Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

In 1980 and 1981, bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus, were collected concurrently and in adjacent littoral areas of West Point Lake, a 10,480-ha reservoir (Alabama-Georgia), by seining (S) and by poisoning with rotenone (R). A statistical comparison of total stomach content volume and individual food item volume for Sand R fish was conducted to determine if rotenone caused either gorging or regurgitation of food as reported for some piscivorous fishes. Stomach contents of 744 R and 1,121 S fish were examined. Data were paired by date, site, and fish size. Although significant differences in total stomach content volume for Rand S fish were detected in the majority of comparisons, the number of incidences in which a larger food volume occurred was about evenly divided between Rand S fish. Similar results were observed when comparisons were made on the basis of individual food items.

Instead of hatcheries having quotas based strictly on number of fish, it would be more desirable to set quotas in terms of “hatchery benefit units.” This can be done once the range of the relative survival of different sized individuals in various lakes for different species is known. In 2 Illinois reservoirs, the relative survival of walleye fingerlings (Stizostedion vitreum) was 62.1 times greater than fry in Collins Pond and 15.9 times greater than fry in Little Grassy Lake.

Habitat use by bobcats (Lynx rufus) was investigated in 1978-79 in forested uplands of Louisiana by monitoring 7 radio-collared adult bobcats (3 females, 4 males). Mean male home range (x = 1,010 ha) did not differ significantly from female ranges (x = 591 ha). Distances traveled during a diel period ranged from 0.5 Ian to 10.2 km and averaged 3.0 Ian. Mean diel travel distances of males (2.8 km) were similar to those of females (3.3 km). Botanical composition of habitats within modified minimum home ranges averaged 40.1% mixed pine (Pinus spp.)-hardwood, 18.1% hardwood, 5.4% pine, and 36.4% nonforested. Bobcats appeared to use hardwood habitat in greater proportion to availability and avoided other habitats.

In 1981, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation provided 8 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to the LeFlore County Fox and Wolf Hunter's Association for experimental stocking. On 1 September 1981, 4 wild foxes and 4 pen-reared foxes were released into LeFlore County, Oklahoma. Six of the foxes were equipped with radio-transmitters. By the end of the study, 2 November 1981, 5 of the 6 radio equipped foxes had died. The radio-transmitter of the sixth fox failed, and the fate of this fox is unknown.

A stochastic computer model was written to simulate the dynamics of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations in Kentucky. The model consists of the main module equations and 2 submodules: ASMOSU and BIRTH. Main module equations calculate the number and density of individuals in each age class and the total population. ASMOSU calculates all total and age specific mortality rates. BIRTH calculates the number of individuals recruited into the 0.5-year age class. The model is useful for evaluating scenarios for red fox management in Kentucky because, except for minor exceptions, it validly simulates changes in red fox population dynamics. The model is most sensitive to perturbations in the input values of fecundity, the area inhabited by the population, and the parasitism mortality rate.

Reproductive tracts from 89 3-year-old female river otters (Lutra canadensis), from Louisiana were examined. Eighteen of these were in a reproductive phase out of synchrony with the expected population norms. Eight of 32 otters had fewer embryos than corpora lutea, indicating intrauterine mortality in 25% of the sample. Chemical analyses of liver tissue from 57 otters revealed a low prevalence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organochlorine pesticide contamination. These low levels of organochlorine compounds were not associated with atypical reproductive synchrony or intrauterine mortality.

Landowners in North Carolina leased hunting rights on about .91 million ha (12%) of forest land for about $3 million in 1984. Large proportions of forest land were leased in the northern (30%) and southern (26%) coastal plains. Average tract size leased in the northern coastal plain was 550 ha and in the southern coastal plain was 389 ha. In the Piedmont, the proportion of leased land (12%) was substantially less than in the coastal plain, and average tract size was only 154 ha. Only about 3% of mountain land was leased for hunting with an average tract size of 117 ha. The average lease rate was $3.09 per ha, and was expected to rise to $4.03 per ha in the near future. A near-term increase of about 5% in amount of leased acreage for hunting was indicated. Deer was the most important game species on leased land, but quail was the species most owners preferred to increase.

Nineteen black bears (Ursus americanus) equipped with transmitter units were monitored on the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina from May 1981-December 1982. Home ranges of males (61.0 km2) were 3.6 times greater than female home ranges (16.9 km2). Fall shuffles were not observed possibly due to the abundance and diversity of mast on the study area. Extensive overlap between reproductive females was observed, and the home ranges of adult males overlapped some female home ranges more than others. Dispersal of 2 subadult males occurred after they began using the same area as an adult male. Increased activity and variation in travel distances during the fall suggested that bears were foraging for mast that would prepare them for denning. Bears used all oak types, except scarlet oak, according to mast abundance; scarlet oak areas were used the least of any oak forest type.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns were fed calf-creep feed (12% crude protein) ad libitum in pens where either ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) or subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) was planted for winter feed. During a 143-day period (29 Nov 1984-21 Mar 1985) fawns in the pen with ryegrass gained (x ± SE) 9.65 ± 2.4 kg/fawn while those in the pen with subterranean clover gained an average of 18.8 ± 2.5 kg/fawn. Differences were significant (P < 0.10) and were not influenced by sex. Use of calf creep feed per deer was not significantly different between the 2 treatments.

A white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population model is described which utilizes numbers and the age structure of animals taken in either sex harvests to predict population levels, future harvests and harvest levels required to manage properly the populations. The model predicted Kentucky's deer harvest within 5.1% from 1980 through 1984. Model design, harvest management decisions, and microcomputer utilities are discussed.

During the summers of 1981 and 1982, 48 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns were captured and radio-collared on the Cat and South island portions of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, Georgetown, South Carolina. Significantly (x2 = 4.10, P < 0.05) more male fawns were captured than females. Telemetry and visual locations (N = 731, range = 18 to 224) were taken on 11 fawns. All fawns utilized open inter-tidal marsh/marsh edge habitat. Home range and activity of individual fawns were highly variable. Mortality of radio collared fawns was 84.4% (38 of 45). Marking activities were directly responsible for the death of 3 fawns. Of the 45 fawns included in the mortality analysis, 89.5% died within 1 month of age. High fawn mortality may regulate or stabilize the size of the South Island deer population.

Data were taken on 1,103 pregnant white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvested from the Savannah River Plant in South Carolina from 1965-1985 to describe temporal, age specific, and habitat effects on fetal number. Time periods were thought to represent periods of high and low population density. Age was the most significant factor in altering fetal number both with and without the data from the fawns included. Low fetal numbers per doe in 0.5- and 1.5-year-old deer and a high incidence of twinning in the older deer was responsible for this effect. Mean number of fetuses per doe for the 0.5-year-old deer (x = 1.06) was less than for 1.5-(x = 1.56), 2.5- (x = 1.73), and ≥3.5- (x = 1.76) year-old age classes. Temporal and age specific effects among time periods on fetal number were significant in the analyses using data from all age classes.

Reproductive performance was monitored in a captive herd of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus virginianus) at the Dennis Wildlife Center in Bonneau, South Carolina, from 1980-84. Sixty-four known-age fetuses, including 25 sets of twins, were obtained from 39 does that were 1.5-3.5 years old when bred. Fetuses were obtained at weekly intervals from 5-27 weeks. Weights and a series of standard measurements were recorded from all fetuses. The relationship between each measured parameter and fetal age in days through gestation was linear (r2 = 0.84-0.99, P < 0.001). A key to fetal development was constructed using weights, measurements, and morphological characteristics.

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.