Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Heavy metal (lead, cadmium. and zinc) concentrations were found in increase with traffic volume in soil, vegetation. earthworms. and small mammals recovered from roadside areas. Concentrations of all elements generally declined in soil, vegetation. and earthworms as distance from the highway increased. Shrews had higher levels of heavy metals than plant consuming rodents (Micro/us and Peromyscus). Problems of interpreting data on road side contamination and of the ecological significance of such contamination are discussed.

Between 20 May and 10 June 1976, habitat surveys and bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Cal/ipep/a squamata) whistle counts were conducted along 133 24-km randomly established transects in Texas. In 3 of 4 ecological areas of Texas where both species occurred, each species selected different habitats during the breeding season. Scaled quail selected the more dense, shorter shrub habitat, whereas bobwhites were located in the more open, taller vegetation types. In the fourth area, the High Plains, habitat use overlapped. The positive correlation of whistle counts of the 2 species, and a lack of adequate cover suggested there was direct competition for habitat during the breeding season.

A total of 1,648 mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) was trapped on the gravel-topped roofs of buildings on the Texas A&M University campus during the period from February 1978 through January 1979. An average of 84.5 new doves and 52.8 recaptures per month were trapped in a maximum of 13 modified funnel traps baited with a combination of grain sorghum and cracked corn. The new captures were 74.3% adults of which 59.7% were males. Roof-top trapping minimizes human disturbance and travel while maximizing time available for trapping.

The breeding chronology of the mottled duck (Anasfulvi[(ula maculosa) was investigated during a 2-year study in southwest Louisiana. Gonadal measurements were recorded from 37 hunter-killed and 158 collected mottled ducks. A correlation analysis revealed that the ratios of combined testis length to body weight and oviduct width to body weight most accurately revealed reproductive status for males and females, respectively. A quadratic model produced the most significant regression of reproductive status on time for both sexes in 1978 and 1979. Mottled ducks remained sexually quiescent until early January when gonadal recrudescence began. Peak breeding condition for females occurred during mid to late April. about 2 weeks after the peak condition of males.

Bone and liver lead concentrations (J..lg! gm, d.w.) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for 412 hunter-killed mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) collected from 6 Atlantic flyway game management areas located in Maryland. Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, 1977 and 1978 seasons. Juvenile bone lead concentrations ranged from 1.25-763.65 J..lg! gm while adults showed levels from 1.02-322.81 J..lg! gm. Significant effects in location of collection (P<0.005) and age (P<0.005) were determined, where adults had higher bone lead concentrations than juveniles. Some juvenile birds had extremely high bone lead concentrations not found in adults. Adult liver lead concentrations ranged from 0.00-74.61 J..lg! gm and from 0.0076.45 J..lg! gm in juveniles. In the 1978 season, liver concentrations were significantly (P<0.025) higher in the early dove season, perhaps from increased lead shot exposure.

Excessive hunting pressure on Florida Wildlife Management Areas during the early part of hunting season necessitated a system of control on number of hunters. Systems were developed to issue a limited number of permits to applicants on a firstcome, first-served basis. FORTRAN and COM PASS computer programs were used to enter data and issue permits in I system while manual sorting and mechanical'imprinting were used to issue permits in another system. A review of all 50 states revealed a variety of methods of application acceptance, processing and permitting. Planning and methodology including steps, time frame, and costs to implement a controlled hunt system are discussed. Recommendations based on collected data and past experience are presented.

During the summer of 1976 and winter of 1976-77, understory production was measured in 3 old home sites and in 12 other timber strata in the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina. These strata differed in stand composition, condition and age. Summer production in old home sites ranged from 496-922 kg per ha,. and winter production from 128-433 kg per ha. Relatively open canopies probably contributed to high yields. Winter yields from known deer food species were substantially greater in old home sites, range 40.1-303.4 kg per ha (X=207). Japanese honeysuckle (Lonceriajaponica) was abundant in each old home site and was the dominant understory species in the 2 sites with highest production. Potential yields of deer forages, particularly honeysuckle, were diminished by species competition from woody vines, trees, and honeysuckle growing beyond the feeding height of deer.

A total of 286 western Tennessee raccoons (Procyon lotor) were ear-tagged and released in portions of Blount and Loudon Counties, eastern Tennessee, over a 3-year period. Twenty-nine (10.1%) were recovered. Illegal kills comprised 41.4% of all tag recoveries. Seven of I I recovered females had produced offspring. Weight gains averaged 1.14 kg over 432 days. Average linear dispersal was 4.9 km. Dispersal distances for males and females were not significantly different and dispersal directions were randomly distributed. Home ranges of 14 radio-monitored raccoons were not significantly different than those of resident raccoons in the same area. The translocation of raccoons may be a valid management technique provided that suitable habitat exists, resident raccoon populations are low, animals are transferred from similar habitat types, and illegal or dog training mortality can be controlled.

Incisors and jawbones were collected from known-age Texas white-tailed deer (Odocoileus \\'i,.~inianus texanus) which had been captured, ear-tagged, and released as fawns and harvested during public hunts in subsequent years. Incisors from 25 knownage whitetails were aged by Matson's Commercial Microtechnique Laboratory using the cementum analysis technique. The jawbones from these same 25 deer were aged using the tooth replacement and wear technique by wildlife biologists / wildlife technicians of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Matson correctly aged 4 (16.0o/r) of the 25 knownage incisors. Nineteen (90.5%) of the incorrect ages assigned by Matson were younger than the known age. Biologists/technicians correctly aged 242 (66.7%) of 363 possible assigned ages using the tooth replacement and wear technique. Ninety-two (76.0%) of the incorrect ages assigned by the biologists technicians were older than the known age.

Feeding strategies of the beaver (Castor canadensis) were investigated on the Savannah River Plant in the Upper Coastal Plain region of South Carolina. Three beaver colonies. comprising 4 ponds, were selected. Feeding by beavers upon woody vegetation was monitored monthly. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) was the most important woody species for the beaver. Stems 2.5 - 5.0 cm diameter stump high and stems located within the water were preferentially selected. Selection of woody vegetation decreased during spring and summer months and increased during winter months. One pond was deserted apparently because of a shortage of preferred food items within the normal foraging area.

Nineteen wild turkeys (MeleaKris Kallupavu silvestris) were restocked in a North Carolina mountain habitat in February and March. 1978. Each turkey was equipped with a solar-powered radio transmitter package. Seasonal home ranges and maximum seasonal distances from the release site were determined from the date of release through winter 1979. Turkeys were tracked from 29 days to 406 days following release. Dispersal from the release site continued through fall 1978 before stabilizing. The average maximum distance from the release site at that time for 9 hens and I gobbler was 7.0 km (4.3 mil. Seasonal home ranges were largest during spring and smallest during winter. The average spring 1978 range for 9 hens and 6 gobblers was 1.335 ha. The average winter 1979 range for 7 hens and I gobbler was 178 ha.

Available information concerning the past and present alligator (Alli~otor mississippiensis) populations in Florida are summarized. Population status is described on the basis of past harvest records, complaint rates, population surveys and opinions of hunters, buyers, and biologists. Based on these data it appears probable that the alligator's past population status was somewhat less serious than previously supposed and the future of the alligator appears secure.

Annual and seasonal ranges of 76 resident and 13 restocked wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) from the Alabama Lower Coastal Plain were studied over a 3-year period in a north Alabama mountain habitat. Turkeys were tracked by radio telemetry. After exploratory movements of up to 9.2 km, restocked turkeys adjusted to the habitat within about 6 weeks and included the release site in their annual ranges which were almost identical in size to those of resident birds. Resident turkeys released at their capture-site used it as part of their annual range and when released as far away as 4.0 km returned to the capture-site. Mean annual ranges of 1,544 ha for 33 resident and 1,559 ha for 9 restocked turkeys were measured and were over 3 times larger than those reported for the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.

Denning behavior of black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was studied using motion sensitive radio-collars. All radioinstrumented bears (n = 29) entered dens and exhibited periods of decreased activity in the predenning and postdenning periods (n = 20). Denning behavior was characterized by a reduction in sensitivity, with females being more lethargic than males. Female bears departed fall ranges earlier (P

Eighty-three white-tailed deer fawns (Odocoileus virginianus texanus) were captured in the Wichita Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma between 1974 and 1977. General physical appearance was documented and 10 body measurements were taken from each fawn. The calculated age of captured fawns ranged from I to 21 days. Three measurements (total weight, total body length, and hind foot length) appeared to be those most descriptive of skeletal and body mass changes with increasing age. Regression models indicated that males were larger and grew faster than females. The rates ofweight gain for male (0.28 kg/ day) and female (0.24 kg/ day) fawns were higher than previously reported.

Midsummer daytime bedsites of white-tailed deer (Odocileus virginianus texanus) fawns in southwestern Oklahoma were analyzed to determine the species composition of the surrounding vegetation. Vegetative composition varied between bedsites and range sites, but fawns did not bed in areas dominated by short vegetation. Fawns used 5 different range sites for daytime bedsites. Bedsites located on the 2 savannah range sites had higher percentages of woody vegetation than did bedsites located in the 3 open range sites. Grasses and grass-likes were the most abundant plant forms around all bedsites. Forbs were not a major component of the vegetation at any bedsite. Bedsites located in the boulder ridge, hilly stony, and hard land range sites were in good to excellent range condition, whereas bedsites located in hilly stony savannah and boulder ridge savannah range sites varied from poor to excellent in range condition class.

Average home range size for 10 desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crookii) was 384.1 ha. The average home range size for 5 bucks (493.4 ha) was I.7 times larger than that of 5 does (283.7 ha). Home range sizes increased with age and were largest among deer 5 to 7 years old. Deer 7.5 to 8+ years old had somewhat smaller home ranges than animals 5.5 years old. Seasonal migration or seasonal shifts in home ranges were not apparent; however, vegetative type preferences within home ranges did vary according to season. During the winter months deer preferred the skeletonleaf goldeneye (Viguiera stenolba) j catdaw (Mimosa biuncifera) cover type. The juniper (Juniperus Pinchotii) j javelina bush (Condalia ericoides) j catclaw cover type was preferred by deer during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Skeletonleaf goldeneyejcatdaw cover types were preferred diurnal bedding sites during the fall months.

In southeastern pinelands, continuous year-long cattle grazing often degrades wildlife habitat and range condition. Short periods of intensive grazing followed by long rest periods show potential for improving wildlife habitat. In 1976 we began a study in which small pastures on a mature longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) flatwoods site in northern Florida were grazed for I to 2 weeksXuntil 50 percent of the grazeable forage was removed. Pastures were then rested for 2, 4, or 6 months before grazing was repeated. Early results indicate that the 4-month period of rest will significantly reduce the occurrence of pineland threeawn (Aristida stricta) and saw-palmetto (Serenoa repens) 2 abundant and troublesome plants, and will favor the increase of some desirable wildlife plants, mainly herbs.

Data collected from woodcock banded in Canaan Valley, West Virginia from 1964 to 1970 were analyzed to determine population dynamics of resident (breeding) woodcock. lmmatures comprised over 60% ofthe banded sample, with immature males comprising 42% (P<0.05). Immatures appeared more susceptible to capture. Overall sex ratio for the banded sample revealed more males than females, but more females were found in the adult class. Greater survival of immature females causes ratios favoring females in the adult class. Additionally, adult females have a higher survival rate than adult males. Exceptionally high recovery rates were attributed to concentrated hunting pressure and band collecting. Immatures were 1.7 times more susceptible to gunning than adults. High variances and confidence limits were computed for population and survival estimates, which suggested great variation in collection of data.

Select forbs, chosen on the basis of their suspected importance in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) diets, were collected in the geologic Ouachita Highlands and Coastal Plain provinces in southeastern Oklahoma to determine nutrient content and dry matter digestibility. Sampling was conducted from May to September, 1977, on 5year- old clearcuts. Field dry matter, crude protein, calcium, phosphorus, ash, and in vitro dry matter digestibility were determined. Crude protein content (9.2 to 16.8%) was generally low for all species. Calcium and phosphorus concentrations (0.75 to I.57% Ca and 0.19 to 0.37% P) appeared adequate to meet estimated daily maintenance requirements for white-tailed deer. Dry matter digestibility ranged from 31.4 to 46.7% and averaged 40.8%. Differences (P<'05) in nutrient content and dry matter digestibility were not evident between the Ouachita Highlands and the Coastal Plain geologic provinces in this study except for ash content.

The impact of a concentrated (.52 deer / hal herd of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on the vegetation in Cades Cove is discussed. Utilization by cattle and horses had a greater impact on the woodlots in the cove than utilization by deer. Livestock reduced the number of vascular plant species and woody stem counts in all strata sampled. Deer utilization reduced the total plant species number and favored conifers in the 3 cm dbh and smaller stem size classes. Species such as dogwood (Comus .florida), white oak (Quercus alba), and redbud (Cercis canadensis), which were common on limestone elsewhere in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, were much reduced around Cades Cove. The intensive impacts of deer on vegetation do not appear to extend more than I km from Cades Cove.

Thirty pen-reared European wild hogs (Sus scrofa) were released in 1971 in southwestern West Virginia with the purpose of establishing a huntable population. The stocking involved construction of pens in a remote area followed by artificial feeding and gradual release of sows that had recently farrowed. Size of release area and sow-piglet introductions are considered major factors resulting in establishment of a wild population. Wild boars have produced litters annually and are presently occupying 130 sq km. Observations from monitoring activities on reproduction, foods, seasonal movements, and behavior closely conform to similar data of other researchers. A limited permit hunt is scheduled for November 1979.

In 1978, all commercial aquaculture enterprises operating in the state were surveyed by telephone and in person to determine the status of the industry and to assess the biological and economic feasibility of rearing aquatic organisms for profit in Virginia. A total of II commercial aquaculture firms were in business during 1978. Six establishments were producing rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) for food and stocking recreational waters, 2 were rearing warmwater sport fish fingerlings and bait fish, and 3 were culturing clams. In contrast to most southern states, no commercial producers in Virginia were growing edible-size channel catfish (Ictalurus Punctatus) for food. The gross economic return from freshwater fish production in Virginia during 1978 was conservatively estimated to exceed $1,000,000 at the first level. Rainbow trout accounted for 75% of the total income.

Food habits of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), threadfin shad (D. petenense), and blue tilapia (Tilapia aurea) were studied in summer and winter, 1975. Stomach contents of all 3 species consisted predominantly of organic detritus, followed by green algae, blue-green algae and diatoms. Occurrence of planktonic foods corresponded closely with the composition of the plankton. Although food habits differed between season, they were closely correlated among species within season. Similarities in food habits of the 3 planktivorous species suggest potential food competition.

Main channel measurements of temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration are used to describe trout habitat in Bull Shoals Reservoir during August, September and October for 1963-1965 and 1969-1973. These months were chosen to show selected events preceding the October minimum of potential trout habitat. Watershed inflow to the reservoir, generation releases, and inflow from upstream Table Rock Dam were analyzed to determine correlations among these factors and minimum volume of potential trout habitat remaining in Bull Shoals Reservoir each year prior to recirculation. Rainfall is the governing influence over watershed inflow, Table Rock Dam inflow, and release from Bull shoals Dam. During 1973, 161.3 cm of rain fell on the watershed compared to an average of 106.7 cm; trout habitat in the hypolimnion of the reservoir was completely lost by mid-October.