Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

HSI and WHAG habitat evaluation procedures were used to determine habitat suitability indices for gray (Sciurus carolinensis) and fox (S. niger) squirrels on 6 areas in central Missouri. Results from both evaluation procedures indicated similar habitat conditions on all areas. However, Lincoln-Petersen mark-recapture estimates indicated densities of both species varied across areas. No correlations were found between suitability indices and squirrel densities for either procedure or species. WHAG indices were greater than HSI indices for the same areas with the exception of one area which had equal indices. These results suggest that conclusions regarding habitat suitability may depend more upon the assessment procedure used than habitat conditions. Our study evaluated the HSI and WHAG procedures over a narrow range of habitat conditions, but indicated both procedures should be studied more thoroughly before either can be used reliably.

Wildlife depredation of native pecans was evaluated during 1989 and 1990 using ground plots to estimate nut damage, and shuck to pecan ratios to estimate caching in peripheral areas of south-central Oklahoma native pecan groves adjacent to woodland. Total wildlife damage ranged from 28-447 kg/ha, which exceeded harvestable pecans (0-103 kg/ha) from the same areas. Caching comprised 59% (4-381 kg/ha) of the total damage attributable to wildlife. Fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) nut damage ranged from 17-67 kg/ha, and exceeded that of all other wildlife combined. Fox squirrel nut damage, bird nut damage, caching, total wildlife damage, and harvested pecans did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between years. However, the ratio of damaged to harvested pecans was higher for all damage categories in the lower pecan production year of 1990. Significant differences were detected in fox squirrel nut damage and caching among groves within years (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively).

We attached radio transmitters to day-old American black duck (Anas rubripes) and mallard (A. platyrhynchos) ducklings and monitored duckling habitat use, brood movements, and survival rates for 30 days. Ducklings moved an average of 2.3 km within the first 24 hours and another 1.5 km thereafter. After the initial move, broods usually moved once more. No differences in initial movement distance, subsequent movement distance, or total number of movements were found between black duck and mallard broods. There was some evidence that broods in more human developed areas moved more than broods in less human-developed areas. Black duck duckling survival rates were greater than mallard survival rates in 1 of 2 study years.

To determine the applicability of the nightlighting technique for monitoring wood duck (Aix- sponsa) brood production on rivers in Tennessee, we compared results of day and night surveys on 8 rivers in spring 1990. Results of 32 day counts and 16 night counts showed that 112% more broods/km were seen at night (X = 0.55, SE = 0.022) than day (X = 0.26, SE = 0.20). The mean number of broods/km did not differ (P < 0.05) between replications for either night counts or day counts. There was a significant (P = 0.01) but weak (R = 0.61) relationship between the first day counts and night counts and no relationship (P = 0.50, R = 0.19) between the second day counts and night counts. We surveyed Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) personnel (N = 23) who participated in night and day surveys to determine their opinions of both techniques. As a control, questionnaires also were given to 20 other TWRA personnel who had conducted only daytime surveys.

Trapped European wild hogs (Sus scrofa) were immobilized with a combination of azaperone (AZ) and ketamine hydrochloride (KHCl). One capture dart containing AZ was followed in 4-26 minutes by an injection of KHCl with a hand-held syringe. It was our intent to inject each hog with 4.4 mg/kg of AZ and 6.6 mg/kg of KHCl. This drug combination was safe and effective. A mixture of KHCl and xylazine hydrochloride (XHCl) also was used. However, the KHCl-XHCl mixture required drug volumes > 10 ml to achieve chemical restraint for hogs >65 kg. During the time required to deliver a second or third injection, trap related injuries increased. Also, multiple darting caused additional trauma to the hogs. The AZ-KHCl combination reduced trap related injuries by eliminating multiple darting necessary to immobilize hogs >65 kg.

We investigated telemetry error using a dual yagi null-peak antenna system mounted on a pick-up truck. One-hundred transmitters were placed in known locations in forest and field habitats on the Remington Farms study area. Most (755 of 830) pairs of azimuths gave useable estimates of the transmitter location. The median error distance (distance from the estimated to known transmitter location) was 133m (N = 746, range = 2 - 1559 m). Error distance (ED) was closely related to 2 independent variables: the deviation of the intersection angle from 90° (DEY) and the mean distance from the receivers to the estimated location (RECDIST); these are variables that can be calculated in the field with a computer while radio locations are being taken. The model of ED = -9.19 DEV + 0.72 DEy2 + 0.21 RECDIST was highly significant (R2 = 0.82). Predicted error could be used as an objective criterion to reject telemetry locations with unacceptable error.

License plates were used as markers for capture-recapture estimates of vehicle numbers on a 12,547-ha study area. License plate numbers were recorded during random surveys. An attempt to estimate vehicle numbers, using open-population model JOLLY, failed due to problems with equal catchability caused by users leaving the area, then returning. Chapman's Lincoln-Peterson index provided acceptable estimates of vehicle numbers. Numbers of vehicles were calculated for each sample day, then extrapolated to the entire study period. Average number of people per vehicle, area of use, and use activity were calculated using information obtained from mail and personal interview questionnaires.

Gill-nets were used to live-capture otherwise elusive adult alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in coastal Georgia. In all of 55 cases, nuisance alligators > 1.8-m in length were successfully captured. Advantages of this technique include selective efficiency and effectiveness during daylight hours.

Mortality of Florida panthers (Felis concolor coryi) was examined from December 1979 through May 1991 in southwest Florida. Average annual mortality (17.2%) over a 4-year period (1987-1990) was similar to unhunted populations of mountain lions. Highway collisions caused 46.9% of documented mortality followed by natural causes (28.1%), illegal shooting (6.2%), and research activities (6.2%). Road mortality appears greater from November to January and more likely among male panthers and panthers residing adjacent to State Roads 29 and 84. Natural mortality, especially intraspecific aggression, was more prevalent than road mortality in radio collared panthers

Extent and types of damage caused by black bears (Ursus americanus) and landowner attitudes and perceptions of bears were determined by mail survey in Arkansas. Based on 1,353 returned surveys, monetary losses of livestock production attributed to bears appeared to be minimal, but honey production losses were more significant. Nevertheless, only 4.6% of the landowners stated that the damage was intolerable. Eighty-three percent of the respondents indicated that black bear populations should be increased or maintained at their present levels. Respondents that favored lower bear populations generally were those less knowledgeable about bears, with less education, and with lower incomes. A greater proportion of females also favored lower populations. More landowners that had experienced problems thought bears were a nuisance and that populations should be reduced or eliminated than did landowners without problem bears.

Seasonal and annual survival rates were determined for 130 radio-equipped eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) gobblers on Tallabala Wildlife Management Area, Mississippi, 1986-90. Annual survival rates varied from 0.390.54. Spring gobbler hunting (SGH) season survival rates within a year and annual survival rates for that year did not differ (P > 0.10). SGH survival rates were significantly lower than all other periods within each year, and no other differences were detected within years. Our data suggest that mortality during SGH season had a significant affect on gobbler survival; however, experimental testing is needed to determine whether hunting acts as an additive or compensatory mortality factor.

Reliable pre-season predictions for wild turkey harvests can be an important component of management plans where hunter and/or harvest quotas are used. Data collected in Florida from 1983-1989 included 9 demographic and 4 meteorological variables. Using regression analyses we identified those variables which were associated with spring turkey harvest and produced a "best" regression model for making preseason, spring harvest predictions from data collected during the previous year. Variables identified as most important included: harvest, total number of turkeys observed in late summer surveys, and rainfall during the spring harvest season. The regression model employing these independent variables accounted for 94% of the variation in the following year's harvest. Collection of such data is feasible under state wildlife agency fiscal and manpower constraints. Their use gives biologists additional information upon which to base management decisions.

We reevaluated the effects of hunting deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with dogs in 10 east Texas counties 5 years after the initial investigation in 1984. We mailed standardized questionnaires to rural boxholders, licensed hunters, and forest industry landowners. The numbers of landowners and hunters opposed to deer hunting using dogs increased (P < 0.05) from 1984 to 1989. However, there was no (P > 0.05) shift in hunter classification between years. The area available for hunting deer with dogs by landowner permission declined 69% and only 5% of the available deer range in the 10 dog-hunted counties was open for hunting deer with dogs. Hunter success and deer harvest rate decreased as percentage of county deer range open to dog hunting increased. As a result of these investigations, hunting deer using dogs in Texas was prohibited beginning with the 1990-91 hunting season.

Thirty-nine artificial den structures for raccoons (Procyon Lotor) were examined to determine structure condition and occupancy on 3 areas in central Kentucky. Thirty-four of the structures were 6 years old and 11 (32%) of these were considered habitable for raccoons. Five of the structures were 3 years old and all were considered habitable by raccoons. All 16 of the habitable structures exhibited some type of animal activity. Data suggest that weathered artificial den structures are used extensively by a variety of wildlife. Methods of increasing den structure longevity are discussed

Philosophies of fisheries management have evolved through time and have affected, and been affected by, traditional uses of various (different) fisheries. Because of historic differences in management and utilization of freshwater and saltwater fisheries, we expected to find differences among freshwater and saltwater anglers in their support for (attitudes toward) management regulations. Using results from a statewide questionnaire of anglers in Texas, basic social and demographic characteristics and attitudes toward management tools were compared for 3 groups of anglers: those who fish in fresh water only; those who fish in salt water only; and those who fish in both fresh and salt water. Significant group differences occurred for age, income, boat ownership, tournament participation, and years of previous experience. Angler attitudes toward management tools showed significant differences for 5 of the 7 regulatory measures that were compared.

The objective of this study was to determine if largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) electrofishing catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) varied within the traditional spring sampling season. Shoreline electrofishing for largemouth bass was conducted on Chowan River and Sutton Lake in 1990 and on Tuckertown Reservoir in 1989 and 1990. There were at least 6 sample stations per body of water. Each of the 3 study locations was sampled 3 times from March through June. The number of bass >200 mm captured and effort were recorded by sample station and date. Effort was measured in electroshock time at Chowan and Sutton and shoreline distance at Tuckertown. Friedman's nonparametric test was used to test for differences in CPUE among the 3 repeated samples (sample replicates) within each spring for each location. A significant difference was found only at Tuckertown in 1989.

Effects of changing harvest regulations on largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides from a 254-mm minimum length limit and 10-fish daily bag limit to a slot length limit of 356-457 mm and later to a 5-fish daily bag limit were monitored on Calaveras and Monticello reservoirs, Texas. Electrofishing was used to monitor changes in size structure at both reservoirs and density as catch per unit of effort (CPUE) at Monticello Reservoir only. A creel survey was used to monitor angler harvest at Calaveras Reservoir. In both reservoirs, RSD 203-355 decreased while RSD 356-457 and RSD 457 increased. In Monticello Reservoir, electrofishing CPUE of largemouth bass 203-355 mm declined, while CPUE of largemouth bass 356-457 mm and ≥457 mm increased. However, the total CPUE of all stock-size largemouth bass remained similar to pre-slot length limit levels. Calaveras anglers responded to length limit changes by harvesting largemouth bass below the slot length limit.

Lake destratification was conducted from 1987 to 1989 at Beech Fork Lake, a 720-acre lake in West Virginia, to improve the fishery habitat. Improvements in the habitat was associated with increases in standing crop, harvest, catch, and recreational use. The economic benefits of the improvements were evaluated and compared to the cost of the destratification program. On an annual basis, the fishery benefits ranged from $5,676 for the harvest valuation method, to $30,000 for the catch valuation method, $100,282 for the fishermen use valuation method, and $726,660 for the standing crop valuation method. The benefit crop ratio ranged from 1 to 127 times the annual cost depending on the evaluation technique.

Completed-trip information was analyzed from 6 access-type creel census surveys in Georgia to evaluate the impact of statewide creel limits on restricting sport fish harvest. Interview data from 3 river surveys (1988) and 3 reservoir surveys (1 in 1985 and 2 in 1988) were analyzed to determine what percent of anglers caught the daily limit for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), crappie (Pomoxis spp.), and sunfish, and to determine what percent of anglers would be affected by various daily creel limits for these species and for catfish (lctalurus spp.), which currently have no creel limit. Results indicatedthat current Georgia daily creel limits do not significantly reduce sport fish harvest, as harvests of < 1% of anglers approached the creel limits for the 3 groups of fish studied. Access-type creel surveys can be of great value in monitoringor predicting the impact of altered creel limits of anglers as well as on fish populations.

Current Texas law allows the culture of exotic and native penaeid shrimp in private waters under provisions of a Texas shellfish culture license. Because of superior growth and survival characteristics exhibited under pond culture conditions, the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) has emerged as the primary penaeid shrimp commercially cultured in Texas. Recently, shrimp believed to be Pacific white shrimp were collected by commercial shrimpers in the Brownsville, Texas, ship channel. These specimens were morphologically and biochemically compared to native northern white shrimp (P. setiferus) and to Pacific white shrimp from 2 sources: the Parita Gulf, near Panama City, Panama, and commercial rearing ponds, Palacios, Texas. Comparison of morphometric and meristic characteristics and soluble protein profiles isolated by isoelectric focusing confirmed the identification ofthese shrimp as Pacific white shrimp.

A renovation project on Lake Chicot, a 1,417-ha Arkansas oxbow lake, was undertaken to improve water quality and fisheries productivity negatively impacted by surrounding agricultural land and ensuing drainage. A 1920s levee and drainage project that added 90,653-ha of catchment area to the inflow of Lake Chicot also increased agricultural acreage from 10% to 80% of the lake's watershed. This resulted in a substantial increase in turbidity in the lake (from 40 to 400 NTU), negatively affecting the sportfish populations, especially the largemouth bass. In the late 1980s, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission initially aided lake water quality by drawing down the lake and seeding the exposed lake bottom. A fish population adjustment using rotenone was also conducted by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to bring back a desirable lake fishery. In excess of 70,500 kg of fish, mostly shad, stunted catfish, carp and buffalo, were removed from the lake.

Sarcoplasmic proteins were isolated from skeletal muscle of 14 species of Gulf of Mexico sciaenids encompassing 11 genera utilizing isoelectric focusing (lEF). Individuals from the 11 genera were distinguishable. However, intrageneric comparisons (Cynoscion and Menticirrhus) were constrained by similar protein banding among congenerics and required a high resolution pH gradient (pH 4-5) to produce species-specific patterns. A graphical representation of differences in banding patterns among the 14 species was provided by densitometric tracings. Isoelectric focusing provided qualitative evidence of the biochemical relationships among and within the 11 genera surveyed. Although only 2 multi-species genera were surveyed, this study appears to confirm their status as congenerics. Protein profiles generated by IEF appear superior to conventional electrophoretic techniques for the identification of certain sciaenid species.

Angler survey data indicated that voluntary release rates for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) ranged from 8% to 85% for 11 Florida lakes surveyed during 1989 with a mean of 40%. Nine lakes surveyed during the past decade showed an increase in voluntary release, indicating the practice may be becoming more popular. Lake Tarpon anglers released 85% of their bass catch, and 97% of those anglers stated conservation was the reason for not keeping fish. No harvest of bass <30 em was documented at Lake Tarpon, which supports the notion that in Florida most anglers release smaller bass. However, the level of release of quality-size bass at Lake Tarpon was unprecedented. A major factor in this unusual occurrence was the lake's highly urbanized location.

A landlocked population of blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) was established in 1982 in Lake Theo, Texas, and persisted for 7 years. Analysis of scales provided inaccurate ages for fish older than age 1. Analysis of otoliths provided valid ages of blueback herring, but protracted formation of annuli on otoliths limited the use of otoliths for back-calculating lengths of these fish. Fish in this landlocked population attained maximum total lengths of 240 mm, lived 2 years, and spawned only once. The disappearance of blueback herring in Lake Theo was attributed to their short life cycle and production of weak year classes. Future use of blueback herring as a forage fish may require additional stocking to supplement weak or missing year classes to maintain the population.

Principal fisheries in riverine sections of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway below Aberdeen and Columbus dams are associated with tailwaters and bendways (original Tombigbee River channels cut off by the construction of navigation channels). Navigation channels contributed little to the fisheries. Approximately 80% of the anglers interviewed originated their trip from within the county where the respective dam was located. Blue catfish (lctalurus furcatus) dominated the harvest from the Aberdeen system while white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) dominated the harvest from the Columbus system. In the Aberdeen tailwater, catfish anglers prevailed while in the Columbus tailwater, anglers fished for crappie as welI as catfish. In both systems, most anglers in bendways were fishing for crappie. Within navigation channels, no pattern was apparent regarding fish preference by anglers.