Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Denning behavior of black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was studied using motion sensitive radio-collars. All radioinstrumented bears (n = 29) entered dens and exhibited periods of decreased activity in the predenning and postdenning periods (n = 20). Denning behavior was characterized by a reduction in sensitivity, with females being more lethargic than males. Female bears departed fall ranges earlier (P

Eighty-three white-tailed deer fawns (Odocoileus virginianus texanus) were captured in the Wichita Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma between 1974 and 1977. General physical appearance was documented and 10 body measurements were taken from each fawn. The calculated age of captured fawns ranged from I to 21 days. Three measurements (total weight, total body length, and hind foot length) appeared to be those most descriptive of skeletal and body mass changes with increasing age. Regression models indicated that males were larger and grew faster than females. The rates ofweight gain for male (0.28 kg/ day) and female (0.24 kg/ day) fawns were higher than previously reported.

Midsummer daytime bedsites of white-tailed deer (Odocileus virginianus texanus) fawns in southwestern Oklahoma were analyzed to determine the species composition of the surrounding vegetation. Vegetative composition varied between bedsites and range sites, but fawns did not bed in areas dominated by short vegetation. Fawns used 5 different range sites for daytime bedsites. Bedsites located on the 2 savannah range sites had higher percentages of woody vegetation than did bedsites located in the 3 open range sites. Grasses and grass-likes were the most abundant plant forms around all bedsites. Forbs were not a major component of the vegetation at any bedsite. Bedsites located in the boulder ridge, hilly stony, and hard land range sites were in good to excellent range condition, whereas bedsites located in hilly stony savannah and boulder ridge savannah range sites varied from poor to excellent in range condition class.

Average home range size for 10 desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crookii) was 384.1 ha. The average home range size for 5 bucks (493.4 ha) was I.7 times larger than that of 5 does (283.7 ha). Home range sizes increased with age and were largest among deer 5 to 7 years old. Deer 7.5 to 8+ years old had somewhat smaller home ranges than animals 5.5 years old. Seasonal migration or seasonal shifts in home ranges were not apparent; however, vegetative type preferences within home ranges did vary according to season. During the winter months deer preferred the skeletonleaf goldeneye (Viguiera stenolba) j catdaw (Mimosa biuncifera) cover type. The juniper (Juniperus Pinchotii) j javelina bush (Condalia ericoides) j catclaw cover type was preferred by deer during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Skeletonleaf goldeneyejcatdaw cover types were preferred diurnal bedding sites during the fall months.

In southeastern pinelands, continuous year-long cattle grazing often degrades wildlife habitat and range condition. Short periods of intensive grazing followed by long rest periods show potential for improving wildlife habitat. In 1976 we began a study in which small pastures on a mature longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) flatwoods site in northern Florida were grazed for I to 2 weeksXuntil 50 percent of the grazeable forage was removed. Pastures were then rested for 2, 4, or 6 months before grazing was repeated. Early results indicate that the 4-month period of rest will significantly reduce the occurrence of pineland threeawn (Aristida stricta) and saw-palmetto (Serenoa repens) 2 abundant and troublesome plants, and will favor the increase of some desirable wildlife plants, mainly herbs.

Data collected from woodcock banded in Canaan Valley, West Virginia from 1964 to 1970 were analyzed to determine population dynamics of resident (breeding) woodcock. lmmatures comprised over 60% ofthe banded sample, with immature males comprising 42% (P<0.05). Immatures appeared more susceptible to capture. Overall sex ratio for the banded sample revealed more males than females, but more females were found in the adult class. Greater survival of immature females causes ratios favoring females in the adult class. Additionally, adult females have a higher survival rate than adult males. Exceptionally high recovery rates were attributed to concentrated hunting pressure and band collecting. Immatures were 1.7 times more susceptible to gunning than adults. High variances and confidence limits were computed for population and survival estimates, which suggested great variation in collection of data.

Select forbs, chosen on the basis of their suspected importance in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) diets, were collected in the geologic Ouachita Highlands and Coastal Plain provinces in southeastern Oklahoma to determine nutrient content and dry matter digestibility. Sampling was conducted from May to September, 1977, on 5year- old clearcuts. Field dry matter, crude protein, calcium, phosphorus, ash, and in vitro dry matter digestibility were determined. Crude protein content (9.2 to 16.8%) was generally low for all species. Calcium and phosphorus concentrations (0.75 to I.57% Ca and 0.19 to 0.37% P) appeared adequate to meet estimated daily maintenance requirements for white-tailed deer. Dry matter digestibility ranged from 31.4 to 46.7% and averaged 40.8%. Differences (P<'05) in nutrient content and dry matter digestibility were not evident between the Ouachita Highlands and the Coastal Plain geologic provinces in this study except for ash content.

The impact of a concentrated (.52 deer / hal herd of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on the vegetation in Cades Cove is discussed. Utilization by cattle and horses had a greater impact on the woodlots in the cove than utilization by deer. Livestock reduced the number of vascular plant species and woody stem counts in all strata sampled. Deer utilization reduced the total plant species number and favored conifers in the 3 cm dbh and smaller stem size classes. Species such as dogwood (Comus .florida), white oak (Quercus alba), and redbud (Cercis canadensis), which were common on limestone elsewhere in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, were much reduced around Cades Cove. The intensive impacts of deer on vegetation do not appear to extend more than I km from Cades Cove.

Thirty pen-reared European wild hogs (Sus scrofa) were released in 1971 in southwestern West Virginia with the purpose of establishing a huntable population. The stocking involved construction of pens in a remote area followed by artificial feeding and gradual release of sows that had recently farrowed. Size of release area and sow-piglet introductions are considered major factors resulting in establishment of a wild population. Wild boars have produced litters annually and are presently occupying 130 sq km. Observations from monitoring activities on reproduction, foods, seasonal movements, and behavior closely conform to similar data of other researchers. A limited permit hunt is scheduled for November 1979.

In 1978, all commercial aquaculture enterprises operating in the state were surveyed by telephone and in person to determine the status of the industry and to assess the biological and economic feasibility of rearing aquatic organisms for profit in Virginia. A total of II commercial aquaculture firms were in business during 1978. Six establishments were producing rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) for food and stocking recreational waters, 2 were rearing warmwater sport fish fingerlings and bait fish, and 3 were culturing clams. In contrast to most southern states, no commercial producers in Virginia were growing edible-size channel catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) for food. The gross economic return from freshwater fish production in Virginia during 1978 was conservatively estimated to exceed $1,000,000 at the first level. Rainbow trout accounted for 75% of the total income.

Food habits of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), threadfin shad (D. petenense), and blue tilapia (Tilapia aurea) were studied in summer and winter, 1975. Stomach contents of all 3 species consisted predominantly of organic detritus, followed by green algae, blue-green algae and diatoms. Occurrence of planktonic foods corresponded closely with the composition of the plankton. Although food habits differed between season, they were closely correlated among species within season. Similarities in food habits of the 3 planktivorous species suggest potential food competition.

Main channel measurements of temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration are used to describe trout habitat in Bull Shoals Reservoir during August, September and October for 1963-1965 and 1969-1973. These months were chosen to show selected events preceding the October minimum of potential trout habitat. Watershed inflow to the reservoir, generation releases, and inflow from upstream Table Rock Dam were analyzed to determine correlations among these factors and minimum volume of potential trout habitat remaining in Bull Shoals Reservoir each year prior to recirculation. Rainfall is the governing influence over watershed inflow, Table Rock Dam inflow, and release from Bull shoals Dam. During 1973, 161.3 cm of rain fell on the watershed compared to an average of 106.7 cm; trout habitat in the hypolimnion of the reservoir was completely lost by mid-October.

Morphometric ratios of female striped bass (Marone saxatilis) X male white bass (M. chrysops) and female striped bass X male white perch (M. americana) that were best for distinguishing them from the parental species were: standard length/ body depth, head length/second anal spine length, head length/fourth dorsal spine length, standard length/fork length, fork length/total length, second anal spine length/third anal spine length and head length/upper jaw length. Ratios were generally intermediate between those of the parental species, but sometimes differed from those of either parent. Computer plots of ratios against standard length demonstrated that many changed as a function of fish length; thus care should be taken to utilize similar sized individuals when employing them for identification purposes. Plots of body measurements against standard length indicated most were linear, with the general exception of head depth, fourth dorsal spine length and the 3 anal spine lengths.

Production of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) fingerlings in eight 0.02-ha ponds aerated with continuously operated airlift pumps averaged 181,000 fish! ha. Ponds were initially fertilized with hay at either 560, 1120, or 2240 kg! ha and zooplankton blooms were maintained with hay and meat scrap fertilizers. The average daily application of organic fertilizers ranged from 32 to 82 kg! ha. Five-day-old fry were stocked at the rate of 250,000, 500,000, or I million! ha. Fry were supplementally fed a 45% protein diet 3 times per day after they were 22 days old. After 44 days in the pond the average weight and total length of the 49-day-old fingerlings were 0.5 g and 3.0 cm. Return per treatment averaged 116, 29, and 22% for the low, medium, and high stocking densities, respectively, and daily production averaged 2.1, 1.2, and 2.6 kg! ha. The airlift pumps maintained dissolved oxygen above 3 mg!1 when organic input averaged 62 kg! ha per day or less.

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were collected from Watts Bar Reservoir, Tennessee, in 1977 and 1978 to assess relationships between growth rates, survival, stocking density, and distribution patterns of stocked fingerlings. Survival and average sizes attained at ages I and 2 were inversely related to stocking density and directly related to size at stocking. Average lengths of age 3. and older fish were not related to stocking size, and the principal advantage of stocking large fingerlings was improved survival. Fingerlings stocked during June and July 1978 dispersed rapidly but tended to remain within the general area into which they had been introduced. During October and November 1978, electrofishing catch data indicated a preference for sandy shoreline habitats. Site-specific factors, such as the presence of preferred habitats, should be considered to enhance striped bass survival following stocking.

Spawning locations of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were identified over a 118 km reach of the Arkansas River from the collection of 8,828 striped bass eggs during 1976-78. Although certain spawning locations remain constant from year to year others vary significantly within the 118 km stretch of river. Spawning began between 7 and 14 April when water temperature reached 15.5 to 18.5C and had a duration of 27 to 51 days. Spawning peaks occurred annually, generally within a few days from one year to the next. Water temperature, discharge, velocity, total dissolved solids, specific conductance, salinity, pH, alkalinity and dissolved oxygen were monitored, however, no relationship to egg production was found. However, salinity affected egg chorion diameters during the study. Chorion diameters of striped bass eggs in the Arkansas River (1.7 to 2.0 mm) were much smaller than previously reported for striped bass, due to high salinities arresting chorion expansion.

A creel survey was conducted on the lower Illinois River, Oklahoma, during 1977. Striped bass (Marone saxatilis) were also collected for food habit information and their relative abundance was noted. Striped bass predation on rainbow trout (Sa/rna gairdnen) occurred only at the downstream sampling site and only for the I-week period following trout stocking. Trout made up 40% of the food items of these striped bass within I week after trout stocking. The trout fishery of the lower Illinois River has declined in overall intensity since J965, particularly in the downstream reaches. However, the warm-water fishery, particularly for striped bass, has increased dramatically.

The fish population of Lake Columbia, a 36.42 ha Mississippi impoundment, was estimated by shoreline seining, mark and recapture, rotenone sampling and gill netting. The impoundment was then drained to evaluate results. Shoreline seining provided an excellent estimate of population balance. Mark and recapture oflargemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) gave a statistically valid estimate and was the only method to which statistics could be applied. Length-frequency data of bass from rotenone samples were stable and appear useful, although large bass were underestimated. Rotenone samples gave stable balance ratios, but standing crop varied greatly. Gill nets captured all major species and provided useful data on species not adequately represented in rotenone samples.

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were tagged on West Point Reservoir, Alabama-Georgia in 1976-1978 to estimate rates offishing. During the 3 years, several factors affecting these estimates were evaluated. Non-response by anglers who recovered non-reward tags was calculated to be 0.66; tag loss was estimated to occur at an average rate of 4% per week; tagging mortality and displacement offish while tagging did not appear to affect estimates of fishing mortality.

A SAS program was designed to compile and summarize data collected by rotenone sampling. The program is designed to accept data in a variety of forms, providing a statistical summary of number, weight and percentage composition for all species and also a separate summary for harvestable gamefish and! or forage fish. Options are available to calculate weights for fish collected on second and third day pickups with weight-length relationships established from first day fish for either individual fish or by size groups.

We examined the accuracy and application of sequential sampling to determine structure of fish stocks, using electrofishing data for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) as an example. Structure of the stock was categorized with the index of Proportional Stock Density (PSD), which is the percentage of quality-size fish in the stock. Minimum stock and quality sizes for largemouth bass were defined as 20 and 30 cm, respectively. Sequential sampling is based on data evaluation during collection. An average reduction in sample size of 42% is realized when populations are sampled sequentially rather than continuing to an endpoint (n= I00 fish), because sampling ends as soon as a decision is reached. Fish stocks can be categorized based on PSD, i.e. Oto 39%, 40 to 60%, or 61 to lOO%, or a point estimate of PSD with confidence limits can be calculated.

Culturability of snook (Centropomus undecimalis) was evaluated in laboratory studies during the summers of 1975-1977. This is the first report of snook being reared from artificially fertilized eggs. No snook survived longer than II days in the 1975 experiments, although about 50 and 250 were reared through metamorphosis and beyond in the experiments of 1976 and 1977, respectively. These snook were reared in closed saltwater rearing systems for 14-16 days, after which they were converted to fresh water and stocked in 0.01 ha ponds. In our studies, snook were not cannibalistic at sizes less than 20 mm TL; withstood low overnight dissolved oxygen concentrations of less than 1.0 ppm; and could be converted to fresh water at 15 days ofage. Snook 15 days and older are relatively hardy, and if procedures could be developed to rear them to this age in large numbers, culture of fingerling snook could become a routine matter.

In 2 trials during 1976-1979, juvenile red drum (Sciaenops ocellata) were reared to marketable size (454 g) in 0.08-ha, brackish-water ponds at the Claude Peteet MaricuIture Center. In Trial I, survivors from a nursery pond were stocked in 2 production ponds, fed a commercial feed, and harvested when 394 or 532 days old. Less than I% of drum from the first harvest were marketable, and yield was 787 kgl ha with 21O-g mean weight, 89% survival, and 2.8 feed conversion. Twenty-one percent from the second harvest were marketable, and yield was 1,062 kgl ha with 335-g mean weight, 75% survival, and 4.6 feed conversion, In Trial II, red drum from a second nursery pond were restocked in periodically drained production ponds, fed commercial feeds, then harvested when 715 days old. Standing crop of drum was 2,292 kg/ha during Trial II, and 33% of the drum were marketable at harvest.

In September 1974 the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission banned the use of plastic baits on trotlines because these baits were thought to be selective for small «500 mm) red drum (Sciaenops ocellata). The size of red drum landed by commercial fishermen before (1972-1974) and after (1974-1978) the ban was compared with the size of fish collected during Texas Parks and Wildlife Department trammel net surveys in order to determine whether the ban had any effect on either the commercial catch or fish availability. Fish landed by commercial fishermen were significantly larger after the ban then before; therefore, it appears that plastic baits are selective for small red drum and that the ban resulted in the desired effect. The larger red drum in the commercial landings as compared with trammel net caught fish may have resulted from such factors as fishing method (hook size and bait type), fishing location and / or culling.

Biomodal spawning peaks, as determined by the gonadosomatic index, were noted for the spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus) in the Barataria Bay, Louisiana, system for 1976 and 1978. Males matured earlier in the season and at a smaller size than females. Males were found to have sound producing capabilities. Fish spawned throughout the bay regardless of water depth or substrate. Spawning seemed to occur in the northern portion of the bay later than in the southern portion. Photoperiod and temperature were the only exogenous factors found to have a direct relationship with spawning.