Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

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.

Flush counts (N = 182) of American woodcock (Scolopax minor) wintering in the Delta region of Mississippi from 1981 to 1982 demonstrated that regeneration stands were used as diurnal coverts more often than other seral stages of bottomland hardwoods. Significant numbers of woodcock also utilized mature stands. Few birds were found in pole stands or cottonwood (Populus deltoides) plantations. Management suggestions and research needs are discussed.

Woodcock (Scolapax minor) were observed and collected in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, from November 1977 through June 1978 and from November 1978 through March 1979 for studies of their courtship behavior, reproductive physiology, and breeding chronology. Male courtship behavior began in early December and terminated in early June, with February and March having the greatest numbers of singing males. However, individual males spent more time on the singing grounds during March, April, and May. Testicular recrudescence was apparent by early January. Juvenile males produced sperm during their first breeding season. Two females were in the rapid stage of follicle development by 18 January which probably indicated imminent ovulation. However, it appears that successful reproduction did not occur until late March or early April, as evidenced by brood hatching dates. These hatching dates contrast with earlier breeding records from previous years.

Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) were banded pre-season (May-August) on the Texas A&M University campus as nestlings, free-flying juveniles, or adults. Analysis of direct hunter recoveries revealed no differences (P> 0.05) between the 3 banding classes and recovery distance. Calculation of survival rates from capture-recapture data indicated that adult survival (46.2%) was higher (P < 0.0001) than first year survival of immatures (free-flying juveniles 18.0%, nestlings 19.5%).

Ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris) activities were monitored from mid-November 1979 to late February 1980 on a retired phosphate settling impoundment in central Florida. Time-activity budgets of males and females were similar. Activities of wintering ring-necked ducks were directed at putting on fat reserves prior to reproduction. Birds invested most of their time feeding and resting; courtship and aggression were rarely observed. Maintenance of high feeding levels and minimization of time spent in energetically costly activities such as courtship and aggression probably facilitated fat deposition. Differences in ring-necked duck activity rhythms between habitats point to the need for further research in additional habitats and long-term monitoring of activities within important habitats.

The eastern brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis) ceased nesting in Louisiana in 1961 and the species completely disappeared by 1963. From 1968 to 1980, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission reintroduced 1,276 pelicans at 3 release sites in southeastern Louisiana. Two restored nesting populations were established, 1 at North Island in the Chandeleur Island chain and 1 at Queen Bess/Camp Island in Barataria Bay. The Queen Bess/Camp Island colony fledged 2,751 birds between 1971 and 1984. North Island production was 909 fledglings between 1979 and 1984. The restored North Island colony first nested successfully when the birds were 2 years old. Reintroduced birds at the Queen Bess/ Camp Island site first nested successfully when 3 years of age.

Daily activity, home-range size, and seasonal and dispersal movements of 13 coyotes (Canis latrans) were studied in eastern Mississippi and western Alabama using telemetry techniques. Coyotes were most active and traveled the greatest distances between 1800 hours and 0600 hours. The highest movement rates occurred near sunset and sunrise. Mean distances traveled during 12-hour full-night periods were greatest for adult females (9.5 km) followed by adult males (8.6 km) and juveniles (5.6 km). Average distance traveled by all coyotes during full-night periods was shortest during fall (5.3 km) and longest during winter (12.2 km). Two juveniles and 1 adult dispersed 20 km, 140 km, and 20 km respectively, between November and January. The mean home range of adult females (41.2 km2) was about twice the size of adult males (20.0 km2) and nearly 4 times the size of juveniles (11.8 km2).

Food habits of coyotes (Canis latrans) from the upper coastal plain province of Alabama and Mississippi were determined from scats (N =211) and stomachs (N = 100) collected from December 1980 through April 1984. Frequency of occurrence of major food items found in scats and stomachs for all seasons were rodents (43.1 %), fruit (38.6%), rabbits (34.7%), insects (29.9%), white-tailed deer (28.0%), and birds (22.5%). Seasonally, rabbits and rodents occurred most frequently in spring; rodents, insects, and birds in summer; fruit, primarily persimmons, in fall; and deer and rodents in winter. Peak deer occurrences in summer coincide with the fawning periods in both states.

From December 1979 to May 1983, beaver (Castor canadensis) control trapping was conducted in 50 impoundments in the Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. About 76% of impoundments contained beaver at some time within 3 years following initial heavy trapping. Age structure of beaver from impoundments trapped for 4 successive years did not differ significantly from that of the first year. Repopulation of drained impoundments appears to be enhanced by flooding. Many beaver problems are associated with manmade levees, railroads, and other roadbeds. Site-specific beaver control appears to require sustained followup trapping in regions well populated by beaver.

Estimates of litter size in beaver (Castor canadensis), based on counts of corpora lutea, placental scars, and corpora albicantia, were compared to known litter size determined by fetus counts. Estimates based on corpora albicantia (x = 4.2) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than with any other method. Numbers of corpora lutea (x = 3.0), placental scars (x = 2.8), and fetuses (x = 2.6) did not differ (P > 0.05). No reproductive parameter differed by beaver age-class.

Inventory methods, harvest regulations, tagging requirements, reporting requirements, and a computer program were established to regulate and monitor the harvest of surplus alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Louisiana and yet distribute the kill in proportion to existing populations over the area open for harvest. Ten seasons were authorized for the taking of alligators between 1972 and 1983. In 1972, only 1 parish was open for hunting; the hunt area was gradually expanded until in 1981 it was statewide. During the 10 alligator seasons, 5,337 licensed hunters harvested 100,712 skins averaging 2.11 m (6 feet 11 inches) in total length. The value of all skins taken was $9.8 million. Skins, meat, and other parts were followed through commercial channels with no evidence of illegally-taken skins or parts entering the legal traffic. An alligator nuisance complaint removal program initiated in 6 parishes in 1979 and 1980 was expanded statewide in 1981.

Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nest characteristics from 2 different habitats in southern Georgia were compared. Nest and egg measurements varied somewhat between Silver Lake, an open freshwater habitat, and Rhetts Island, a brackish marsh habitat. However, except for the distance nests were found from water, none of the differences between study areas were significant. Mean clutch size for the Silver Lake study area was 38.0 while that of Rhetts Island was 40.7. Fertility rate of eggs on Silver Lake was 92.1 %. Of 29 nests containing eggs on the Silver Lake area, 14 (48.3%) were successful, with 55.1% of the eggs in successful nests hatching. Predators destroyed 37.9% of the Silver Lake nests. Fertility rate of eggs on Rhetts Island was 92.7%. Twenty-three (74.2%) of 31 nests containing eggs were successful, with 44.7% of the eggs in successful nests hatching. Six nests (19.4%) were destroyed by predators.

From June 1981 to June 1982, a radio-telemetry study was conducted on 9 adult (≥1.8 m) female alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) within a cypress (Taxodium distichum) lake in northwestern Louisiana. Minimum home range size varied from 0.8 to 256 ha (x = 56 ha) while average daily distance traveled varied from 2.3 to 238 m (x =20 m). Data collected through additional monitoring throughout 3 nesting and hunting seasons indicated a low nesting effort averaging 28% per year, a low degree of visibility during night counts, and a low proportion of transmittered females were harvested (10%).

Productivity, nesting biology, and gosling survival of a resident flock of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) were studied in southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia from 1977 to 1982. A total of 323 nests contained 1,631 eggs. The nesting season usually began in late February and ended in early June. Yearly nest success varied from 27% to 64%. Flooding resulted in the destruction of 35% of total nests and was ranked as the major cause of nest failure. Nest success on artificial nest structures and beaver (Castor canadensis) lodges was higher than on islands and the shoreline. More than 63% of the nests were located on islands, and 24% were located on artificial nest structures. Mean clutch size was 5.6 eggs/ nest, but mean brood size at nest departure was only 4.0 goslings/nest. About 38% of the goslings that hatched survived to fledging.