight, and condition. The optimum stocking rate was calculated to be 1,875,000 fry/ha, which would yield 537,000 fingerlings/ha. Average total length and average weight! 1,000 fingerlings was 25.4 mm and 191.7 g, respectively, at the optimum stocking rate. Total weight and condition of the fingerlings produced were not affected by the 5 stocking rates. Efforts to maximize production of acceptable quality fingerlings has become an economic necessity as the demand for Marone fingerlings in Georgia has increased.