Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Monthly censuses for 18 months were taken of avian communities on 12 ponds in South Texas. Ponds were classified into 4 types: stock, semi-permanent pasture, semi-permanent field, and temporary field ponds. Thirty-eight families represented by 132 species and 17,912 individuals were observed. Anatidae, represented by 22 species and 7,839 individuals, had the highest importance value of any bird family. Bird densities were similar across all pond types within each of 3 major time periods.

A method of habitat assessment known as Habitat Evaluation Procedures has been developed by the U.S. Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service. A linear relationship is assumed to exist between an area's Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) and carrying capacity. The objective of this study was to determine whether an HSI model for clapper rail (Rallus longirostris) is valid for predicting habitat suitability for this species in Georgia. Call-count surveys were conducted for clapper rail on 12 40-ha areas of tidal salt marsh during the winter and the spring of 1982-1983. Call counts and HSI values were not strongly related during wintering or nesting seasons based on correlation analyses. Several possible interpretations of study results are discussed.

A linear programming model was used to evaluate trade-offs between timber returns and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus ) habitat in East-Central Mississippi. The model was designed to maximize capitalized present net worth of a sample forest subject to white-tailed deer habitat, wood flow, and acreage regenerated restrictions. Four levels of habitat diversity were evaluated. Enhancing habitat diversity will cost, in terms of timber revenue foregone, between $2.08 and $30.711hectare per year. These cost estimates are not applicable to all loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) forests. However, the methodology is applicable for other forests when appropriate forest inventory data and wildlife habitat restrictions are specified.

A management plan was implemented for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on a 1,781-ha East Texas hunting club. Objectives included the improvement of the herd's age structure and antler quality by reducing the population density and by selective harvest. During the 3-year study, 145 antlerless deer and 60 antlered deer were harvested. In spite of the accelerated antlerless harvest, the population increased approximately 15% each year. These increases apparently were because of increased fawn production. The buck population increased 48% during the study and noticeable improvements in quality were observed. Results of the study were used to exhibit methods of deer management to hunters and area landowners.

Nutritional quality of diets selected by 3 tame deer (Odocoileus virginianus) during spring 1980 were determined on forested and clearcut, unburned pine-hardwood sites in central Louisiana. Diets were dominated by leafy browse from plants of moderate to high preference for wild deer. From mid-March to late May, nutritive values of deer diets decreased an average of 43.1% for crude protein, 56.9% for phosphorus, and 9.3% for digestibility. Deer diets from clearcuts were generally higher in nutritive value than diets from forests.

Paired rumen and fecal samples from 89 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) collected in the South Carolina Coastal Plain were analyzed using standard macro- and micro-techniques, respectively. Compared to fecal analysis, rumen analysis identified fewer plant taxa per sample (P < 0.05). A significant correlation among mean percent weights of forage categories (P < 0.05) and taxa (P < 0.05) was found. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients for percent frequency of detection were also significant for forage categories (P < 0.05) and taxa (P < 0.05). Estimates of mean percent weight were significantly different between techniques for 7 of 9 forage categories and 16 of 26 taxa found by both. The time needed to analyze the 2 types of samples was not significantly different. Usefulness of fecal analysis in estimating diets of southeastern Coastal Plain deer is discussed.

During 1982, 3,095 social groups of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were observed in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Both time of day (dawn, day, dusk, and night) and season of the year (spring, fawning, summer, breeding, and winter) had a significant effect on total deer/ group and numbers of adults, adult females, and adult males. Group size was largest at dusk (mean 2.7, range of 1 to 28), and slightly smaller at night (2.4, 1 to 21), at dawn (2.3, 1 to 10), and during the day (2.3, 1 to 13). Seasonally, group size was largest in winter (mean 3.4, range of 1 to 28). noticeably smaller during breeding (2.5, 1 to 13) and spring (2.4, 1 to 9), and smaller still during late summer (2.0, 1 to 10) and fawning (1.7, 1 to 9). Time of day did not significantly affect occurrence of doe, buck, and mixed groups, but season did, with doe groups occurring most frequently (90% of all observations) and buck groups least frequently (4%) in winter than during any other season.

Forty-eight white-tailed deer fawns (Odocoileus virginianus) were marked during the spring and early summer of 1981 and 1982. Forty-one (85.4%) of these fawns died, 26 (63%) due to predation. In 18 of the 26 predator-caused deaths, the species of predator could be determined. Bobcats (Felis rufus) accounted for 12 deaths, while red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) , gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and alligators (A lligator mississipptensis) were responsible for a total of at least 6 fawn deaths. Criteria for determining predator damage are discussed. Foxes and alligators have not previously been documented as predators on white-tailed deer fawns.

Difficulty in capturing a sufficient sample of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for a biotelemetry habitat use study led to the development of an alternative methOd using track plots. One-hundred 1 X 3 m plots/site were proportionately allocated by percentage area of distinct cover types, prior to random location in the 3 study areas. Results from 13 months of use indicated that the method was acceptable for monitoring habitat use patterns. Potential uses and problems are discussed. Comparisons with biotelemetry and direct observation data are made.

Capture and handling techniques developed by river otter (Lutra canadensis) trappers, were evaluated during a 3-year telemetric study in the coastal marsh of Louisiana. A modified No. 11 Victor leghold trap was found to be the most practical and efficient live trap for otters in a marsh habitat. A total of 30 otters were captured. Trap-related injuries were infrequent and not serious. Eighty-four percent of the captured otters sustained minor cuts or no injury at all. Trapped otter were handled safely and efficiently by means of a long-handled net. This handling technique was also used to handle 5 captive otter on several occasions.

An annual scent station survey was conducted in Louisiana from 1978 through 1982 to determine relative abundance of bobcats (Felis rufus) and relate indices to geographical regions and habitat types. A total of 29 lines each with 50 stations per line was proportionally divided into 5 regions. The use of fatty acid scent resulted in an average visitation rate of 4.6% for bobcats, 9.7% for coyotes (Canis latrans), 7.3% for fox (Vulpes vulpes and Urocyon cinereoargenteus), 7.2% for raccoon (Procyon lotor), 11:8% for opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and 7.1% for skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Significant differences were detected among years, regions and habitats for bobcat (P < 0.01). Regional visitation rates varied for coyotes with current harvest data supporting survey results (P < 0.01). Significant differences occurred among years and regions for fox (P < 0.01).

From December 1981 through July 1983, No.2 Kleflock snares, No.4 Victor leg-hold traps, and No. 330 Conibear traps were evaluated for beaver (Castor canadensis) control in Mississippi. No. 330 Conibears captured more (P < 0.10) beavers than did snares in dive sets and more (P < 0.01) beavers than any other set-type combination tested. The number of non-target species captured in snares was less (P < 0.01) than the number captured in either of the other devices. Economic analyses of vehicle, labor, and equipment costs/beaver captured showed No. 330 Conibears to be the least costly to use, No.2 Kleflock snares were next, and No.4 Victor leg-hold traps were most expensive.

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus rivalicius) movement and activity patterns were studied in a Louisiana coastal marsh. Trap success was 8.2% in January-February, but only 3.3% in June-August. Of 46 muskrats captured, 65.2% were males. Lodge use was greater than expected in JanuaryMarch and less than expected in April, July and August (X2 =92.5, N =557, P < 0.01). No radio-collared muskrats (11 males and 6 females) were observed rearing young. Five (33.3%) muskrats emigrated in the spring and 3 of the dispersals occurred during a storm tide (29 March- 3 April). Long movements (>70 m) within the study area were associated with high water levels (>20 em). Average home range (0.7 ha, SE = 0.2, N = 44) and hourly movements (33.8 m, SE = 1.8, N = 695) recorded on diel tracking sessions varied widely among individuals.

To assess the taxonomic status of the coyote (Canis latrans) in Tennessee, the relationship of 61 Tennessee canids (unknown taxonomically) were compared to specimens of coyotes, dogs (C. familiaris), and red wolves (C. rufus). Twelve skull measurements were used in the assessment. Discriminant function analysis showed a well-defined separation of canid groups sampled. Tennessee canids clustered distinctly and were statistically separable from dog and red wolf groups. Hybridization between taxa was minimal. The wild coyote-like canids occurring in Tennessee are taxonomically coyotes.

In order to devise an ecologically sound management plan for the wild boar herd in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, data on the impact of these animals on the environment are essential. Soil chemical properties and nutrient concentrations were examined for possible boar impact from 9 high elevation beech gap communities ranging in severity of boar disturbance. Levels of soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and acidity, increased on boar-rooted sites, whereas percent base saturation declined. These changes suggested that boar rooting stimulated organic matter decomposition and soil nutrient mobilization; both A and B horizons were susceptible with the extent of change being a function of the intensity and length of disturbance. Potential long-term implications for the growth and productivity of these forest communities are presented.

Two distinct patterns of bedding behavior of black bears (Ursus americanus) were observed; all summer beds (N =25) were surface depressions which required no preparation and all winter beds (N =9) were elaborately constructed nest-type structures. Seven summer beds were depressions in association with fallen trees, 3 were at the base of large standing trees, and 1 was adjacent to a large rock. Fourteen beds were not in the immediate vicinity of similar structures. Eight summer beds were in game trails. Eight of 9 winter beds were adjacent to obviously selected structures such as large logs, trees, and rocks. Dimensions of summer and winter beds averaged 1.35 X 0.73 X 0.23 m and 0.79 X 0.62 X 0.21 m (length X width X depth), respectively. Scats (x =2.5, range = 1-4) were present at all summer beds and therefore may be indicative of the time spent in beds and reflect the importance of bedding sites as micro-habitat components. Scats were present at only 3 of 9 winter beds.

A telephone survey of 3,081 Texas hunters was conducted after the 1981-1982 hunting season. The typical hunter was white, urban, middle aged (x =40, SD = 15 years), male, was a college graduate, had an average income of $28,150 (SD =$6,100), and held a white-collar job. The average age of hunting initiation was 14 (SD =8) years. Respondents hunted an average of 22 (SD = 14) years and learned about hunting mostly from experiences in Texas. Mixed bag hunting was the norm, but 75% hunted white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The recreation and sport associated with the hunt rather than the harvest was the reason why 70% of the respondents hunted. High lease cost (23%) was the main factor which would contribute to desertion from hunting. Respondents who hunted without leases (62%) used land owned or leased by friends or relatives. Nonlease hunting expenditures averaged $445 (SD = $935) per hunter and white-tailed deer leases averaged $395 (SD =$547) per leasee.

The use of otoliths for aging hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis), proved successful in central Florida where reading scales is not a reliable method. Verification of annulus formation was accomplished by checking known-age fish, determining the time of annulus formation and comparing assigned ages of fish with stocking records to verify that the number of annuli was not greater than expected. Aging by reading otoliths revealed that hybrids live at least 3 years longer than indicated by reported growth rates and length frequency analysis.

The optimum stocking rate in hatchery rearing ponds was determined for female striped bass (Marone saxatilis) X male white bass (Marone chrysops) hybrid fry that would yield the highest number of fingerlings/ha of acceptable size and condition. Five fry stocking rates ranging from 494,000 to 2,470,000/ha were tested to determine the effect on number of fingerlings produced, average total length, average weight/I ,000, total weight, and condition. The optimum stocking rate was calculated to be 1,875,000 fry/ha, which would yield 537,000 fingerlings/ha. Average total length and average weight! 1,000 fingerlings was 25.4 mm and 191.7 g, respectively, at the optimum stocking rate. Total weight and condition of the fingerlings produced were not affected by the 5 stocking rates. Efforts to maximize production of acceptable quality fingerlings has become an economic necessity as the demand for Marone fingerlings in Georgia has increased.

Hybrid bass (Marone saxatilis X Marone chrysops) age, growth, survival, and condition indices were studied in 1980 and 1981 to gain information needed to refine the hybrid bass stocking program on Clarks Hill Reservoir, Georgia. Age and growth data and survival estimates were derived using scales taken from fish collected with gill nets over a 12-month interval. Average calculated lengths for 1975-1980 year classes were age I, 279 mm; age II, 429 mm; age III, 491 mm; age IV, 536 mm; age V, 598 mm; and age VI, 561 mm. Relative mortality rates were positively correlated with increased stocking densities and catch curve analysis yielded survival estimates of 0.3085 to 0.3985. Condition indices suggested a decrease in hybrid bass condition since 1972. Hybrid bass growth potential and life expectancy are discussed regarding reservoir management and sport fishery utilization.

Water temperature appeared to be a major factor influencing the distribution of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) during 1978 in Lake Norman, North Carolina, while size of striped bass, dissolved oxygen concentrations, available forage, and current also had some influence on their distribution. Large striped bass [~400 mm TL) appeared to be more restricted to the cooler waters than small striped bass « 400 mm TL) when water temperature exceeded 17.0 0 C and stratified conditions existed. These factors should be considered when establishing or managing a striped bass fishery in a reservoir or lake.

Of 109,675 striped bass (Morone saxatilis) stocked in June 1979 in Cherokee Reservoir, Tennessee, only 72 were recaptured. They were stocked at a mean total length of 3.5 cm and averaged 21.7 cm after I year of growth. After stocking, striped bass consumed mostly Crustacea, with Chironomidae being the primary food source for the rest of the year. Striped bass switched from invertebrates to fish (primarily Clupeidae) at 20 cm or approximately 1 year after stocking. Condition values (K) ranged from 0.8 to 1.3.

Several experiments were tried with varying results using 5 different marking techniques in an attempt to permanently mark juvenile striped bass (Marone saxatilis). Techniques included: immersion staining, dye injection, tetracycline ingestion, streamer tagging, and fin-clipping. From a practical and economical standpoint, 2 methods were satisfactory, at least for short term marking: fin-clipping and tetracycline ingestion. The latter method showed some promise of permanency in mark retention. Other methods were either too ephemeral, too expensive, or caused considerable mortality.

Physiochemical characteristics of Lake Frierson were monitored biweekly from 15 May to 14 September 1979. Lake Frierson revealed intense thermal stratification in late May. Stratification continued until fall turnover in mid-September. The anoxic hypolimnion started at the 3.0 to 3.5 m sampling depth and continued to the bottom. During this time, evaporation accounted for the loss of 1.0 m of water. Data from the shallow stations revealed anoxia and oxygen values of 2.0 mgll or less on 2 dates, 10 July and 8 August 1979.

An experimental pricing study using a Latin square design was conducted to determine the relative sales potential of fresh, pond-raised tilapia (Tilapia aurea) in supermarkets in north Alabama. Six prices ranging from $3.06/kg to $4.611kg were tested in 6 supermarkets during a 6-week period in September and October 1980. The effect of price on average sales of the sample of stores was estimated by simple linear regression. Sales potential varied from 4.11 to .97 kg liveweight! 1,000 customers over the price range, or approximately 617 to 146 kg/week for the 4 city study region. Retail prices which yielded maximum net revenue to the retailer and farmer were estimated to be $2.84/kg and $4.83/kg respectively.