Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Seasonal movements and total range areas were smaller (P < 0.01) for radio-collared female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) live-captured along the Skyline Drive corridor of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (roadside areas of mowed grass and abutting mixed oak-hardwood forest) than for radio-collared females captured in more remote backcountry areas of the Park (mixed oak-hardwood forest >1 km from Skyline Drive). Mean total range areas were 444 ha (SE = 181 ha, N = 3) for females captured on the Drive, and 879 ha (SE = 443 ha, N = 4) for females captured in the backcountry. Mean total range areas were smaller (P < 0.05) for radio-collared males captured in the backcountry areas, x = 1,586 ha (SE = 797 ha, N = 3) than for radio-collared males captured on Skyline Drive, x = 1,846 ha (SE = 49 ha, N = 2). However, there was no difference (P > 0.5) in their mean seasonal ranges.

Nine white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) outfitted with radio collars were observed for 9 months or longer to monitor seasonal movements and habitat utilization. Estimates of seasonal home-range size, using a multivariate method, varied from 176 ha to 1245 ha, and annual home range size varied from 455 ha to 2216 ha. Average annual home ranges of 4 females (737 ha ± 219 SD) was about half the average home range of 5 males (l511 ha ± 571 SD). Habitat utilization/availability analysis demonstrated significantly greater (P < 0.05) utilization of dense bottomland hardwood sawtimber than expected on an annual basis by 5 of the deer, and all deer used this habitat type in greater proportion than expected from its availability. Of 19 habitat types tested, only dense hardwood sawtimber showed a consistent use preference by deer.

Nine white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) outfitted with radio collars were observed for 9 months or longer to monitor seasonal movements and habitat utilization. Estimates of seasonal home-range size, using a multivariate method, varied from 176 ha to 1245 ha, and annual home range size varied from 455 ha to 2216 ha. Average annual home ranges of 4 females (737 ha ± 219 SD) was about half the average home range of 5 males (l511 ha ± 571 SD). Habitat utilization/availability analysis demonstrated significantly greater (P < 0.05) utilization of dense bottomland hardwood sawtimber than expected on an annual basis by 5 of the deer, and all deer used this habitat type in greater proportion than expected from its availability. Of 19 habitat types tested, only dense hardwood sawtimber showed a consistent use preference by deer.

Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) models for 5 bird species were tested with spatially-referenced habitat and frequency of use data using a computerized grid-cell mapping system (SYMAP) and the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). According to our spatial approach for testing, pine (Dendroica pinus) and prairie warbler (D. discolor) models performed well-better than those for eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) or red-cockaded (Picoides borealis) and pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus); however, the poor performance of the latter models was probably due more to the testing paradigm and/or to a low number of observed birds than to the models themselves. Models should be tested at scales commensurate with home ranges over an appropriate range of habitat suitability.

Relative abundance of small birds and mammals was determined on 18 0.4-ha plots in a mature, second-growth central Appalachian forest. Habitat heterogeneity had been increased by clearcutting and herbicide application on ridge-top, and south- and north-facing slopes 4 years prior to sampling. Areas with low basal area and high midstory cover provided the best habitat for white-footed mice (Peromyseus leueopus) and golden mice (Ochrotomys nuttalli). Areas with high basal area and low understory density provided the best habitat for ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) and red-eyed vireos (Vireo olivaceus). Areas with intermediate basal area and understory cover representative of stands following timber stand improvement (TSI) favored tufted titmice (Parus bicolor), hairy woodpeckers (Picoides villosus), and pine voles (Microtus pinetorum). Intermediate treatment and patch clearcutting should be restricted to upper slopes whenever possible to provide habitat for small mammals.

A pattern recognition (PATREC) habitat capability model for the ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus) was tested and refined on the Mark Twain National Forest (NF) in the Missouri Ozarks. Breeding bird surveys were conducted on 48 stands in 1983, 31 different stands in 1984, and 26 different stands in 1985. The literature-based PATREC model in use on the forest was used as an operational hypothesis to guide stand selection. Habitat data were obtained from the timber management and wildlife management information system data bases maintained by the Mark Twain NF. Stepwise (Wilks selection criterion) and direct multivariate discriminant analyses were used to determine which habitat variables best separated stands where ovenbirds were observed from those where no ovenbirds were observed. The best discriminant function for the 1983 data set included 5 habitat variables: forest type, stand condition, total basal area, percent overstory crown cover, and percent ground cover.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's (NCWRC) free planting materials program was evaluated using interviews and field inspections. Cooperators were conscientious in planting and caring for the wildlife plots. Seventy percent of the plantings were fertilized. Seventy-four percent of the distributed units of annual seed mix resulted in successful plantings. Poorer success was noted with the perennial mix. Effectiveness of the planting materials in increasing carrying capacity was not determined. Cooperators felt that the plantings benefitted wildlife (96%) and hunting (85%). Concern had been expressed by NCWRC biologists that a preoccupation with food plots prevents landowners from recognizing other habitat problems. However, 46% of the respondents practiced other habitat management techniques.

A formal system was developed in Missouri for reviewing the design of wildlife research projects. The criteria used to develop the system are described, as are the 15 steps in the planning process. The system was developed to place more emphasis on the planning stages of wildlife research project preparation and to aid biologists in designing studies that will have a high probability of success.

State and federal nontoxic (steel) shot regulations have been challenged unsuccessfully in court on 8 separate occasions. Several characteristics are common to many of the cases. First, sportsmen have filed every lawsuit; “anti-hunters” or “protectionists” have not litigated the nontoxic shot-lead poisoning issue. Second, plaintiffs have argued unsuccessfully that the regulations were “arbitrary and capricious.” Third, the courts have unilaterally rejected allegations that nontoxic shot is ballistically inferior to lead shot, that it causes firearms damage, and that lead poisoning losses are insufficient to warrant nontoxic shot regulations. Opponents' failure to secure favorable court decisions may cause them to increasingly seek legislative rather than adjudicatory relief. Short-term “gains” achieved through this process will be offset entirely if the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service exercises closure authority under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Seed collections were initiated to assess wildlife food availability and production by dotted smartweed (Polygonum punctatum) on a south central Florida marsh. The highest production consistently occurred in October despite wide fluctuation in total annual production. Seed remained available for use by wildlife in the soil throughout much of the year.

Digestive tracts were examined from 115 lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) killed by hunters in impoundments managed for crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) production at Indigo Island, Iberville Parish, Louisiana. Plant material (seeds) comprised 99.7% (by dry weight) of the food material during the 1981-82 wintering season and 99.6% during the 1982-83 season. Twenty-three scaup were collected while they were actively feeding; animal material was present in 21 scaup esophagi and plant material was present in 22. Nevertheless, plant material was the major food and comprised 99.0% of the diet. Seeds of Echinochloa colonum and Fimbristylis miliacea were the most important food items and were major species in bottom samples where scaup were collected. Dominant animal foods were snails, amphipod crustacea, and Diptera larvae. Small crayfish were abundant in the impoundments but no crayfish remains were found in scaup digestive tracts.

The 1982-85 South Carolina woodcock (Scolopax minor) wing survey yielded 683 wings with varying amounts of information on date and county of collection, type of hunting being done, and habitat where the bird was found. Age and sex information was obtained from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service on another 176 woodcock harvested in South Carolina as well as the total harvest in the eastern region for the 1982-85 period. The 1982-85 South Carolina harvests were composed of 19.7% adult males, 29.8% adult females, 23.5% immature males, and 27.0% immature females. Age and sex characteristics of the woodcock harvest in South Carolina were similar to those for the entire eastern region although significant differences were found between the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions within the state. Apparently, about 24% of the South Carolina woodcock harvest occurs in the first 20 days of the season and about 37% occurs in the last 20 days.

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.