Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Twenty-three white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were radio-tracked from February 1984 to February 1985 on adjacent south Texas areas subjected to short duration (SDG) and continuous (CG) cattle grazing. Deer that ranged between the 2 grazing treatments were termed border deer. There were no (P > 0.05) differences in home range size by grazing treatment or sex, but variability was high. Home ranges were similar for deer on the SDG vs. CG area in spite of a 62% greater stocking rate under short duration for 9 of 12 study months. During the last 3 months, stocking rate in the SDG area was 16% less than in CG.

Invertebrate density and biomass, northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) chick invertebrate selection, and vegetation stem density and biomass were studied in old field (OF), fertilized old field (FOF), and fertilized kobe lespedeza (FKL) (Lespedeza striata var. kobei) plots, in the summers of 1985 and 1986. Total invertebrate density and biomass were not different (P > 0.05) among treatments. Coleoptera (beetles) density and biomass were greatest (P < 0.05) in FKL plots in 1986. Coleoptera, Lepidoptera larvae, and Hemiptera were most preferred (P < 0.05) by 3-, 7-, 14-,21-, and 28-day-old bobwhite chicks. Kobe lespedeza plots contained a greater stem density (P < 0.05) of Fabaceae (legumes) than OF plots in 1985 and 1986 and FOF plots in 1986. In both years, FOF plots contained a greater (P < 0.05) plant biomass than FKL and OF plots. Kobe lespedeza strips and burning can be used for management of bobwhite nest and brood habitat.

Three female red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) were translocated and released separately into 2 colonies with resident bachelor males in April 1986. Two females paired with resident males at their release site. One pair fledged young in 1986, and both pairs fledged young in 1987. The translocation increased the local population from 1 to 3 pairs. Four nestling red-cockadeds were fostered in May 1987. All fostered young fledged. Flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) in all active colonies threatened introductions and nesting attempts. To reduce competition for cavities, flying squirrels were captured and removed from cavities and nest box traps installed on cavity trees in all active colonies. Results indicated that nest boxes have intercepted the majority of squirrels since August 1986, and thus may have reduced squirrel use of cavities.

Air and ground crews conducted a search for carcasses of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) following a 5-day, either-sex muzzleloader hunt. The search covered 48.4% of the refuge>s 5,047 ha. A total of 8 carcasses was found with muzzleloader wounds. Based on the area covered, an estimate of 16.5 unretrieved deer (23.9% of the 69 deer harvested) was calculated. Interviewed hunters reported 16 unretrieved deer or 23.2% of the total harvest. All 8 carcasses found were adult does. This differed from the harvest results in which only 32% were adult does.

The Southeastern Section, The Wildlife Society (TWS), chartered 19 July 1948 has completed 39 years of operation. Thirty chapters within the Section have been chartered. Committee and other Section activities are described in this report. Information for this report was gathered from committee reports, executive board and annual business meeting minutes, Southeastern Section, TWS Newsletters, previous historical reports and Proceedings of Annual Conferences, Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Five aerially estimated habitat variables and nest spacing patterns were used to develop predictive models for evaluating the status of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nests on 2 lakes in central Florida. Models developed from data on 146 and 54 nests on Orange Lake and Lake Woodruff, respectively, indicated that none of the habitat variables were useful in predicting nest success. Nests occurred in clumped distributions in some years, but were not clumped in the same areas from year to year. Until more reliable methods for evaluating nest status are available, management programs that utilize alligator eggs should target the most accessible nests.

Home range, habitat use, and daily movements of 11 adult alligator snapping turtles (Macroclemys temmincki) were studied with telemetry in Black Bayou Lake and Bayou Desiard, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, from 8 August 1984 to 6 November 1985. Six turtles were native to the study area, and 5 were introduced. No difference (P > 0.05) was found between the mean daily distances traveled by introduced turtles and those traveled by native turtles. Minimum home range sizes were not different (P > 0.05) between introduced and native turtles. Turtles in Black Bayou Lake used shallow, heavily vegetated waters, not in proportion to availability. Bayou Desiard turtles used deep channels in proportion to availability.

In a study of the distribution of the Cape Sable sparrow (Ammodramus maritima mirabilis) in East Everglades, data were collected describing vegetation and soil characteristics at points sampled for occurrence of the sparrow. Data were used to assess the utility of a habitat suitability model. Of 13 variables derived from the soil and vegetation data, none were correlated with numbers of sparrows at the sample points. A biologist>s independent valuation of habitat suitability, at a subset of the points, was correlated with presence or absence of sparrows, and histograms representing frequency of occurrence suggested relationships between several vegetation variables and presence or absence. Presence-or-absence data may be more valuable than density for appraising habitat suitability for species, such as the Cape Sable sparrow, that have a territorial breeding season, limited reproductive capacities, and specific habitat requirements.

Data for assessing trends in river otter (Lutra canadensis) distribution and abundance are difficult to collect because monitoring techniques are currently unavailable, prohibitively expensive, or are applicable only to small areas. Scent-station and field-sign techniques for gathering such information were evaluated in 52 counties and 6 physiographic regions of Georgia from 1983 through 1986. Indices derived from scent-station and field-sign surveys were correlated (P < 0.01). Scent-station surveys were discontinued in 1985 and 1986, and field-sign surveys were used exclusively in all but I region because field-sign surveys were less costly. Field-sign surveys are a rapid, economical means of determining river otter distribution, but high variability in field-sign or scent-station indices precludes their use as detectors of annual fluctuations in otter abundance.

Thirty-six ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) trapped in eastern Tennessee were released in western Tennessee during fall and winter 1985-86. Birds were monitored by radio telemetry and/or observation through spring 1986. Drumming surveys were conducted in the spring of 1986 and 1987. Thirteen drumming logs were located. Two activity centers were delineated in 1986, and 4 in 1987. Characteristics of drumming logs and surrounding habitat are comparable with those reported in the literature.

Nests and broods of American woodcock (Scolopax minor) were located during late winter and early spring in Alabama from 1976 through 1985 using trained pointing dogs. The number of hours of search effort required to locate a nest or brood decreased linearly with an increase in the number of days in January with mean temperatures ≥4.4°C. Generally, warmer Januarys resulted in increased nesting activity by American woodcock in Alabama.

Differential development of reproductive characteristics and sex organs among age classes of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) during the breeding season was studied in west-central South Carolina. Blood samples and reproductive organs were obtained from 292 hunter-harvested deer from 26 October through 21 December 1985. Peak serum testosterone concentrations of ≥3.5-yearold deer occurred during the first week of the study, whereas peak concentrations in younger deer occurred approximately 4 weeks later. Testosterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.03) in older age classes. Data support the hypothesis that younger males reach peak rutting condition later than prime-aged (≥3.5 years old) individuals. Correlations (P < 0.01) among testosterone concentration, testicle length, and scrotal circumference were observed in yearling and 2.5-year-old bucks, but not in the ≥3.5 year olds.

Habitat characteristics of 2 landforms, flood plain and adjacent upland forest, were sampled along perennial streams in 3 regions of the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas. Stand density, basal area, and den tree density were not different between landforms or among mountain regions. However, the proportions of stand density and basal area comprised of hardwood species and nut-producing species were usually different between landforms and regions. Differences in species composition were consistent, with more hardwoods in flood plains than in uplands, and more in the Crystal and Zig Zag mountains than in the Fourche Mountains. All dens (cavity entrances ≥2.5 cm) were in hardwoods. Important den tree species were American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), blackgum tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), and white oak (Quercus alba).

Monthly scent-station visitation rates, derived from 19 transects located in 4 habitat types (bottomland hardwood, bluff-shoreline, upland hardwood, and pinehardwood) in western Tennessee during May 1982 through November 1984 were evaluated as indices of raccoon (Procyon lotor) abundance. The correlation between scent-station indices and winter raccoon density estimates was assessed at 9 sites. Generally, scent-station visitation rates were high from May to October in all habitats, and moderate to low from November to April. Highest visitation occurred in June and July, and lowest in December and January. Differences in visitation rates among habitats were significant for 8 of 11 months examined; greatest differences among habitats occurred during June and July. Visitation rates were greatest in habitats that supported high winter densities of raccoons. In 7 out of 12 months, visitation rates were significantly correlated with winter density estimates.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were experimentally chased with dogs in east Texas in December 1984 and in January and December 1985. Chase duration and dog dispersal were determined with the aid of radio telemetry. Fifty-three experimental chases of deer were conducted; chase duration averaged 18 minutes. Average dog dispersal from the point of release was 1.1 km; 70% of chases were within 1.6 km of the release point. Dog dispersal data indicated that 2,514 ha were required to hunt deer with dogs in a 405-ha core area to prevent dog trespass onto surrounding land in 70% of the chases. Twenty-six deer of either sex were harvested in experimental chases for a hunter success rate of 65%. Crippling loss of unharvested deer was 38%. No extreme deer movements off the study area were observed, and no deer were caught by dogs.

Habitat structure and composition were measured at 51 ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) trap sites in a mixed-mesophytic forest in eastern Kentucky. High midstory stem density, low herbaceous stem density, high abundance of dead wood at ground level, and high abundance of evergreen herbs, greenbriars (Smilax spp.), and pines (Pinus spp.) contributed significantly to prediction of ruffed grouse captures. A discriminant model was tested on independent data and correctly classified 70% of 50 capture sites but misclassified 60% of 48 non-capture sites as capture sites. Nineteen of 23 sites that captured 2 or more grouse were classified correctly.

Ten adult bobcats (Felis rufus) were located by radio-telemetry during 15 months in Breathitt County, Kentucky. Annual home ranges, calculated by using the 95% Minimum Convex Polygon Method, averaged 59.4 km2 (range 14.5-133.3 km2 , N = 6) for males and 4.7 km2 (range 2.8-8.1 km2 , N = 4) for females. Female intrasexual overlap was not observed, while male intrasexual overlap averaged 71 %. There were no differences among seasons in home-range size or percentage overlap for males or females (P > 0.05). Variability in home-range size and the high degree of male intrasexual overlap may indicate a relatively dense population.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) densities and sex ratios were determined during 2 seasons for a semiconfined population. Two drive counts were used to estimate deer densities when an entire area was traversed, once in early winter and once in summer. In addition to the 2 drive counts, 5 random transects, totaling 4.5 km, were walked 6 times (3 times in fall and 3 in summer). Eighteen different density estimators were calculated using the line transect data. Compared to the density estimates derived from drive counts, the Hayne Constant Radius estimator gave the most accurate estimate for fall-gathered data, while the Exponential estimator gave the most accurate estimate for summer-gathered data. Considering both fall and summer estimates, the Generalized Exponential procedure was the most accurate. Precision was greatest with the Polynomial, Triangular, and Exponential procedures for summer, fall, and combined surveys, respectively.

Stomach contents of 59 black bears (Ursus americanus) killed by hunters in Arkansas from 1981 to 1986 were examined. Acorns (Quercus spp.) comprised 34.1% of the total volume examined and occurred in 66.1% of the stomachs. Fruits of pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), hickory (Carya spp.), persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), Carolina buckthorn (Rhamnus caroliniana), devil's walkingstick (Aralia spinosa), and wild grapes (Vitis spp.) were commonly consumed by bears. Acorn and hickory nut consumption positively correlated with mast survey data collected in Arkansas from 1982 through 1986. The high volume and frequency of occurrence of pokeweed fruits suggest that clearcuts are used by bears in the Ozark and Ouachita mountains of Arkansas.

From 1976 to 1986,99 black bears (Ursus americanus) killed by motor vehicles were collected from roadsides throughout Florida. Males (N = 66) were killed approximately twice as frequently as females (N = 30). Males of dispersal age were killed more frequently than bears in other age classes. Seasonal peaks in roadkills occurred in May-July and in October-December. Strategies aimed at reducing the number of road-killed bears include driver education, bear crossing signs, and underpasses in new highway construction projects which allow bears safe passage.

As Tennessee began building its deer herd, a problem arose with hunters shooting deer from public rights of ways. Due to ineffective enforcement practices, the problem became a major concern of landowners and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The need arose to develop an effective and legal method to address violations and ensure compliance of wildlife laws. The idea of a decoy deer has been developed into a very effective tool which has been tested in the judicial system. This tool has also been demonstrated to be cost efficient. The public reaction has been very positive and supportive with demonstrable results in the reduction of complaints and violations.

The wood duck and other species of waterfowl were spared by reducing overharvest caused by unregulated hunting. The comparison of scientific investigations to duck hunter and law enforcement agent questionnaires revealed considerable controversy over the impacts of hunting and hunting regulations on duck populations and harvests. More reliable data on legal and illegal harvest, cripping loss, and nonhunting mortality are necessary for the orderly management of all species of ducks. The literature agreed with hunter/agent questionnaires-illegal kill and hunting ethics are significant issues. They indicated that violating duck laws had been socially accepted. Suggested solutions were: increased field law enforcement, stiffer innovative sentences, and more hunter involvement in ethics education. A video presentation titled, "Changing Traditions" was edited from selected hunter interviews.

Law enforcement practitioners have always found effective planning difficult in terms of measuring results. The Division of Law Enforcement has developed a planning system that maximizes limited resources, enhances morale and fosters a team spirit. Mandatory long-range planning within the agency has lead to the implementation of a "quarterly field planning" concept by the Division in which supervisors and their officers meet together each quarter and set 4 high priority work goals and develop strategies to meet those goals. This "directed patrol" concept reduces aimless, rambling patrols, and increases group interaction and team problem solving. The quarterly plans also serve as a mechanism by which top management can direct field changes in policy or priority activities. Results for each quarter are evaluated by regional and Central office personnel.

In order to ensure compliance with the state laws governing the exhibition, importation, exportation, possession and sale of wildlife, the Division of Law Enforcement of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission has established the Wildlife Inspections Section. This paper will review implementation of Florida's 2 basic laws as they relate to regulation of these activities through law enforcement specialization.

The decoy deer sting operation identifies one way the Virginia Game Department approached a specific illegal hunting activity. The paper places emphasis on circumstances surrounding the implementation and operation of this activity. Cooperation by the courts secured the operation as a complete success.