Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Seasonal habitat preferences for 74 wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hens and 38 gobblers were studied using radio telemetry over a 5-year period in northwest Alabama. Sixty-seven nests of radio-instrumented hens were found; 54 were in mixed herbaceous, low, brushy habitats and 13 were in open hardwood forest. Improved grazed pastures were the preferred brood-rearing habitat for the 23 hens whose broods survived to 14 days of age. Small plots with little growing vegetation were primarily preferred by 15 unsuccessful hens with broods surviving <14 days. Spring habitat preferences in 77 hen and 36 gobbler ranges included pastures, creekbottom hardwoods, and wildlife openings. Summer habitat preferences in 50 hen and 37 gobbler ranges were pastures, creekbottom hardwoods, and wildlife openings. Winter habitat preferences in 56 hen and 32 gobbler ranges were creekbottom hardwoods and wildlife openings.

On 2 sites in southeastern Louisiana, eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) food preference was compared among ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum), and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum). Native forages comprised most of the winter diet. Fecal pellets contained more ryegrass than subterranean clover most months from December through May. Cottontails used little wheat, but this was probably due to poor production of this forage. Cottontail diet selection was not associated with total digestible nutrients, crude protein, phosphorus, calcium. We suspect that the greater use of ryegrass compared to clover was due to differences in cover provided by these forages.

Predicted hatching distributions of mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) derived from post-juvenal primary molt data obtained from (1) trapped samples throughout the year and (2) trapped samples from September-October only, were compared to hatching distributions observed in nesting studies during 1981 and 1982. A good fit of the predicted distribution to the observed was obtained in 1981, but not in 1982. It appears that sampling intensity and uniformity are major factors influencing how well primary feather molt data predicts hatching distributions. As a result, sampling of molt data during a restricted period such as September-October leads to a greater skew in the predicted hatching distribution as compared to sampling uniformly throughout the year.

Spotlight and helicopter techniques were used during late summer to survey white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in young pine plantations in the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas. Spotlight sampling rates were 72-183 ha/hour and 1.6-6.8 deer/hour, and helicopter sampling rates were 655-976 ha/hour and 26.4-43.2 deer/hour. Ninety-five percent of deer observed from the helicopter were classified to age-sex classes. During spotlight surveys, 60% of deer were classified when using binoculars and 82% were classified when using a spotting scope. The helicopter method yielded deer indices (ha/deer observed, fawn/doe, buck/doe) that were generally more precise than by spotlight. Estimated survey costs per hectare surveyed, per deer observed, and per deer classified, respectively, averaged $0.56, $13.09, and $19.07 by spotlight and $0.51, $10.91, and $11.51 by helicopter.

Radio-tagged northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) were monitored from November 1978 to April 1979 to determine their ranges, movements, and habitat use in pine (Pinus spp.) and mixed pine-hardwood habitats not managed for quail. Minimum ranges varied from 18.4 to 58.4 ha. Average daily straight-line distance movements were 272 m in winter and 185 m in spring. Ranges were greater, but movements were similar to those reported for forest habitats managed for quail. Fifty-three percent of telemetric fixes were within 50 m of an edge, with c1earcuts and bottomland transition zones preferred over road edges. Food-searching seemingly dictated the movements of the quail.

Data from a trapper survey in Louisiana for the 1980-81 season were used to estimate river otter (Lutra canadensis) harvest for each parish, and the data were compared in a step-wise regression procedure in 53 noncoastal parishes with independent variables thought to affect otter harvest. Of the factors tested, those most responsible for variation in the number of otters harvested were the amount of forested and nonforested wetlands, number of trapping licenses sold, and acreage of cotton in 1980. Otter occurrence was indexed in 6 parishes by otter latrine sites in transects along selected water bodies during summer 1981 and winter 1981-82. Latrine sites occurred along 18.9% and 20.3% of the survey lines during the summer and winter surveys, respectively. Most latrine sites were observed along streams with abundant fish activity and low human disturbance.

Conservation rangers in the Georgia Thomson Law Enforcement District made a total of 151 cases for illegal turkey hunting during the 5-year period beginning in 1980. The most prevalent violation was hunting over bait—47 (31.1%), followed by hunting without a big game license—l8 (11.9%), hunting without permission—13 (8.6%), hunting out of season-12 (8.0%), hunting without a license—11 (7.3%), hunting with unplugged gun—11 (7.3%), hunting from public road—10 (6.6%), hunting with illegal weapon (rifle)—10 (6.6%), hunting with illegal ammunition—7 (4.7%), hunting from a vehicle—7 (4.6%), and possession of illegal wildlife (turkey)—5 (3.3%). Penalties ranged from a $1,000 fine and 2 years of probation for possession of a hen turkey to nothing (case dismissed) for hunting without a big game license. Methods employed to detect and apprehend deliberate and incidental turkey poachers are discussed.

To address Missouri sportsmen's concerns regarding poaching and to generate ideas and methods to enable citizens of the state to work with and assist Missouri conservation agents in helping curb illegal activities involving wildlife, the Conservation Federation of Missouri created an ad hoc violations committee from which originated the Missouri Department of Conservation, Operation Game Thief program.

Survival is a key word to any law enforcement officer. Law enforcement officers deal with people from all walks of life, including some individuals who do not always conform to normal behavior. Survival Tactics—Reactive Shooting Situations (STRESS), or “red handle” training as it is commonly called, will better prepare the officers to meet situations where their lives may be in danger. Red-handle training teaches how to react to and survive a real shooting situation.

Data concerning violations by Kentucky raccoon hunters from June 1983 through December 1984 is presented. Of 5,692 raccoon hunters who were field-contacted by Kentucky conservation officers, 22% were cited for violation of some fish and wildlife regulation. One of every 6 raccoon hunters was cited for taking or attempting to take raccoons illegally. Highest monthly total violation rates occurred during October. Violation frequently was lowest during December. Most recent findings reveal lower raccoon hunter violations in eastern Kentucky than in the western or central regions. Review of violation rates by day of week show no apparent difference as the frequency of hunters contacted increased from Monday to Saturday.

Soil P, Ca, Mg, K, pH, and organic matter levels were compared to mean deer (Odocoileus virginianus) body weights and antler measures from 23 areas of Mississippi. All soil measures were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with deer body weights in all sex and age classes. Antler measurements for yearling, but not older, bucks correlated significantly with all soil measures except pH. In stepwise multiple regression analysis, P weighted most heavily in predicting deer body weights in all age and sex classes except female fawns; both P and K gave identical prediction equations for this age-sex class. This study suggests that soil P is a useful predictor of potential physiologic condition of deer. Management implications are that soil P levels in conjuncion with deer body weight information can be used as decision criteria to increase or decrease antlerless harvest levels or to implement habitat improvements.

On the Ouachita National Forest of Arkansas and Oklahoma, mean total forage yields in various age shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) stands ranged from 1,914 kg/ha in young stands to 172 kg/ha beneath mature stands. Forage nutrient analysis in late summer revealed low phosphorus (0.12%), low crude protein (7.72%), high calcium (1.07%), and wide Ca:P ratio (9.5) averages. Average crude protein was significantly higher (8.22%) in stands with site index <61 than in stands with site index ≥61 (7.23%). Timber stand age and basal area related to deer (Odocoileus virginianus) forage yields will help managers assess present and future deer habitat capability levels.

Data were taken from 3,721 male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvested from the Savannah River Plant in South Carolina for the years 1977 to 1982 to document the incidence of spike bucks relative to habitat differences, harvest methodology, body weight, condition, and genetic variability. Of the 1.5-year-old bucks harvested, 33.1% had spike antlers. The incidence of spike or non-spike antlers was significantly correlated with age (r =0.29) and body weight (r =0.37). Significant differences in the incidence of spike bucks were observed between swamp and upland habitat types. Bucks with higher levels of genetic variability showed greater antler growth in the older age classes. The significant relationship observed between genetic variability and incidence of spiking suggests that breeding structure of the herd could have an important influence on the incidence of spike bucks and environmental parameters may be secondarily involved.

Spike-antlered white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are common in Texas. Research has shown these animals to be inferior to their herd cohorts. Attempts to upgrade buck quality have focused attention on the removal of spikes from the herd to a point of annihilation. An evaluation of harvest data collected annually in Texas shows that spike bucks are essentially a product of deteriorated range conditions. Harvest regulations aimed at the systematic removal of spike-antlered bucks have been proposed as a solution for improving deer quality. Such regulations on a statewide scale have the potential of creating distorted buck-to-doe ratios and shortages in available bucks for future harvest.

Body weight and antler measurements collected from pen-reared white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on the Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Hunt, Texas, indicated that yearling bucks with <6 antler points are genetically inferior for both antler development and body weight. Simple correlation coefficients for body weight and total antler points were 0.59, 0.51, and 0.48 at 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 years, respectively (P < 0.0001). The regression coefficients for body weight (kg) on number of antler points at 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 years of age for 60 deer were 2.47, 1.71, and 2.36 kg/point, respectively. Number of antler points at 2.5 and 3.5 years of age was dependent on number of antler points developed by the same deer at 1.5 and 2.5 years.

Radio-collars equipped with activity monitors were attached to 18 black bears (Ursus americanus) in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee. Bears exhibited a crepuscular pattern of activity that varied seasonally. Activity levels were low after bears emerged from dens, escalated rapidly in June and July, reached a peak in August, and diminished gradually until denning. Activities of bears were affected by individual differences among bears, weather factors, and denning. Sex, age, and reproductive classes also affected activity patterns. Adult male bears were the most active group, whereas females with cubs were the least active, although seasonal variation in activity patterns among different age and reproductive classes was evident. The pattern of activity for bears suggested that breeding may occur in early August.

Female black bears (Ursus americanus) were captured and radio collared in Cherokee National Forest (CNF) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) from 1980 to 1982. Whereas most females den in inaccessible tree cavities high above ground, during the 1981-82 winter, 66% in the CNF and GSMNP denned on the ground affording scientists the opportunity to directly examine 15 litters. Litter sizes ranged from 1 to 4 (x =2.58), were comparable with litter sizes reported from other parts of the United States, and were similar among age classes of females. Estimated litter sizes based on recorded vocalizations were probably low; reliability may be enhanced by recording soon after cubs are born. Weights of cubs and yearlings averaged 1.82 kg and 8.8 kg, respectively. These weights are lighter than those reported from other studies and may reflect a less abundant and/or less reliable source of fall foods. Sex ratios and stages in development of cubs were observed and are reported.

Seven adult female black bears (Ursus americanus) were radio monitored from 1980 to 1982 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bears showed no avoidance of limited access roads and trails, frequently crossed roads and trails during any given 24-hour period, and used areas around them. Response to seasonally abundant food supplies, rather than avoidance or other behavioral adjustments by individual bears, seemed to determine whether bears crossed roads and trails and used areas around them in this protected population.

Mortality and reproduction of 65 stocked eastern turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) were studied using radio telemetry on 2 different areas in east Texas from February 1979 through July 1981. The known survival rate was 62% after 1 year and 48% at the end of the study period. The known mortality rate was 11 % after 1 year and 21% at the end of the study period. Predation on hens during the nesting and early brood-rearing season was the greatest loss of adult turkeys. A high rate of nesting and renesting indicated a high reproductive potential for these turkey populations. Average poult loss for 3 reproductive seasons was >67% and nearly all losses were recorded within 14 days after hatching. Low poult survival was considered the greatest limiting factor on the turkey populations.

Breeding bird counts were conducted in 12 mesic hardwood hammock islands in north central Florida during April and May 1978. The number of species observed to defend territories in the habitat islands was a direct function of island area. The form of the species-area curve is sensitive to the criterion used to define a “breeding” species. If presence on 3 of 4 counts is required before a recorded species is considered to be a breeding species, then small islands are shown to support many fewer species and the slope of the species area curve is increased by 25 %. The number of breeding bird species appears to double for every 7.25-fold increase in area. Small, disjunct habitat islands (≤30 ha) do not support a large proportion of the bird species characteristic of north Florida hardwood forests. The 12 islands studied supported only 64% of the species that breed in hardwood forests and only 46% of the 13 species that are restricted to this forest type.

Breeding season bird communities were sampled using point counts on 12 cypress-pond habitat islands in central Florida during May and June 1983. Habitat islands studied ranged from 7 to 229 ha in size. Of 38 species of birds detected, none was restricted to islands larger than 20 ha. Contrary to theoretical predictions, total species richness did not increase with island area. Both species richness and total counts on the sample points were negatively correlated with island area parameters and distance from island perimeter. Both species richness and total counts were positively correlated with snag density and spatial heterogeneity of overstory trees. Individual species responded to different vegetation characteristics in the islands. The negative correlation between island area and species richness was attributed to edge-effect and the paucity of neotropical migrants in the Southeast.

Seasonal bird use in 5 habitat types associated with phosphate mining was examined in Hamilton County, Florida, in 1979 and 1980. Bird densities were highest in late successional settling ponds and lowest in reclaimed habitats. Early successional settling ponds contained the greatest number of species. Conversion of unreclaimed mines or late successional settling ponds to reclaimed habitats resulted in decreases in all abundance and diversity estimates. Creating wetlands in settling ponds and establishing littoral, shoreline, and upland vegetation in reclaimed habitats would encourage use of phosphate mines by birds.

Determinations of the habitat values of a particular site can be viewed from the perspective of either individual wildlife species or the wildlife community as a whole. When reviewing development proposals, the habitat values of a site to particular species are most important when species listed as endangered or threatened are present since these species are among our highest conservation priorities. In the absence of listed species, the habitat values of a site to the entire wildlife community assume importance. Major factors which influence the richness of species and abundance of wildlife on a site include habitat type, successional stage, habitat island size, presence or absence of connecting corridors, edge effects, interspersion of various habitat types, and presence of snags or fallen logs. Impacts of development proposals can be assessed by comparing these attributes of a site before and after development.