Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were introduced into 2 East Tennessee lakes to evaluate their survival, growth, and food habits in small impoundments of < 5 ha. Small fingerling striped bass (33-96 mm) introduced late in the growing season exhibited poor survival. Good survival was depedent upon early introduction and larger size at stocking. The preferred habitat of striped bass in small impoundments does not support a sufficient forage base to sustain good growth. Food habit analyses revealed that approximately 85% of all food items consumed by yearling striped bass were fish. Sunfish (Lepomis sp.) comprised 62% of the total fish consumed while 29% were largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and 9% were unidentified fish remains. Striped bass began utilizing fish as a primary food source at approximately 170 mm total length.

Food habits of adult white bass, (Morone chrysops), were studied in Clarks Hill Reservoir from 1 July 1980 to 30 June 1981. Stomachs from 137 white bass ranging from 225 mm to 415 mm total length and 0.12 kg to 0.76 kg were examined. Overall, threadfin shad was the predominant food item of white bass (56% frequency of occurrence). Analysis by season indicated that insect larvae and non-shad fishes were of periodic importance. Similarities were found in frequency of occurrence and seasonal trends. Food habits of white bass were compared to hybrid bass using relative importance indices.

This study was conducted to determine population structure, relative condition, food availability, and food habits of bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) from West Point Reservoir in 1980 and 1981. Fish were collected with rotenone and by seining 3 times, weekly, from May through September. Zooplankton and benthic samples were collected at each fish sampling site. Scarcity, small size, relative old age, and poor physical condition of the fish indicated that the population was stunted. Results of fish food inventory and gut content analysis revealed a shortage of preferred food for bluegills of all sizes. The food shortage was attributed to competition with the abundant threadfin (Dorosoma petenense) and gizzard (D. cepedianum) shads and to the effects of the annual 3-m water level fluctuation which reduced standing stocks of benthic invertebrates. Fishery management alternatives were discussed.

There is growing interest in the United States to develop fish farming operations using striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and or its hybrids. In South Carolina an aquaculture model was developed to allow production of pan-size (300-450 g) striped and white bass hybrids within a year. Brood fish are grown in captivity, matured, and spawned out-of-season using controlled environment systems. Small juveniles are produced early in indoor intensive nursery systems for stocking of grow-out facilities at the onset of suitable outdoor rearing conditions. Testing of model components indicated that cultured striped bass can be conditioned to spawn out-of-season and that the striped bass and white bass hybrids appear well suited for aquaculture development.

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to estimate lower dissolved solids and temperature thresholds of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) fingerlings. Tolerance to low total dissolved solids (TDS) was measured by subjecting fingerlings to various test concentrations for 240 hours at 21° ± 1°C. Higher mortality in fresh water than in diluted sea water with similar TDS suggested that concentration of individual ions may be more important than TDS to survival of red drum in fresh water. Survival in solutions of increasing sodium chloride concentrations, but constant TDS, increased and was greater than 80% at chloride levels above 130 mg/liter. Tolerance to low temperature was measured by exposing fingerlings to different temperature regimes in fresh water adjusted to a concentration of 150 ± 5 mg/liter chloride. Lower lethal temperatures ranged from 3.0° to 0.8° C when water temperature was reduced 1° C per day.

Stress induced by handling, hauling, and net confinement was evaluated in 0.2-0.8-g red drum fingerlings (Sciaenops ocellatus). Changes in plasma glucose concentrations were used as general indicators of stress, and changes in plasma chloride concentrations were used as indicators of osmoregulatory dysfunction. Hematocrit dynamics were also monitored. Net confinement (for ≤ 9 hours) and transport (for ≤ 10.0 hours) caused elevated plasma chloride concentrations and decreased hematocrit. Changes in plasma glucose concentrations in net confined and hauled fish were not consistent. Fifty percent cumulative mortality was observed after 9 hours of net confinement. Almost no mortality occurred during transport. Fingerling red drum, subjected to short term stressors, such as standard hauling and stocking procedures, generally respond well, but some may die shortly after removal of the stressors.

Approximately 48% of 211 American eel, Anguilla rostrata, collected from brackish portions of Cooper River, South Carolina, were infested with 1 or more ectoparasitic species representing 2 classes, Monogenea and Crustacea. Seasonal and host size- and age-related variations in the levels of parasitism of Ergasilus cerastes and E. celestis were observed. These variations in levels of parasitism are discussed with a proposed life history for E. cerastes in southern waters.

Natural and induced production of striped bass hybrids was examined under controlled tank conditions. Four culture female F1 hybrid bass (striped bass, Morone saxatalis x white bass, M. chrysops) received human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and ovulated, but only 2 spawned eggs. These eggs, deposited in fresh water, were fertilized by HCG-treated cultured male F1 hybrids. One untreated (no HCG) female F1 hybrid which was paired with 2 untreated male F1 hybrids and held in brackish water (13 ppt salinity) also tank spawned and fertilized eggs were produced. This is the first documented case of a non-induced “natural” tank spawn among these striped bass hybrids. Hatch rates for the F1 x F1 hybrid cross were low. One attempt to induce a tank spawn between a HCG treated female white bass and 2 similarly treated male striped bass was not successful.

Population estimates were calculated for a known young-of-the-year (Y-O-Y) largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) population in a Piedmont North Carolina pond. Bass were collected by electrofishing for 6 consecutive nights. Estimates were derived using capture-recapture (Chapman, Chapman modified Peterson, Schnabel, and Schumacher-Eschmeyer) and removal (Leslie and DeLury) methods. Accuracy and bias of population estimates for each method were assessed from a statistical framework. All methods gave negatively biased estimates. Schumacher-Eschmeyer and DeLury exponential catchability models gave minimally-biased, accurate estimates within 12% to 17% of the true population. Independent Chapman estimates also gave acceptable results (known population within 95% confidence limits) when at least 56% of the known population was marked and the number of sampling occasions >4.

The U.S. Forest Service has been trying to improve the fish population structure of 120 flood control lakes and ponds in the National Forests of Mississippi and Louisiana. Recent efforts have included supplemental stocking, complete eradication of existing populations followed by restocking, and selective species eradication. Since 1978, 36 lakes, 25 ponds and 59 livestock and wildlife watering ponds varying in size from 0.1 to 940.5 ha have undergone fish population alteration. Fifty-three of these lakes and ponds were completely restocked, while 57 have received supplemental stocking. Preferred species combinations in restocking programs have been largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and redear sunfish (L. microlophus), and channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus) at rates of 20,200,20, and l2-45/ha respectively. Supplementally stocked species have been largemouth bass (M. salmoides), spotted bass (M. punctulatust, Florida bass (M.

As an evaluation of Oklahoma's Standardized Sampling Procedures (SSP), Lakes Arbuckle and Thunderbird were electrofished monthly from April through October 1983. Monthly largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) population structure indices and length frequencies were calculated from blocks of effort and increasing sample sizes. Reliability of estimates was determined by comparisons with values calculated from total monthly effort and catch. Spring and fall indices and length frequencies calculated from sample sizes of 150 bass or 5 hours of electrofishing effort were considered adequate to accurately reflect population structure.

A condenser cooling water (CCW) tap valve, a pump-net system, a fine mesh screen and a stationary net were used to measure larval fish entrainment at a power plant and were compared on the basis of relative efficiency, reliability, and cost. Mean densities of shad (Dorosoma sp.) collected were highest when using the CCW tap valve. Concurrent trawl samples indicated that mean densities in the pump-net and tap samples responded to changes in larval fish mean densities in the reservoir proximal to the plant intake. Overall, the CCW tap was determined to be the most efficient, reliable and cost effective method.

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.