Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

A self-service daily recreational permit was developed and tested on 6 Wildlife Management Areas in Mississippi during the 1976-77 season. The permit system provides data on hunter usage and harvest by species and day of the season, the effective area served by management units, and an indication of economic importance of recreational opportunities. The utility of the system is illustrated with data for deer hunting on the Issaquena Wildlife Management Area. These data should aid greatly in the formulation of management decisions and allocation of agency resources.

Introduced Rocky Mountain elk (Ceruus canadensis nelsom) were studied in the Guadalupe Mountain National Park in the summer of 1976. This population was stable at about 100 animals, with sex and age ratios closest to those of the Tule elk. Animals utilized all 4 major habitats in the higher elevations of the Park. Movement between 3 elk aggregations were related to the availability of surface water and the carrying capacity of the area. Sixty-two % of the mortalities were closely associated with temporary pools which may substantiate the importance of water in limiting elk numbers.

Food habits of white·tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were studied on a 526·ha mixed forest-grassland site at Blossom Point, on the coastal plain of Maryland. The rumen contents of 2 deer shot per month for a year and a winter browse survey were used to define seasonal variations in plant species utilization. Mushrooms and the fruits of dwarf sumac (Rhus copallina) and oaks (Quercus spp.) were utilized in the fall. In winter, a large portion of the diet was Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana), honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and rushes. In the spring, a shift to herbaceous material occurred, although red maple (Acer rubrum) flowers, rushes, and Virginia pine were browsed moderately. During the summer. honeysuckle and blackberries (Rubus spp.) were the most important food species, comprising 45% of the summer diet. Deer have a profound impact on the growth of waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera) since 60% of the branches were browsed in winter.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were collected from swamp and upland areas on the Savannah River Plant in South Carolina; the genetic variability of females was 9.8 and 8.5%, respectively, for the 2 areas. Reproductive rates (92-93 fawns/ 100 females) were essentially the same in the 2 areas. Deer in both populations, age> 2 yr, bred earlier and showed less variance in conception dates than younger deer, and swamp deer bred earlier than upland deer. In the swamp. deer with 2 fetuses had significantly higher levels of genetic variability than those with I fetus, and the trend although not significant was the same in the uplands.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (N = 1341) were collected from 7 locations in Georgia and South Carolina. Sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activity was analyzed using starch-gel electrophoresis. Four types of prenatal selection, Female Gametic Selection, Random Mating, Male Reproductive Selection and Female Sexual Selection, were analyzed for this locus using genotype frequency data including mothers and offspring. Spatial and temporal heterog;eneity were analyzed for the Savannah River Plant (SRP) herd. Pooled genotype frequencies for SDH were essentially the same over 3 years but varied between hunt compartments on the SRP and between the sampling areas across the southeast. All populations were mating at random in respect to the individual genotypes. However, evidence was found for the importance of social structure and intrauterine events in determining the genetic structure of the herds.

Wintering Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens) were analyzed for lead and mercury residues and lead shot ingestion. Lead shot ingestion paralleled assimilation of lead residues. Snow geese collected in rice-growing areas had significantly (P < 0.01) more lead residues than marsh area geese. This was attributed to different soil finnness, feeding habits, and hunting practices in the 2 areas. Recent deposits of lead apparently played a major role in lead shot ingestion because lead residues and shot ingestion were greatest during the hunting season. Mercury residues significantly (P < 0.05) declined over the wintering season.

The relationship between the number of individuals marked to cost and accuracy of Lincoln Index estimates for a wild population of Key deer (Odocoileus vir· ginianus clavium) of known size was examined. Data indicated that when 50% of the population was marked. there was a greater chance for an accurate estimate; also the cost to trap and mark deer was lowest.

Results of over 250 interviews and 600 mail questionnaires indicate that over 40'10 of north central Florida adults are hunters. This is a significantly larger proportion than buy licenses. There were no significant socioeconomic or demographic differences between hunters, nonhunters and antihunters except that males dominated the hunter group. Hunters appear to be more knowledgeable about wildlife than either the nonhunters or antihunters. Over one-half of present antihunters hunted in the past. Motivations for hunting are varied but simple enjoyment of the out-of-doors seems to be of primary importance while attaining a bag limit ranks very low. Quail (Colinus virginianus) and dove (Zenaidura macroura) were hunted more than any other species and were also listed as the primary game species sought by most hunters.

Literature addressing the concept of edge effect on wildlife species, as defined by Leopold (1933), is scanty, contradictory, and inconclusive. To investigate the presence of an edge effect on a breeding bird community in north Florida, 2 types of edge, cypress/ clearcut and cypress/planted pine, were studied. Within the 20 m wide edges, the number of breeding bird species and individuals of a species were no greater than in respective bordering habitats for both edge types studied. However, density of species and individuals within the edge were significantly greater (P < 0.01) for both types of edge, indicating an edge effect. A species replacement phenomenon was observed which further distinguished the edge from the interiors of adjoining habitats.

A computer technique (IMGRID) is available that produoes quantitative interpretable maps for land management planning. Information from a variety of natural resource documents and field surveys is restructured into a computer compatible format. The computer is used to manipulate data and print the results and their geographical location on computer-generated maps. These maps are useful in a planning process that attempts to match resource management objectives with land capability. Computerassisted resouroe management techniques are flexible and allow the wildlife manager to make operational presC]:iption management decisions from quantified site specific data.

Cumulative monthly browsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on unprotected apical leaders of oak (Quercus spp.) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) seedlings in plantations in Southwest Alabama exceeded 100% per year. Growth of unprotected seedlings of all species was significantly less (P < .01) than mean growth attained in seedlings subjected to 6 protective treatments with polypropylene mesh tubing. Mortality in unprotected sweegum seedlings was greated than in protected seedlings (P < .05). Mortality of oak was unaffected by protection. All treatments protected seedlings from browsing deer but some interfered with normal growth due to shading or physical restriction. Sweetgum seedlings attained the greatest growth when protected by ultraviolet green polypropylene mesh tubing 7.3 cm dia. Oaks grew best when protected by 12.7 cm dia. black polypropylene tubes.

Several collar materials (nylon webbing, nylon-covered rubber tubing, nylon webbing lined with nutria fur, boltaron hard plastic, latex tubing, and a nylon harness) and 2 transmitter weights (60 and 120 g) were comparatively tested for potential use as radio transmitter units for nutria (Myocastor coypus). Most collar materials caused dermatitis, abrasions, or lesion around the neck and the animals continuously worked their way out of the nylon harness. The only combination which did not cause any adverse physiological reaction was the nylon-covered rubber tubing collar with a 60 g dummy transmitter. The tubing collars were attached with a tightness approximately 14% greater than neck circumference; this expansion allowed normal feeding and grooming yet prevented the animals from getting their front paws caught between the collar and neck.

Spring drawdown was evaluated as a waterfowl management practice in a floating fresh marsh in southcentral Louisiana. Water depths were fluctuated in a shallow marsh impoundment for the study. The impoundment produced more waterfowl food plants than the control area and less water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) , a pest plant in the area. There was a direct relationship between the vegetative coverage and composition of the impounded area and the species of seeds present in the top 5 em of soil within the impounded area. Winter usage of the impoundment by ducks and American coots (Fulica americana) was 9 times and 4 times greater than winter usage of the control area, respectively.

The red·cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) presumably was fairly com· mon historically in the pinelands of southeastern Oklahoma. The species requires oldgrowth timber for nests and roosts, and in the past century their populations have declined due to logging operations and clearing of forestland. Remnant populations of red· cockadeds were located in the McCurtain County Wilderness Area, and on Weyerhaeuser Company lands in Pushmataha County and may still occur in Beavers Bend State Park, McCurtain County. Between 145 and 165 birds occupy 48 to 53 colonies, with 84 to 90% of the population occurring in the McCurtain County Wilderness Area. The population inhabiting the Wilderness Area is the only one in the state whose habitat and population density appear secure. Continued survival of the species in Oklahoma depends upon maintenance of old-growth pine in the Wilderness area.

In 1976-7721 attempts were made to capture wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Michigan and North Carolina with whole corn mixed with trichloroethanol. Many attempts failed and mortality of birds captured was unacceptably high. Trichloroethanol was not recommended for use in capturing wild turkeys.

A tagging and telemetry study of translocated raccoons (Procyon lotor) was conducted during 1975, 1976 and 1977 in Kentucky. In areas of good cooperation from hunters, the reported tag return rate was 19.1% for Kentucky raccoons, 5.5% for Virginia raccoons and 1.7% for Florida raccoons. Mean dispersal distances for tagged Florida, Virginia and Kentucky raccoons was 25.7 km, 7.4 kam and 6.4 km, respectively. Twelve radiotagged Florida raccoons were monitored an average of 65 days. The probability rate of Florida raccoons released in the spring surviving until hunting season in November is less than 10%. Pen-raised raccoons moved only a few km from their release site and had a higher survival rate than Florida raccoons.

Ecological observations of gallinules on Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge from 1 April 1975 through 28 February 1976 indicate common gallinules (Gallinula chloropus) arrive earlier and begin nesting before purple gallinules (Porphyrula martinica). Eleven nests of common gallinules, characteristically positioned low in the vegetation and con· structed of bulltongue (Saggitaria lanci/olia), contained an average of 8.1 eggs. The more elevated nest of the purple gallinule contained an average of 4.5 eggs, in a sample size of 12, and was constructed primarily of maidencane (Panicum hemitomon). Common gallinule chicks form a tight cluster or grouping and follow the parent bird(s) along linear feeding paths. The more precocial purple gallinule chicks form a more dispersed aggregation around the parent(s) which feed in circular patterns. Within the first 10 days of hatching mortality may be as high as 40% for common and 30% for purple gallinules.

Wildlife scientists have been challenged for many years with the need to de· velop cost effective t.echniques for evaluating wildlife habitat. This study sought to develop such a technique utilizing LANDSAT digital imagery. The criterion on which the analysis system was based was vegetative cover diversity (VCD). In order to assess the applicability of the results of the VCD index as a measure of habitat productivity, ground·generated veg.etative and faunal diversity data were collected and compared to the VCD index. Comparisons were made for 19 plots of 65 ha each. VCD correlated positively (P < 0.05) with both plant species diversity (PSD) and faunal species diversity (FSD) for the plots ov.eralJ. This analysis indicates that the use of computer manipulated J"ANDSAT digital data is a valid technique for evaluating wildlife habitat.

The species composition and relative abundance of fishes in West Point Reservoir, a main stem Chattahoochee River reservoir, changed after impoundment in 1975. Strong year classes of gizzard shad, threadfin shad, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, carp, bowfin, and many sunfishes were produced in 1975. Sixteen species disappeared from the present reservoir region; 11 were not collected after impoundment, and 5 others disappeared during the first year. Forty-three species were found in the reservoir 2 years after impoundment, of which 6 did not occur in preimpoundment sampLes from the West Point Reservoir region. By 1977 the dominant species were gizzard shad, threadfin shad, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, and black crappie.

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fail to spawn in association with dense populations of sunfish (Lepomis sp.). Previous studies have demonstrated that suppression is behavioral in nature and linked to interspecific competition for space within spawning areas. In 1976 a series of ponds were stocked with 3 pairs of bass and densities of sunfish from 0-458 kgJha to determine the density necessary to effect suppression. Results were inconclusive with spawning occurring in all ponds but only late in the season in ponds stocked at 250 kgJha or above. It was not clear whether the growth of aquatic vegetation or cropping of the sunfish population resulted in spawning in these ponds. In 1977 a second series of paired ponds (1 with vegetation, 1 without) were stocked with 3 pairs of bass and sunfish at densities of 0-448 kgJha.

Simazine (2-chloro·4, 6-bis (ethylamino)-s - triazine) applied at a rate of 11.2 kg/ha as a preflooding treatment of striped bass (Morone saxatilisWalbaum) rearing ponds effectively controlled aquatic weed growth for periods of up to 172 days. In untreated ponds, weed species were dominant in 9 of 16 replications (56%). Where simazine at a rate of 11.2-14.0 kg/ha was applied to the pond bottom just before flooding, only 3 of 17 replicates (18%) supported nuisance aquatic plant species. Survival and growth of striped bass fry and fingerlings was as good or better in the treated ponds as in the untreated ones.

Information relative to control of problematical clam shrimp (EubranchiopodaConchostraca) with Masoten (Dylox) was accumulated over a 10. yr period at several Southwestern hatcheries. Laboratory and field studies showed that control could be achieved with single applications of Masoten as low as 0.01 mgl (active ingredient). No deleterious effects on fry, fingerlings, or adult fish of several species were noted. Decomposition of the chemical, as well as effects on plankton and bottom fauna, are discussed. The paper places on record the efficacy of Masoten against clam shrimp, a level of treatment for same, and a suggested approach to control.

A biological testing program was conducted during 1974·75 to determine the efficiency of an air·bubble curtain in reducing fish impingement at Arkansas Nuclear·One Unit I, on Dardanelle Reservoir, AR. Air curtain operation did not effectively deter fish from entering the intake canal or substantially reduce impingement. Seasonal varia· tions in species composition and length·frequency distribution of impinged fish were independent of air curtain operation. There was a significant inverse correlation between water temperature and impingement levels during fall 1974 and spring 1975. Highest impingement rates occurred during late fall, winter, and early spring, regardless of air curtain status. Impinged individuals were predominantly young-of-the·year-fish, especially threadfin (DoTOsoma petenense) and gizzard shad (D. cepedianum), assumed to be thermally stressed by low « 15.5 C) water temperatures.

Specific swimming speeds (L sec-1 ) of spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) were linearly related (S = -0.16+0.93X) to tail·beats/sec (x) over speeds ranging from about 1.5 - 4.0 length/sec. Maximum sustained swimming speeds were measured at salinities ranging from 10 to 45 ppt in intervals of 5 ppt. At about 20 to 25 ppt, maximum sustained swimming speeds were close to 4 lengths/sec, but performance was reduced at salinities above or below this range. At 45 ppt, maximum sustained speeds were only about 2 lengths/sec. These results indicate that maximum sustained swimming perform3. p.ce can provide an effective method for evaluating salinity stresses.

Present taxonomic status permits discussion of larvae of vermilion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens), other snappers combined (Lutjanidae), and all groupers com· bined (Serranidae, subfamily Epinephelinae). Larvae of these groups together comprise less than 1% of the total larval fish catch from neuston and bongo samplers in shelf waters of the South Atlantic Bight. Larvae of groupers and snappers are most abundant in spring and in summer respectively. Larvae are distributed in outer shelf and upper slope waters, where current is northerly. Northerly current may predominate in affecting larval drift (in which case populations may primarily be recruited from the Caribbean 01' Gulf of Mexico) or a significant proportion of larvae spawned in the Bight may be retained by currents throughout development to settling.