Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

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.

Throughout the many years of his existence, the conservation ranger has never held an ideal relationship with the news media. The highly isolated areas that he works, the low profile he maintains, and the seclusion he often places himself in, have all contributed to making the ranger almost invisible to the news media in many areas, but especially in the area of law enforcement. As a peace officer, the conservation ranger is undoubtedly one of the least understood aspects of the criminal justice system. Often working alone, with little or no contact with the outside world, the ranger works diligently toward enforcing a state's game and fish laws. But the ranger's responsibility to the public does not end with his protection of the wildlife and habitat.

As a part of a cooperative effort between the Fisheries and Law Enforcement Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a comprehensive program for forensic identification of fish and wildlife species has been implemented. Results of comparisons of blood stains from various wildlife species indicate that isoelectric focusing of blood produces genetic "fingerprints" that are characteristic for individual species. Results of 3 representative cases are reported and the program enactment is outlined.

Deer depredation permits bring about mixed emotions across the state of Mississippi. Through the diligent work of local conservation officers, the cooperation of landowners, and the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) all parties have a clearer view of the permit system, and realize that it will only work when we all work together.

The perceived influence of television, parents, books, teachers, friends, and a school class on students' interest in wildlife was examined by survey of fifth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh grade students residing in Hualien, Taiwan, and Victoria, Texas. Television and books represented the greatest perceived influence on both Taiwanese and American students' interest in wildlife whereas teachers and the school classroom were among the least influential. Few significant variations (ANOYA) by city and grade were detected. Study implications were related to focusing on teachers as neglected partners in the process of wildlife education and future research needed in wildlife education.

Demand for an effective way to evaluate natural resource education programs and materials is increasing. In this study, a mail questionnaire survey was developed to examine the impact on riparian landowners of a cooperative extension education publication addressing river conservation. Our respondents held a favorable opinion about this publication. The majority of readers surveyed found it understandable, well organized, attractive, interesting, persuasive, educational, and sufficiently useful to be kept for future reference. Most readers expressed a willingness-to-pay price that exceeded the publication costs. The mail questionnaire survey technique provides a rapid, convenient, and objective approach for evaluation of educational publications. This method is useful in demonstrating the extent of use and effectiveness of an educational publication, characterizing readership, and justifying production costs to sponsors.

A user survey was conducted on Eastern State Wildlife Management Area from 8 November 1986 through 28 February 1987. A total of 1,290.50 hours of use was recorded by hunters and non-hunters for the period. December received the maximum hunter effort with 406.50 hours. November received 247.50 hours of use, January 193.00 hours of use, and February 122.32 hours of use. January recorded the maximum hours of non-hunter use with 156.50 hours. Rabbit hunting was the most popular activity with 224.42 hours. Unspecified, squirrel, crow, and dove hunting followed in popularity. It is apparent from use and harvest data that the area provides substantial opportunity for the hunters of the surrounding metropolitan area.

Missouri fifth grade students (N = 2,581) selected from a stratified random sample of 100 public elementary schools were surveyed to determine their knowledge about white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Students possessed good general knowledge about deer biology, management and hunting. Statements about habitat management and specialized information for deer proved most difficult for students as indicated by mean correct responses of only 51% and 45%, respectively. It was noteworthy that only 45% of the students agreed that deer hunting is a good method for controlling the deer population, and only 42% believed it an acceptable activity. Students attending schools in Ozark Plateau and Glaciated-Osage Plains natural divisions possessed better knowledge about deer than did students in Mississippi Lowland and urban regions of the state. Recreation and meat were recognized as primary reasons people hunt deer.

After 2 years of discussion with key members of trapper and houndsman organizations the Arkansas Furbearer Council met for the first time. Subsequent meetings and cooperative efforts with the officers and members of the concerned groups have molded a relationship whereby problems are worked out "across the table." Over 2 dozen joint actions have resolved many problems affecting the interests of these groups. The Arkansas Furbearer Council is highly regarded by the Commissioners of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and recommendations from the Council have been approved consistently.

Sportsmen Protecting Our Resources Together, (SPORT), is a Missouri Department of Conservation outdoor ethics program designed to improve our awareness of how we use the outdoors and the responsibility connected to that use. In Missouri, SPORT is the foundation for not only Hunter Education, but also our complete Outdoor Skills Education program. It provides enough variety in its form to integrate it into an overall outdoor education curriculum within a school or youth organization. This paper will discuss goals of the SPORT program, examine how it is used in hunter education and other outdoor education programs and evaluate the future need for outdoor ethics.

Alabama hunting accident data collected from 1976 to 1985 were examined to assess trends and establish causal relationships. Species hunted, geographic area, time of day, type of firearm, age of shooter, and hunter judgement were major factors associated with hunting accidents. Close correlations seemed evident between hunters < 18 years old without hunter education training and hunting accidents throughout the study period, while no correlation was evident for hunters < 18 years old who had hunter education training. Recommendations were made for future data collection and analysis of hunting accidents occurring in the Southeast. Also, special areas of emphasis were highlighted to be stressed in future hunter education courses based on identified relationships between accidents and analyzed factors.