Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

A basic activity of freshwater recreational fisheries management agencies is forecasting societal demand for fisheries resources and producing the necessary supply. Today, potential consumption often exceeds the supply of fisheries of the desired quality. A primary means for enhancing contemporary fisheries management may be to regulate angler consumption. Operations research techniques are well suited for handling the complexities involved with planning multiple action policies for regulating angler consumption. PISCES is a computer simulator of the recreational fisheries management system of Tennessee, but is adaptable for use in any state. The purpose of PISCES is to aid in planning fisheries management decision policies at the macro level. PISCES generates predictions of how fisheries management agency activities will affect angler consumption for a fiscal year.

Barbour County Public Fishing Lake (75 acres) was stocked with approximately 500 channel catfish per acre in combination with the normal stocking rates of largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish. The lake was supplementally fed on one side only, in addition to receiving a regular fertilization program. At the end of one year of fishing, 305.5 fishermen per acre had harvested 621.8 pounds of fish per acre. Of this total, bluegill comprised 381 pounds per acre. There was no stgnificant difference between the weights of bluegill collected from the fed and non-fed areas. There was a significant difference between the weights of bluegill collected shortly after the feeding program was inititated and bluegill collected 14 months later. Bluegill from Barbour County Public Fishing Lake were significantly heavier for a given length as compared to bluegill from three public lakes.

Golden shiner fry (0.18-0.21 g) were raised in 6O-gallon tanks for a period of six months under constant temperature and photoperiod but varying stocking densities and protein levels in food. The stocking densities and protein levels were 20, 28, and 36 fish per tank, and 28, 33, and 38% protein. All the fish were fed at 5% of body weight. Growth in weight and production were evaJuated in relation to stocking densities and protein levels. It was found that a density of 20 fish/60 gallons (100,000 fry per acre) and feed containing 33% protein were desirable for raising golden shiner.

The sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus). an estuarine fish of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, is suitable for both partial chronic and chronic (egg-lo-egg) bioassays. The fish is easily held at high population densities in the laboratory and. at about 30 C, produces numerous eggs. The average 3o-day survival of the fish from fertile egg to fry is 75%. Generation time for this species is short (3-4 months) and its small adult size (male average standard Iength=48mm) provides for relatively inexpensive bioassays. This killifish's susceptibility to organochlorine toxicants is similar to that of other estuarine fishes tested and thus should produce significant infonnation on the effects of these toxicants on the estuarine community.

Two years after pollution abatement, faunal communities in the North Fork Holston River below Saltville, Virginia. remain in a perturbed condition. The num ber of fish species is increasing at the lower downstream stations, but show little change immediately downstream of Saltville. Two species which occur regularly above Saltville were not taken at any downstream station during this study. The abundance and diversity of aquatic insects at downstream stations are extremely variable. but are generally less below Saltville than they are upstream. Populations of mussels have not been successful in recolonizing downstream areas. Water quality parameters fall within acceptable ranges for healthy aquatic communities, but an analysis of river sediments documents the existence of high mercury concentrations. The relatively slow rate of natural recovery processes can probably be attributed to the continuing input of toxic materials from the abandoned waste lagoons.

A study was conducted to determine the accuracy and validity of age determination methods for largemouth bass. Micropterus salmoides, and channel catfish, lcralurus punctatus, in central Texas farm ponds. Each pond selected for this study had been stocked only once with largemouth bass and/or channel catfish. Ages of fishes collected ranged from one through fouf years of age at the time of collection. Fish ages determined by the aging methods were compared to fish ages established by stocking dates. Overall accuracy of age determinations made by these methods was 94% for largemouth bass and 77% for channel catfish. Accuracy of aging generally decreased as tishes became older. Indefinite annuli and supernumerary marks were found on the scales of the largemouth bass and on the tin spines of the Channel catfish, but a majority of these marks could be correctly identified.

Biological studies in the main channels of the lower Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers below Cairo. Illinois. were summarized and reviewed with regard to their scope, methodology. and salient findings. The study area has received much less attention than the reach above Cairo, but 67 references were found to contain at least some direct mention of lower Mississippi/Atchafalaya River biota. Fishes are the best-known and most extensively studied organisms. although few intensive, standardized studies were found. The plankton community has received the most intensive study, largely through the National Water Quality Network program. Benthic invertebrates, commercial crustaceans, and aufwuchs are the least-known organisms, although certain recent studies have revealed general community/substrate associations.

Canada Geese were released on Rockefeller Refuge in Louisiana in 1960 in hopes of establishing a resident, non-migratory flock. One nest was constructed in 1961; however, the Dumber of nests increased each year and by 1973, 265 nests were located on the refuge. The geese became acclimated to the warmer southern temperatures and adjusted their nesting season accordingly. They tended to nest earlier in the year with succeeding nesting seasons. The earliest nesting date on the refuge was February 19, 1968. Parent geese were allowed to incubate the majority of the nests; however. eggs were confiscated from 187 nests and placed in an artificial incubator in an attempt to increase production. Approximately 48.5 percent of the eggs naturally incubated hatched, whereas, only 26.8 percent of those artificially incubated hatched. The greatest loss of eggs incubated by parent geese was attributed to infertility and embryonic death.

A study was made of the aquatic ecosystem of two national waterfowl refuges in Mississippi todeterrnine if there are significant environmental differences between the two refuges which might be correlated with evident differences in wood duck (Aix sponsa) productivity. Standing crops of seeds and plants used by waterfowl were measured. soil and water quality analyses were made, and phytoplankton concentrations were determined. Various aquatic plant communities were sampled to determine the abundance and species of macroinvertebrates.

During the winter 1972-73, 1,000 Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescemp were captured and color-marked at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Louisiana and 592 at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Texas to determine the distribution patternsand flock integrity. Over 450 subsequent observations of the marked geese on the wintering grounds showed that Snow Geese move considerable distances during the wintering season; most birds dispersed from the capture sites in an east-west direction. Geese from Sabine NWR were observed over an east-west belt 267 miles wide and the Anahuac geese over a belt 183 miles wide. No significant difference was observed between the movements of geese marked early in the winter and those marked late; also. the mean distances that geese had dispersed after a given period of time were similar for both refuges. Snow Geese did not show strong flock integrity; instead. they frequently moved from one area to another.

A telemetric study was conducted on immature alligators (Alligator mississipiensis) on Rockefeller Refuge from 27 March, 1973 through SMarch, 1974. Thirty alligators, 17 females and 13 males. were captured, tagged. marked for identification, and outfitted with color-eoded neck-collar radio transmitters. Adirectional receiving unit was used to follow their daily movement. The size of the animals ranged from 3'6-1/4" to 5'10-3/4". Minimum home range sizes, daily activity patterns, and habitat preferences were determined for the alligators under investigation. Readings taken during the winter dormancy period indicated that immature alligators were considerably more active during cold periods than were adult alligators.

A telemetric study was conducted on immature alligators (Alligator mississipiensis) on Rockefeller Refuge from 27 March, 1973 through SMarch, 1974. Thirty alligators, 17 females and 13 males. were captured, tagged. marked for identification, and outfitted with color-eoded neck-collar radio transmitters. Adirectional receiving unit was used to follow their daily movement. The size of the animals ranged from 3'6-1/4" to 5'10-3/4". Minimum home range sizes, daily activity patterns, and habitat preferences were determined for the alligators under investigation. Readings taken during the winter dormancy period indicated that immature alligators were considerably more active during cold periods than were adult alligators.

A total of 276 attempts was made to immobilize white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) using succinylcholine chloride (SC). SC was injected in powder form by dart in 256 deer (mostly free-ranging) and in solution in 20 deer (all captive). Details of dose levels, age, sex, bodyweight, whether immobilized, time interval injection to immobilization and survival rates were recorded. For the SC solution injected animals, packed cell volumes (PCV) were recorded prior to and at several intervals after injection. Among those deer injected with powdered SC, a 64.1 percent capture rate was obtained (63.6 percent for adults, 65.5 percent for fawns). Fatalities were recorded in 8.6 percent of attempts with adults and in 13.8 percent of attempts with fawns. The non-lethal, successful, dose range for adults was 0.078 to 0.265 mg/ kg. The lethal dose range for adults was 0.141 to 0.298 mg/kg; the lethal dose range for fawns was 0.176 to 0.229 mgj kg.

Ducks were inventoried monthly over a 2-year period in order to compare usage of management units in the Louisiana coastal marshes. Areas inventoried were brackish and fresh water impoundments, which were managed for ducks. and marsh pump-out units, managed for beef cattle. In addition, natural marshes nearby were sampled as a control. Water depth readings were taken monthly and vegetation was sampled annually to provide information on factors affecting duck usage. Greatest duck usage was in the fresh water impoundments. but usage of the brackish impoundments was very similar to that of the control areas. Marsh pump-outs received lowest duck usage, and birds were present only after heavy rainfall temporarily flooded the areas. The major factors affecting duck were the types of vegetation, water depth, and time of year.

Between 1970 and 1973, 180 white ibis (Eudocimus albus) 140 adult and 40 nestlings, were collected from four fresh water and three salt water sites and their stomach contents identified. Crustacean and aquatic insects were the major food items totaling 86.4% of the total food volume. Differences exist between stomach contents of ibis collected from fresh water and salt water habitats. Those collected from fresh water habitats contained more insects and snails while those from salt water sites contained more insects of certain families and crabs.

Dogs were used to chase female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in a 2.04Q-acre enclosure at Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Dublin, Virginia, during late pregnancy from April to June 1972 (Phase I) and throughout pregnancy from October 1972 through May 1973 (Phase II) to determine the effect on reproduction. During Phase I, trained deer hounds were used to chase approximately 40 percent of the deer in the study area; the other 60 percent were used as a control. During Phase II, hounds and other dogs were used for chasing deer on the entire study area. All healthy deer easily escaped the chase dogs, but a badly deformed piebald fawn was caught. Neighborhood dogs apparently killed one additional young fawn during the study, but the problem is not serious because of the protective behavior of the does and the secretive nature of young fawns.

Fat from the marrow tissue of the femuf (FMl) of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was found to be a poor standard with which to verify that the fat in the tissue of the mandibular cavity (Men was an indicator of condition. Fat from the tissue of the mandibular cavity (MCT) was found to separate into more distinguishable condition classes than was fat from the femur marrow tissue (FMT). MCT fat appeared to be utilized prior to the utilization of FMT fat. Percent MCT fat was found to vary between the right and left mandibles of the same animal. Animals 2.5 years or older had much less variation between the MCT fat levels of the right and left mandible than did animals 1,5 years or less.

Food preferences were determined for white-tailed deer (Odcoileus viginianus) in marshes and spoil arreas along the Louisiana coast by using feeding trials with captive deer and browse surveys. Fifty species were offered to 3 deer during the feeding trials. The species selected in largest amounts were Leploch/oa fascicularis, Scirpus olneyi, Iva annua, Echinochloa walteri, and Aeschynomene virginica. Preferred food plants during the browse surveys along marsh levees were Paspalum vaginatum, Mikania scandens, Bocapa monnieri, Panicum dichotomiflorum, and Leptochloa fascicularis.

In an east Texas pine-hardwood forest moderately stocked with white-tailed deer. average utilization of 73 recorded species of browse was 18 percent. Fifteen to 20 species furnished most of the browse diet. On the average. laurel greenbrier was grazed most heavily. Although most deciduous species received heaviest use in spring and summer, many of them were also eaten in fall and winter. Heavy browsing during winter was confined primarily to evergreens.

The rumen contents of 384 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) collected seasonally from the Savannah River Project in South Carolina were compared with 184 rumen samples collected from six widely scattered areas throughout the Southeastern Coastal Plain. The two sets of rumina differed significantly in the volume of hardened woody twigs and fungi in the spring, dry leaves and fungi in the fall, and succulent twigs in the winter. The decision to collect local samples or rely on regionwide completed studies will depend on the intensity of management and the feasibility of collecting local information. If data on broad plant categories and plant parts such as green leaves, twigs, and fruits are sufficient for management purposes, regionwide studies can be helpful. If the manager needs data on consumption of individual plant species by deer in his area, local sampling is advisable.

In a densely wooded, 243-ha enclosure in the Arkansas Ozarks deer ate sizable quantities of elban rye and Japanese honeysuckle planted on four clearings ranging in size from 0.69 to 2.31 ha. The number ofdeer observed. the amount of time spent feeding, and the amount of rye and honeysuckle eaten were all greatest during the fall and winter of a year when acorns were scarce. Some ladino clover, which was also planted on clearings, was eaten in the spring and summer. The frequency of deer visits did not vary with size of clearing, but small clearings tended to be more heavily grazed than large ones. Feeding activity was greatest during the hours from 1600 to 0400.

During the period January through March 1973. white-tailed deer (Odcoileus virginianus) forage was analyzed for availability mineral content crude protein, and digestibility on Short Mountain Public Hunting Area. West Virginia. Carrying capacity was estimated using both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the available forage. On the basis of available dry matter 20.99 deer days per acre could be supported. This compares to 16.91 deer days per acre for digestible dry matter and 20.30 deer days per acre for crude protein. Phosphorus, supporting 12.11 deer days per acre and potassium, supporting 16.67 deer days per acre. could also limit deer numbers. Carrying capacity may be over-estimated when using available dry matter and the effect of forage quality on health and productivity of the deer heard must be considered.

A technique is presented (or delineating regions for improved deer management and planning. A G-value algorithm which maximizes the ratio between inter-county variability and statewide-variability among deer kill at each stage of grouping, was used to delineate most similar counties. The criterion used for preliminary regionalization in Virginia was deer kill per potential huntable land area per number of hunting days. Six regions resulted with an effectiveness rating of 0.9253. Comparisons made with present deer regions and state planning districts suggest a lower effectiveness in present regionalization. A concept of dynamic regionalization is proposed as an alternative to present methods.

Ovaries, anterior pituitary glands and pineal glands of 206 white-tailed deer collected from 6 areas of the Southeast over a 3 year period during the four seasons of the year were examined. Ovaries were sliced and all follicular and luteal structures ≥1 mm were measured and counted. Significant seasonal effects were found on ovarian weight, average diameter of the 2 largest fullicles, and anterior pituitary weights. Follicular development was greatest in the summer and fall seasons although large follicles were present on ovaries during all seasons. Ovarian weights were greatest during the winter and anterior pituitary weights were greatest in summer. Ovarian and anterior pituitary weights increased significantly with age but the size and number offollides did not. Little relationship was found between follicular measurements and ovulation or fetal rates when data were examined for each of the areas.