Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

An understanding of the mechanisms by which northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations respond to old-field habitat management is important to evaluate efficacy of these practices. We examined reproductive strategies and success of 114 radio-marked bobwhite on a managed wildlife area in east-central Mississippi during 1994—1996. Fifteen female and 5 male bobwhite incubated 23 nests. Male-incubated nests, female-incubated first nests, and female-incubated renests contributed 21.7%, 65.2%, and 13.0% to total nesting effort, respectively. Female-incubated first nests and male-incubated nests each accounted for 44% of successful nests. Of birds alive on 15 April (40 female and 74 male), 37.5% of females and 6.8% of males attempted ≥1 nest, whereas 12.5% of females and 5.4% of males were successful. Female nest initiation peaked in mid-May prior to the onset of male nesting.

We estimated interval (Dec-Feb) recovery and survival rates of marked northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) to determine effects of radiomarking and supplemental feeding on the Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in western Oklahoma from 1991 to 1996. We also estimated unretrieved harvest (crippling loss) reported by hunters and compared it to unretrieved harvest of radiomarked bobwhites to determined accuracy of hunter information. We banded 308 and radiomarked 296 bobwhites. Interval survival and recovery rates were estimated using the computer program MARK. Recovery rates of banded bobwhites (0.39) differed (χ2 = 5.03, P = 0.03) from radiomarked bobwhites (0.30). Estimated interval survival rates differed (χ2 = 42.1, P < 0.01) between banded (0.19) and radiomarked bobwhites (0.56). In our study, radiomarking bobwhites had an apparent positive influence on survival.

Call counts for a number of gamebirds (e.g., northern bobwhite [Colinus virginianus] and wild turkey [Meleagris gallopavo]) have been used to index population levels and trends and to document species presence or absence. Call counts for wild turkeys have been used for these purposes, but gobbling activity has not been related quantitatively to population size, reproduction, weather, male age structure, or hunting variables. Consequently, we examined these factors as they affected gobbling activity on Tallahala Wildlife Management Area, Bienville National Forest, in central Mississippi, from 1984 to 1995. Using multiple linear regression, we determined that within-year gobbling activity was related to hunter effort, days into call count period, wind velocity, year, and dewpoint. Among years, gobbling activity was related to hunter effort and hunter success.

A persistent shortcoming of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) management programs is the inconsistency in survey techniques. One approach to standardize turkey population monitoring is to use cameras and infrared sensors. The 7 primary assumptions associated with using cameras and infrared sensors to monitor turkey populations can be grouped into those pertaining to baiting and those associated with sampling design. Because none of these assumptions have been tested, our objective is to outline an experimental design appropriate for determining which theoretical assumptions are practically valid. We recommend that testing these assumptions be a priority for additional research on using camera and infrared sensors for monitoring wild turkey population(s).

Most researchers arbitrarily delineate study areas even though a quantitative estimate of study area size can be generated from capture and subsequent locations of radio-equipped animals. Arbitrary delineation may result in biased estimates of density. Density is often determined with capture-mark-recapture designs that do not include locational data from radio-equipped animals. We used logistic regression to determine probability of recapture of radio-equipped wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hens based on pre-sample distances from bait sites for hens using and not using baited sites. We then used the posterior probability function from logistic regression analogously to the detection function from variable circular plot methods.

To gain a better understanding of the roles of public and private hunting areas in the harvest dynamics of an eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopava var. sylvestris) population, we conducted a banding study in southeastern Louisiana from 1989-1997. Physical measurements were collected on birds at capture and harvest. During spring gobbler seasons, 137 of 199 banded gobblers were recovered through hunting. For the 1991-1994 seasons, we observed higher hunting pressure and more effort to bag a gobbler on public (0.22 hunter-days/ha and 40.7 hunter-days/bird) than on private land (0.13 hunter-days/ha and 15.6 hunter-days/bird). We captured a higher proportion of juvenile gobblers on a public area than on surrounding private land (P = 0.024), but found only weak evidence (P = 0.073) that hunters on the public land harvested a greater proportion of juveniles. The direct recovery rate for juveniles was 23% (SE = 3.7) and for adults was 70% (SE = 5.5).

Quality management for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is becoming increasingly popular in the southeastern United States, yet surprisingly little information has been published that describes quality or trophy management strategies in detail. The quality deer program at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (McAAP) is unique because it maintains high hunter opportunity while producing high-quality white-tailed deer. Several strategies have been incorporated into the management program to help maintain its unique characteristics. The first is a regulation that limits hunters to traditional archery equipment (recurve or longbow), thereby reducing hunter success and providing bucks with greater opportunity to reach maturity. The second is a centrally located, 4,500-ha refuge that receives little hunting pressure and increases the proportion of mature bucks in the population.

We compared antler characteristics and body mass at 4.5 years of age (adult) of 140 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) reared in a captive herd at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area (Hunt, Texas) from 1973 to 1990. Each yearling (1.5 years old) was classified as spike- (N = 43) or fork-antlered (N = 97), and its live body mass recorded. Fork-antlered yearlings were further partitioned into 3-5 points (N = 33) and ≥6 points (N = 64) subclasses based on the number of antler points ≥2.54 cm in length. All deer were reared in 1.62-ha enclosures and maintained on a 16% crude protein diet ad libitum. In ensuing years, antlers were removed and live body mass recorded. At 4.5 years, the gross Boone and Crockett (GBC) score of each buck was measured. The average GBC score of adult deer that were fork-antlered yearlings (127.8 ± 2.0 SE) was greater (P <0.001) than those of spike-antlered yearlings (89.9 ± 2.8).

Home range size is an important component of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) ecology. We estimated 95% convex polygon home ranges for gobblers and hens within biological seasons in central Mississippi. Mean home range size of gobblers (N = 97) varied from 607.1 ha (subadults during spring) to 809.9 ha (subadults during fall/winter). Mean home range size of hens (N = 127) varied from 97.2 ha (early brood) to 541.9 ha (fall/winter). Male home range size did not differ among seasons (P >0.05). However, gobblers tended to have larger home range sizes than hens, which likely reflected sexual dimorphism of turkeys and movements of gobblers to associate with hens during spring. Home ranges for hens were smallest during the early brood period (P<0.003). Home ranges on our area were larger than reported from other comparable Southeastern studies.

Wildlife management is the interaction of wildlife populations, habitats, and people. The eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) is an important wildlife resource. However, quantitative data on the human dimensions of wild turkey management are scarce. Therefore, we surveyed 2,143 Mississippi turkey hunters by mail to determine characteristics of this group, examine attitudes towards regulations and management issues, and determine how hunter characteristics influenced attitudes. We received responses from 1,524 participants (71.1%). The average respondent was male, a Mississippi resident, 39 years old, had completed at least some college education, and had hunted turkeys for 13 years. Respondents hunting on private land reported higher harvest rates (0.73) and hunter success (0.44) than public land hunters (0.38 and 0.27, respectively). Attitudes towards 17 questions dealing with turkey hunting regulations or pertinent management issues were reported.

The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) has ecological, aesthetic, recreational, and economic values. Gross expenditures of hunters have been used to estimate economic value of game species. We examined the economic impact and associated values of the wild turkey in Mississippi. Expenditures of wild turkey hunters were obtained from a mail survey (N = 2,143, 69.6% response to economic section) and were used in an input-output model to determine economic impacts for the state. There were 39,775 hunters engaged in 334,856 activity-days in 1993. Wild turkey hunters spent an estimated $14.8 million or $44.27 per hunter day in 1993. Total sale impacts were $16.7 million. The value-added component of the economic impact totaled $10.4 million and supported 385 jobs. We also examined the structure of the economy in relation to the wild turkey.

Past research suggests nesting habitat limits survival and growth of some eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) populations. However, information on nest-site selection is primarily on established populations with limited data on restocked birds. Our objectives were to assess nest-site characteristics of relocated birds and determine causes of nest failure in the Post Oak Savannah of eastern Texas. Radio-tagged wild turkey hens (N = 48) were relocated to 4 areas in winter 1994. We compared understory and ground cover characteristics between 22 nest sites of radio-tagged turkeys and 22 random sites. Furthermore, we measured Euclidean distance to transition zones (“edges”) and presence/absence of protective barriers (“guard object”) at nest and random sites. Important nest-site characteristics were lateral cover, height of vegetation, and protective barriers. Mammalian predation was the major cause of nest failure.

Habitat use of eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) broods (1993: N= 7; 1994: N = 9) in western Tennessee were monitored for up to 2 months following hatching to determine preferred habitats during this critical period. Based on availability within their home ranges, hens and their broods selected bottomland hardwoods over other habitat types during weeks 1-4 (P < 0.001). Older broods (4-6 weeks) selected upland hardwood, upland pine, bottomland hardwood, and open habitats in that order over other habitat types (P < 0.001). Intensive monitoring of 6 broods in 1995 verified that telemetry data accurately reflected habitat use. Invertebrate biomass was lower in bottomland forests than in open habitats (P = 0.02), but apparently was adequate to meet the needs of developing poults.

We investigated attributes of 5 colony sites of endangered least terns (Sterna antillarum athalassos) nesting on the Arkansas River from Tulsa to Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1992 and 1993. We tested hypotheses that least terns selected areas to nest with the lowest amount and height of vegetation and nested near driftwood or similar debris. River flows prior to the nesting season in May 1993 scoured all sandbars, removing vegetation and increasing abundance of driftwood. Attributes of colony sites of nesting least terns varied substantially from one location to another. Distances from nests and random points to vegetation and driftwood varied among colony sites. Occurrence of driftwood at colony sites increased after floods in 1993, and least tern nests at 4 of 5 colony sites were significantly closer to driftwood than were random points inside a colony.

We field-tested the Reproductive Index (RI) of the great blue heron (Ardea herodias) Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model in the southcentral Great Plains with the aid of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. From January 1993 through May 1994, populations of great blue herons in 18 rookeries located throughout Oklahoma were monitored, and GIS was used to evaluate data on rookery habitat structure and surrounding landscape features. Eighteen rookeries were classified as potential nest sites and RI ratings were determined for each rookery according to model criteria. The RI identified only 3 (17%) of the 18 rookeries as suitable habitat for reproduction. After modifying the RI using habitat and landscape data from the 18 rookeries in Oklahoma, the RI more reliably characterized the habitat suitability of rookeries in the southcentral Great Plains.

Vegetation and soils were sampled 1 month prior to and 1 year after a pipeline was constructed in a Texas coastal marsh. Submerged aquatic (SAV) and emergent vegetation (EV) were sampled to detect changes in taxa frequencies and percent cover within 3 pipeline corridor treatments (soil deposit/borrow, pipeline ditch, construction equipment) and a control. Taxon richness was not significantly altered by pipeline construction within EV plots. However, pipeline construction decreased total vegetative coverage of EV plots within all 3 pipeline treatments. A 33% (2.3 ha) decrease in EV coverage was calculated within a 30.4-m strip along the pipeline ditch using pre- and post-construction aerial photographs and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Similarly, data from EV quadrats indicated a 49% (2.2 ha) loss within the 19.8-m wide construction corridor. No analyses were performed on SAV data because these plants were only present during pre-construction sampling.

Habitat fragmentation is one of the greatest threats to the conservation of biodiversity and has 3 components: habitat loss, patch isolation, and patch size. We tested the effects of forest-clearing size on small mammal populations in the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina. These clearings act as islands for many species of small mammals, particularly old-field mice (Peromyscus polionotus) and cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus). We live-trapped small mammals in 3 size classes of clearcuts (small <6 ha, medium 10-15 ha, and large >25 ha) on the Savannah River Site and compared relative density and diversity of small mammal species among the patch size classes. Peromyscus polionotus were captured on all grids and were the only species captured on small grids; P. polionotus relative density did not vary significantly among patch sizes. In contrast, S.

The "Making Tracks" partnership program was initiated in 1986 with the joint signing of a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). In 1997 alone, through the challenge cost share program, 89 projects were funded for $746,000 in 26 states. The amount of NWTF money available for partnership projects is growing at 20% per year. This partnership is also international as the NWTF and USFS cooperated with many agencies and individuals in Mexico and the United States to help restore the Gould's subspecies of wild turkey to historic range in Arizona. The partnership also includes hosting J.A.K.E.S. (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship) youth events across the nation. The partnership has also initiated funding for increased prescribed burning projects in the Southeast in 1996 and across the nation in 1998 (proposed).

Participants of youth shooting sports events held at the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area in southern Texas reflected the racial makeup of the region including a high percentage of Hispanics in attendance. Thirteen percent of participants indicated that they had never fired a gun prior to attendance of these events. Of those who had shot in the past, 61% did not currently participate in shooting activities other than hunting while 70% indicated that they hunt. Of those participants who stated that they hunt, only 40% had a current hunting license and 34% had the State required hunter education training. Shotgun events were the most popular shooting activity. Ninety five percent of attending students stated they would like to continue to participate in recreational shooting activities. Shooting events are an ideal way to encourage the participation of minorities and other non-traditional user groups in shooting sports.

The key to communicating a pro-hunting message is knowing what not to say and what not to do. This paper outlines 12 of the most common mistakes made when trying to communicate a pro-hunting message in a debate with someone staunchly opposed to hunting or in an interview with a reporter. With practice, each pitfall is easily avoidable. The necessary first step to avoiding them, however, is to be aware of them. In other words, by being able to recognize the "pits," the pro-hunting debater will be better able to sidestep them and to achieve his/her goal of communicating a positive message about hunting.

Great challenges face wildlife and fish conservation in North America. Fundamental changes that are moving rapidly through our society are mirrored to a certain extent by a virtual epidemic of reorganizations within conservation agencies continentwide. These attempts appear too often as cosmetic alterations that do not deal with the fundamental problems, and despite our good intentions, we have not been able to reduce sufficiently the distance between challenge and response. I suggest that we must rediscover our own history and reaffirm our own principles and commitments to successfully surmount the obstacles in our way.

The development of the conservation movement in the United States and particularly the role of the state fish and wildlife agencies is one of the greatest conservation statements in world history. During the 20th century, our leaders have shown great foresight and vision in stewarding our country's fish and wildlife resources. It would be easy to say we are solid, we have the track record to prove our mettle—to accept the "do nothing alternative"—the business-as-usual approach. It is, ironically, our stellar record that today may be our biggest liability. We've done so well that we are sometimes tempted to stand pat. We must work together to see that new expectations of leadership evolve and that these new expectations become the new yardstick by which we are evaluated. Standards that will encourage the dynamic and responsive leadership that will be required in the future.

In this paper, I address 2 main questions. First, what do hunters expect in terms of conservation leadership? Second, to whom do hunters look for conservation leadership? Various hunters think about leadership in different ways. All hunters think of conservation leadership in terms of making sure they can continue to do whatever it is that they absolutely need to do to think of themselves as hunters—not to go hunting, but to be hunters.

The National Wild Turkey Federation was founded 25 years ago and has now grown to 150,000 members. Our mission is to conserve the wild turkey and preserve the turkey hunting tradition. The NWTF leadership is comprised of chapter volunteers and technical committee representatives from each state wildlife agency working together and coordinated by NWTF staff. The NWTF has developed a close working relationship with government wildlife agencies thanks, in part, to our successful Super Fund program which raises money through our banquets and funnels these dollars to conservation projects. This past fiscal year, $5.25 million were generated through the Super Fund program and National Projects and spent on conservation projects throughout the country. The NWTF has also spent over $71 million in cooperator dollars since 1985 on conservation projects. Agency leadership is critical in charting our course as an organization.

Clearly there is a recognized need for leadership in conservation. One of the great challenges facing our professional agencies and conservation groups is to decide who comprises the constituency we seek to lead. In short, what is our constituency? In many jurisdictions only a fraction of the public is even aware that a specific state agency for wildlife conservation exists. Even a large majority of hunters, long recognized as perhaps the constituency, do not look to professional agencies for leadership . . . at least not with respect to issues dealing specifically with hunting. One of the more important points to arise from our discussions was that successful conservation leadership must entail providing those who might be led with a sense of ownership and empowerment. Furthermore, this notion was conjoined to an important corollary, that individuals and organizations so empowered can become effective leaders themselves.