Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Prescribed burning and/or herbicide applications are performed in managed pine (Pinus spp.) forests to control non-pine vegetation. Little research has examined small mammal or herpetile community response to these treatments in mid-rotation pine stands. Therefore, our objective was to determine prescribed burning and herbicide treatments effects on small mammal and herpetile communities within mid-rotation pine plantations in Mississippi. We established 4 treatments (herbicide only, herbicide/burn, burn only, control) with 6 replicates within thinned, mid-rotation (18-22 years old) loblolly pine (P. taeda) stands. We applied 697-872 ml/ha of Arsenal herbicide during September 1999 and conducted prescribed burning during January 2000. We captured small mammals and herpetiles to examine abundance, richness, and diversity as related to habitat conditions before and 2 years after treatment. We captured 15 species of small mammals and 21 species of herpetiles.

Prescribed burning is an often used and economical management tool to manage for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus). Although prescribed fire creates and maintains early successional plant communities that benefit cottontails, short-term effects (direct and indirect) of prescribed burning on cottontails are unclear. To document cottontail response to fire, we examined pre- and post-burn home range (HR) and core area (CA) size, post-burn movement rates, and post-burn survival and cause-specific mortality rates for 10 cottontails (BURN) that inhabited sites burned with prescribed fire on Black Prairie Wildlife Management Area in Mississippi during 1998 and 10 cottontails (UNBURN) selected randomly that inhabited unburned sties. We observed no direct mortality from prescribed burns. Cottontails moved a mean distance of 84.9 m (SE=18.0) immediately after the burn, with 9 of 10 marked cottontails emigrating from burned fields.

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is an important habitat component of many faunal species, and little research has been conducted on the relationship between CWD and small mammals in central Appalachian hardwood forests. Response of small mammal populations to manipulation of CWD volume was tested in central Appalachian forests in north central West Virginia from 2000-2001. Abundance and diversity of small mammals captured (N=1,564) on 12 experimental 60 3 60 m live-trapping grids were compared. Grids were randomly distributed between addition sites (volume of CWD increased by 50%), removal sites (volume of CWD reduced by 50%), and control sites. We classified grids as edge (<100 m from a forest edge) or interior (?100 m from a forest edge). We captured 15 species in 13,009 trap nights. The most abundant species captured were white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and deer mice (P.

Detailed knowledge of habitat use patterns of forest bats in the southeastern United States is needed to predict how habitat changes from forest management and other land use practices affect bat communities. We used Anabat detectors to survey bat activity on the Oconee National Forest, Georgia, among 3 loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stand ages (clearcut, sapling, and mature) and 3 riparian habitat types (creeks, rivers, and open wetlands). We used echolocation calls to assess differences in relative activity and species richness among stand ages and riparian habitat types. We recorded calls of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis), eastern pipistrelles (Pipistrellus subflavus), and evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis). Regardless of stand age, species richness was greater in riparian areas than upland areas.

Research conducted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources indicated that populations of mink throughout South Carolina were declining or had become rare in areas of previous abundance. In September 1998, we initiated a 3-year study within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in Charleston County, South Carolina, to determine the feasibility of re-establishing a wild mink (Mustela vison) population in the northern coastal marshes of South Carolina. We captured 62 wild mink with dip nets, cast nets, and live traps from tidal marshes near Edisto and Daufuskie islands, South Carolina. Dip nets and live trapping of family groups were the most effective capture methods. Nineteen mink were implanted with radio-transmitters before release, and the remaining mink were released in the CRNWR without transmitters. We located 14 mink on 902 occasions over a 15-month period. We obtained sufficient data for home range analysis on 4 males and 9 females.

There has been considerable interest in the ecology of Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii) in the Southeast since Stoddard's work in the 1930s on northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) identified Cooper's hawks as one of the key predators on bobwhites. Understanding Cooper's hawk-bobwhite relationships has become increasingly important as bobwhite populations have declined and Cooper's hawk populations have increased over the past 30 years. We studied Cooper's hawk diurnal, non-breeding season habitat selection at Ames Plantation in southwestern Tennessee from November 1999-March 2000 and November 2000-March 2001. We captured Cooper's hawks with bal chatri traps baited with house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and fitted them with radio transmitters. We located hawks with radio telemetry and referenced daily locations with global positioning systems. We estimated 95% minimum convex polygon (MCP) for each bird.

Carnivores elicit a variety of responses from society, and predator management has a correspondingly diverse history in the wildlife management profession. Attempts to manage or control predators often create controversy, and therefore is a constantly contentious issue with wildlife managers. In many regards, views regarding predator management have changed considerably during the past few decades, but recent trends suggest that predator management strategies are being considered and/or implemented in various management scenarios. Societal changes, large-scale changes in landscape conditions, and the realization that predation issues are complex mandate careful consideration be given to predator management scenarios prior to implementation. We examine key issues pertaining to the issue of predation management, and summarize relevant issues regarding predator management across the southeastern region of the United States.

Male white-tailed deer are subjected to a variety of factors that influence body and antler development when they are yearlings. Nutrition and genetics have received considerable attention as factors that influence this development; however, date of birth has yet to be adequately investigated and theoretically could dramatically influence development in later years. To determine how date of birth influences development of antler and body characteristics at 1.5 years of age, we collected data from yearling male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvested on 23 Alabama Wildlife management Areas (WMAs) during the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 hunting seasons. We found that early born males had greater body mass, number of antler points, antler beam length, and antler beam circumference than their late born counterparts. Mean birth date of fork-antlered yearlings was earlier (26 Jun) than spike-antlered yearlings (23 July).

Reintroductions of Delmarva fox squirrels (Sciurus niger cinereus) to suitable habitat have been a recovery tool used for this endangered species. In Maryland, we attempted reintroductions at 11 sites beginning in 1978. The last reintroduction was completed in 1992. At each site, 8-42 individuals were released during spring or fall over a 1-3 year period. Attempts were made to release an equal number of males and females. Monitoring at reintroduction sites by live-trapping has documented recruitment and establishment of populations at 9 sites. Criteria used for determining population establishment follows that of the Delmarva Fox Squirrel Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). Because 7 of these populations were established with <24 individuals, supplemental releases of Delmarva fox squirrels were conducted to bolster genetic diversity.

As fisher (Martes pennanti) populations recover throughout portions of their historic distribution in the southeastern United States, responsibilities and opportunities in their conservation research likely will become more prevalent. Chemical restraint often is a valuable tool in studying wildlife populations. We reviewed previous research on chemical restraint of fishers with the objective of providing a comparative assessment of field and clinical applications of specific chemical restraints or chemical restraint combinations. Chemical restraints that have been studied in fishers include ketamine, Telazol, and combinations of ketamine-xylazine, ketamine-medetomidine, and ketamine-acepromazine. Ketamine was safe and effective, but when used alone, its applications were limited to brief, non-invasive procedures because it generally provided shallow immobilization and rapid recovery.

Deterioration of seeds due to weathering may affect the quantity and quality of food available for granivorous wildlife through time. Deterioration rates of seeds during field weathering in terrestrial environments largely are unknown, and the relationship between seed mass loss and loss of specific nutrients during weathering has not been tested. We documented losses of overall mass and masses of 7 nutrients in selected seeds during field weathering and tested the relationships between overall mass loss and loss of individual nutrients and between overall mass loss and seed water and fiber contents. Most seeds lost mass during weathering; seeds of cultivated species lost mass more rapidly than those of wild species. Fat, nitrogen-free extract (NFE), protein, and hemicellulose declined in most seeds with weathering as well. Overall mass loss in seeds was positively correlated with loss of fat, NFE, protein, ash, and water but was not related to seed water or fiber content.

Despite numerous museum records and published range maps, gaps exist in current knowledge of the abundance and distribution of many amphibian species. Furthermore, because of the unique life histories among amphibians, several techniques conducted across several diurnal and seasonal time scales are needed to detect species presence. We conducted surveys at fixed points within forests on a military land base in east-central Mississippi to quantify amphibian richness using anuran call counts and time-constrained area searches, 1998-2000. Concomitantly, we completely enclosed 3 ephemeral pools with drift fence-pitfall arrays to monitor seasonal use by amphibians and gain further knowledge of local species richness. We detected 21 species of amphibians among 4 habitat types using anuran call counts and area searches at fixed points.

Black bear (Ursus americanus) populations have expanded in Maryland since the late 1970s. Previous attempts to estimate bear numbers have been hampered by access to private land and manpower shortages. The development of hair snaring techniques, coupled with genetic fingerprinting, provides a more efficient technique than traditional mark-recapture methods to estimate black bear numbers in Western Maryland. In May-June 2000, we established 108 grids throughout occupied bear range in Garrett and western Allegany counties in western Maryland. We established hair traps in each grid for 4 week-long sampling periods. Hair samples that were snagged on barbed wires were collected after each sampling period and kept for DNA analysis. We subjected 330 hair samples to DNA analysis and identified 92 individual bears. We identified 45 males and 43 females; the gender of an additional 4 bears could not be determined.

Deer antler growth is influenced by the environment, population density, genetics, and nutrition. As land use and densities change over time, antler characteristics are hypothesized to also change. We examined how geography, land use, and the number of deer harvested per unit area (i.e., harvest density) related to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) antler characteristics of harvested yearling bucks in Missouri during 2 time periods (1951-1970 and 1997-2001). Latitude related positively to antler characteristics in the early time period. Amount of cropland harvested was positively associated with antler characteristics, while amount of pastureland, and amount of grazed woodland were negatively related during the recent time period. Deer from the Glaciated Plains physiographic region exhibited a significant decline in number of points (¯x = 6.3 to 5.4) and beam circumference (¯x = 72.5 to 68.6 mm) across time.

Avian points counts are commonly used to inventory bird species composition and abundance. When designing a study to inventory birds using point counts, point plot size and count duration are 2 variables that must be considered based on project goals. We conducted double-observer point counts on the Camp Dawson Collective Training Area, Preston County, West Virginia, during 2000 and 2001 to ascertain how detection probabilities and abundance estimates are affected by different plot sizes and durations. We conducted point counts from dawn to 1000 hours, and sub-tallied birds into different distance (0-<50 m, 50-100 m, and >100 m) and time (0-<3 minute, 3-5 minute, and >5-10 minute) intervals. We used program DOBSERV to generate species-specific detection rates and abundances for the different distance and time intervals. Detection probabilities were greatest for 50-m radius point counts and least for unlimited-radius counts (P < 0.05).

Chemical immobilization often is the most effective method for capturing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Numerous chemical immobilization agents are available. We compared the efficacy and physiological effects of 2 white-tailed deer immobilizing agents: medetomidine-ketamine (M-K) antagonized with atipamezole, and xylazine-Telazol (X-T) antagonized with tolazoline. Mean induction time was longer and more variable for M-K. Mean reversal time and total down time was longer and more variable for X-T. Mean blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) in subjects treated with M-K was lower immediately following induction. We detected no differences in mean SpO2 at >5 minutes post induction or for mean rectal temperature or pulse rate at any time during the monitoring period between the 2 groups. Each agent appeared to offer advantages and disadvantages, depending on the specific circumstances of the capture event.

Although an extremely important biome, little has been studied concerning specific plant responses to wildfire within the pinyon (Pinus spp.)-juniper (Juniperus spp.) woodland. A wildfire in the semi-arid Chisos Mountains, Texas, during 1980 provided an opportunity to examine the phenological response of desert plant species to burning. Consequently, we examined the response of vegetation and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus carminis) to wildfire for 2 years in the Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park (BBNP), Texas. Permanently established, random plots (1 m2) were established shortly after the fire and all individual stems of plants were identified by species and monitored twice/month. Forbs responded immediately (within 2 weeks post-burn) following a spring drought. Mexican pinyon pine (Pinus embroides) and alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana) began crown regrowth 2 months after the fire. Grasses responded rapidly in open, meadow areas.

Radio telemetry has been an invaluable technique to study waterfowl ecology, but impacts of radio packages on ducks have not been experimentally assessed during the non-breeding season. We tested the hypothesis that backpack-style radios with 2 body harness loops influenced the body mass dynamics of 8-week-old captive-reared mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) released in Maryland in August. We attached mock radio packages and visual markers to 477 experimental ducks and visual markers only to 582 control birds. Half of experimental and control birds were released on a tidal marsh and received no additional care. Mean body mass of both experimental and control birds released at the tidal marsh decreased over a 3-week interval after release, but mass loss of experimental birds (10.2 g/day) was greater than controls (4.5 g/day). We released the remaining birds on a private Regulated Shooting Area (RSA) where grain was provided for several weeks after release.

Shrews are an abundant and important component of the mammalian fauna in central and southern Appalachian forested habitats. Because most soricids are small, cryptic, and difficult to survey, they typically have been underrepresented in research examining effects of forest management on small mammals. To assess shrew response to clearcutting northern hardwood forests in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, we conducted a pitfall trapping survey during the late spring and early summer of 1998 and 1999 across a chronosequence of northern hardwood stand-ages from recently clearcut to those >60 years old. Capture frequency of masked shrews (Sorex cinereus), smoky shrews (S. fumeus), and northern short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda) did not differ among stand-ages. Shrew captures were influenced more by differences in weather conditions between years and pitfall type.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Law Enforcement Division has been using covert law enforcement operations since 1981. Due to documented increases in illegal commercialization of fish and wildlife resources in the state, the Commission's administrators restructured the covert unit increasing the number of full-time and part-time officers assigned to perform covert tasks. Renewed covert emphasis resulted in an increase in funding and training for covert officers, concentrating efforts to identify, apprehend, and prosecute violators. From initial planning stages the need developed to create a search warrant team consisting of selected officers from wildlife law enforcement districts around the state. All Arkansas wildlife officers had experienced training in this area. But it was felt that the development of a special unit would result in a more effective and cohesive effort while hopefully creating a corresponding esprit de corps.

The role of conservation law enforcement officers in the last half of the 20th Century expanded from enforcement powers used to ensure proper wildlife and fishery management to that of fully-certified state peace officers. Today, Florida Conservation Law Enforcement Officers are responsible for enforcing all state laws and applicable federal statutes. Officers have traditionally been provided latitude on when and where to work, largely because of the limited number of available positions to patrol vast geographic areas. Urban sprawl and public expectation for prompt service are causing managers to question the traditional stance of allowing such latitude. To further explore this issue, 50 state conservation and marine law enforcement agencies were asked to provide information on their specific shift philosophy. Thirty-eight responded and provided further insight regarding shift assignments and effective conservation law enforcement.

A survey was developed and administered to a population of Mississippi conservation law enforcement officers in order to elicit demographic characteristics and satisfaction with weaponless tactics training. One hundred and four of 253 (41%) surveys were returned for analysis. Respondents were classified based on having <5 years, 5-15 years, or >15 years service. In general, officers with more experience were likely to find weaponless tactics training important but only moderately so. More experienced officers were less likely to find weaponless tactic techniques easy to learn and remember. Additionally, more experienced officers found the techniques for weaponless tactics to be less efficient at controlling aggressively assaulting subjects. Officers felt the number of hours received in firearms training and pressure point control techniques were satisfactory whereas training in other defense areas was less than adequate.

On 25 March 2002, an Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer died of complications from a gunshot wound received while serving a search warrant. The Enforcement Section had no formal guidelines related to line-of-duty deaths at the time the officer died. Agencies should be prepared to deal with line-of-duty deaths and have formal guidelines in place to aid the agency in effectively managing the multitude of issues involved. Fish and wildlife enforcement is a high-risk profession and every agency has faced or will have to face this reality. According to the organization Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), over the last decade an average of between 150 to 165 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty each year. By sharing these guideline for handling line-of-duty deaths, agencies will be better prepared to deal with this traumatic event in a manner which will minimize the trauma and aid in the recovery process.

In the 20th Century, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in the United States increased dramatically. In many states, management objectives for deer have changed from conserve and increase to control and decrease. Diversity among stakeholder's objectives for deer populations has made management difficult. Many states in the northeastern and midwestern United States began struggling with urban deer management in the 1980s, whereas southeastern states have only recently encountered this challenge. We reviewed written policies from Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia to compare urban deer management programs among these states. Our review was conducted via requests for written policies, telephone interviews, and website searches. There was substantial variation among these states in their policies regarding urban deer. Georgia and Virginia have developed management plans specifically designed to deal with urban deer.

This study assessed South Carolina youths' attitudes toward, opinions on, knowledge of, and priorities toward South Carolina aquatic resources and recreational fishing. A telephone survey was administered to youth between the ages of 8 and 18 in South Carolina during April 2001 to examine fishing initiation, motivation, and fishing participation rates among South Carolina youth. Overall, a majority of youth (91%) in South Carolina had fished at least 1 time in their lives and a majority (53%) of youth would go fishing more often if they could. More male youths participated in fishing than female youths in the past 12 months, and fishing participation and interest decreased as grade cohort increased. There was also a steady decline in interest level in learning about fishing as grade level increased.