Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Data are presented on the survival and growth response of planted 1-0 sawtooth oak seedlings to 4 site preparation treatments on loamy and sandy soils following clearcutting of the residual forest stands. The 4 site treatments were: (1) control, (2) burn, (3) chopping with a Marden chopper, and (4) KG blading followed by disking. In early April 1975, 12 sawtooth oaks were planted in each treatment plot. In October 1980, 6 growing seasons after planting, the average tree survival dropped from 76% in 1978 to 68% on the sandy soil, but remained at 84% on the loamy soil Average tree height was 111 cm on the sandy soil and 156 cm on the loamy soil. There were no significant survival or height differences between site treatments. At age 7 years from seed, there was no indication of flowering or fruiting. Recurrent attacks by leaf miners and twig girdlers appeared to have lessened tree growth and the capability to produce acorns.

Scirpus olneyi and Spanina patens were grown in mixed stands in containers (surlace area: 900 cm2) and burned during the fall and winter on 6 dates (Burn 1, 8 October; Burn 2, 23 October; Burn 3, 8 December; Burn 4, 20 December; Burn 5, 6 February; and Burn 6, 20 February). Plants in 18 separate containers were burned on leach date and 18 containers were left unburned as a control. Biweekly counts were made of the number of culms of each species per container from 5 October to 18 April. A positive linear relationship (P < 0.05) was noted between culm production of both species and minimum temperature following burns. However, the regrowth of S. olneyi increased at a greater rate with increasing temperature than S. patens. The data indicated that photoperiod (decreasing day length) reduced the regrowth rate of S. patens. The mean density of S. olneyi approached or equaled pre-burn densities by the 4th week following burns, but S.

A technique for estimation of carcass fat levels in ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) from wing fat levels is evaluated. The utility of this technique was investigated because many :Btate wildlife agencies annually collect grouse wings for purposes of age determination and hence wings are readily available. Mean wing fat (percent ether extract) levels were not significantly different than carcass fat levels in grouse collected in fall and winter. Significant differences were found between wing and carcass fat levels in spring (P < 0.10) and summer (P < 0.01) collected birds. Despite these differences, wing fat data from spring collected birds may be useful for prediction of carcass fat because of a high correlation coefficient (r = 0.82) between the two variables. A lower correlation coefficient (r = 0.68) indicated limited utility for this technique in summer. No significant differences in wing fat levels were found between air-dried and frozen wing samples.

An analysis was made of 574 ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) crops and 157 gizzards collected during fall and winter from 3 locations in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Grouse crops from the northernmost localities contained more woody twigs and attached buds than grouse crops from locations farther south, and crops from southernmost localities contained more leaves of woody plants than crops from more northern areas. Plants common in grouse diets from all localities included leaves and fruits of greenbrier (Smilax spp.), the leaves of mountain-laurel (Kalmia latifolia), the fruits of grapes (Vitis spp.) and oaks (Quercus spp.), and the herbaceous plant, Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). The major portion of the diets consisted of green leaves (64.5%), fruits (28.9%), twigs and buds (5.4%), and animal matter (1.2%).

A partial nutritional analysis of the springtime diets in 1975 and 1976 of 40 Rio Grande turkey (Meleagris gaUopauo intermedia) hens from southern Texas suggested they fulfilled their nutritional needs by a progressive shift in food use from forb leaves to forb fruits and seeds to animal matter to grass seeds during 5 equally-time-spaced sampling dates. It was apparent in this area that the approximately 14% protein, 2% calcium, and 0.75% phosphorus requirements for breeding turkeys could only be met by a diet composed primarily of animal matter. However, management to enhance the abundance of selected, high quality forbs could provide the absolute, minimal requirements and relieve the dependence on a potentially undependable animal food supply.

Within 12 hours posthatching, poults from captive-reared wild eastern turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) were placed under broody domestic bronze turkey hens to imprint the poults (Gore and Synatske 1978). As many as 15 eastern poults were placed under each broody hen at night without disturbing the hens. After 1 week, surviving poults were removed and replaced with newly hatched poults. The week-old eastern poults were then placed with wild-trapped Rio Grande turkey hens (M g. intermedia). Broodiness was induced in the wild hens by oral administration of 50% ethyl alcohol (1 ml/0.45 kg body weight), followed by an intravenous injection of 5 mg prolactin (NIH-P-S-12 Ovine) in 2 ml buffered saline (Cain et al. 1978). Following about 1 hour of quiet restraint, each hen was moved carefully into a closed cardboard box and the imprinted poults were placed under her. The next morning the hen and poults were permitted to move from the box into secluded holding pens.

Fall-winter diets of sympatric bobwhite (Colinus uirginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) in southwestern Oklahoma were compared during 1978 80 using analysis of crop contents. High overlap was present between the 2 species for 1978 - 79 (Overlap coefficient C = 0.65) and 1979 - 80 (C = 0.88). Staple items included seeds of wheat, mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), broomweed (Xanthocephalum dracunculoides), buffalobur (Solanum rostratum), and flax (Linum sp.). Frequency of occurrence of broomweed seeds increased as winter progressed in 1979 - 80, possibly because of low availability of more preferred foods. Interspecific competition for food resources may become important during latewinter months when seed supplies are decreased.

A total.of 967 wild-trapped pheasants (Phasianus colchicus torquatus) was released over a 7-year period (1964 - 71) in the Sloan-Trull study area of Matagorda County, Texas. On the Maxwell-Boyt study area in Liberty County, Texas, a total of ~,975 pen-reared pheasants (P. c. torquatus X P. c. talischensis) were released during a 5-year period (1968 - 73). The success of these releases was evaluated by measuring dispersal, brood production and survival. On 3 sites during 1977 - 1978, 30 pheasants were tracked by radio telemetry to determine dispersal and mortality during the 1st 30 days after release. Dispersal averaged 439, 450 and 134 m on the 3 sites. Mortality for the 1st 30 days was 40%, 40% and 80%. Annual mortality rates for the Sloan-Trull and Maxwell-Boyt study areas were calculated at 67% and 77% respectively, from a 3-year telemetry study (1976 - 79). Brood sightings reported by landowners, crowing cock counts and hunting results indicate a self-sustaining population.

An evaluation was conducted to compare the effectiveness and humaneness of kill-type traps versus leg-hold traps for land sets. Data were obtained for 448 trap nights which resulted in the capture of 49 animals in leg-holds and 14 in conibears. The leg-hold trap demonstrated a significantly higher capture rate for total animals (P < 0.01), opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) (P < 0.01), and raccoons (Procyon lotor) (P < 0.05). Conibears generally did not kill captured animals instantly and only 64.3% of the animals were captured by the neck or head.

A phone questionnaire was used to determine the extent furbearer population surveys are used in the Southeast, describe the procedures used, identify problems and future directions, and quantitatively rank important considerations in using scent-station techniques based on an opinion survey. Eleven of 16 states conduct annual statewide surveys of furbearer population trends (10 of 11 were scent-station surveys) at an average cost of $26,095. There was no consistency among state surveys and most surveyed biologists (11 of 12) believed consistency was important but questions arose regarding timing and feasibility. Many surveys appeared to be in the developmental stages and the need was stressed for technique refinements and investigation of visitation and density relationships. Survey improvements and standardization may be enhanced through a centralized coordinating organization in the Southeast.

Three hundred eighty-eight stations were surveyed for siren-elicited responses from coyotes (Canis latrans) and dogs (Canis familaris). Responses were received from coyotes at 15 of 388 station soundings (3.9%) whereas dogs were heard at 14 of 388 station soundings (3.6%). November had the highest rate for coyotes (5.8%) and February had the highest rate for dogs (5.3%). Two indices of relative abundance were determined by dividing the average number of individuals responding and average number of responses from 3 soundings at each station by the estimated area covered at those stations in 1 sounding. To correct for those coyotes that do not respond to the siren, this value was then multiplied by 2. Indices of coyote abundance so determined were 0.017 individual responses/km2 and 0.010 responses/km2, whereas indices of dog abundance were 0.011 individual responses/km2 and 0.009 responses/km2.

In an attempt to determine a more effective means of utilizing scent station data to evaluate furbearer population trends, 3 scent types, 2 tracking surfaces and 3 habitat types were analyzed in northcentral Louisiana. Observations at 775 stations on 2 successive days during the fall of 1979, summer of 1980 and fall of 1980, resulted in 574 visits by 13 different groups of mammals. Bobcat (Felis rufus) urine produced the highest visitation rates for coyotes (Canis latrans) when compared to fatty acid scent and rhodium (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference (P> 0.05) in bobcat visits when the 3 scent types were compared. The use of agricultural lime, when compared to natural soil, as a tracking surface increased bobcat visits significantly (P < 0.001). Visitations by other mammals were not adversely affected by the use of lime.

Texas initiated antlerless white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) hunting in 1953. The harvest of antlerless deer is regulated by permits issued to landowners, who distribute the permits to hunters utilizing their property. Since the inception of this program, approximately 1.4 million antlerless deer have been harvested in Texas. In 1979, 290,120 antlerless deer permits where issued to 25,201 landowners, resulting in a harvest of 89,225 antlerless deer. The harvest comprised 5% of the adult female segment of the population. The approximate cost of administering the permit system was $261,400.00 in 1979, representing a cost of $2.93 for each antlerless deer harvested.

We studied fish populations in four lakes in southwestern Oklahoma before and after stocking striped bass (Morone saxatilis) X white bass (M. chrysops) hybrids to determine if the population structure changed as a result of predation by the hybrids. Two lakes were stocked with hybrid fmgerlings at 45 fish/ha in fall 1979 and again with fry at 120 fishlha in spring 1980. The other two lakes (the controls) were not stocked Although growth of hybrid fmgerlings was good, survival was poor. Mortality was greatest for fingerlings less than 150 mm in total length at the time of stocking. None of the fry stocked was recovered Based on the distribution of hybrids and their food, it appeared that they utilized primarily the limnetic zone and did not feed extensively on centrarchids. Changes in the "apparent" structure of populations of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) were not consistent and could not be attributed to predation by hybrids.

Of 80,000 hybrid striped bass (Marone chrysops X Marone saxatilis) stocked in June 1980 in Cherokee Reservoir, Tennessee, only 206 were recaptured. They were stocked at a mean total length of 4.5 cm and averaged 21.5 cm after 7 months of growth. After stocking, hybrids consumed mostly Crustacea, with Chironomidae being the primary food source in fish 5.0 to 12.0 cm in length. Fish first appeared in the diet when hybrids were 5.0 cm and became more abundant as the hybrids grew larger. Condition values (K) for hybrids ranged from 0.9 to 1.2.

In 1980 and 1981, stomach contents were removed from 224 striped bass (Morone saxatilis) X white bass (M. chrysops) hybrids and 149 largemouth bass (Mu:ropterus salmoides) collected from Sooner Lake, Oklahoma. Relative abundances of forage fishes were also estimated and food electivity and overlap of diet were determined seasonally. Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) was the most important food of all hybrids except those <301-mm; insects and inland silversides (Menidia beryllina) were seasonally important. Gizzard shad, insects, and sunfishes (Lepomis spp.) and crappies (Pomoxis spp.) were the most important foods of largemouth bass. Insects and inland silversides were the major constituents of the diet of largemouth bass ≤151 mm. Electivity values showed gizzard shad were generally preferred by both hybrids and largemouth bass whereas silversides, sunf18hes, and crappies were consistently underutilized in relation to their abundance.

Otoliths and scales of gray snapper, Lutjanus griseus, sampled from the Florida headboat fishery were examined to see if they could be used to age the species. Scales were not useful, but sectioned otoliths proved to be excellent for determining age and growth. Rings could be identified and counted on 91% of all otoliths examined, and measurements could be made on 86%. The oldest fish encountered was 21 years; 775 mm TL. Back-calculated lengths at annulus formation ranged from 95 mm for age 1 to 772 mm for age 19. The von Bertalanffy equation describing theoretical growth is 1t = 890 (1-e-0.1009(t+0.3161)). Gray snapper were fully recruited to the hook and line fishery as 5 to 7 year olds depending on the area. Total instantaneous mortality estimates for fish landed in North Florida (Mayport and Daytona) and South Florida (Pompano, Boynton and Key West) were significantly different.

Total length-scale radius relationship equations and total length-weight equations were determined for spotted seatrout and red snapper in Alabama. Age was determined from scale readings. Rosa Lee's phenomenon was observed Length frequency curves indicated that age group III+ (425 mm) represented the largest year class examined among spotted seatrout and age II+ (239 mm) represented the largest year class examined among red snapper.

Two hundred fourteen of 218 American eel, AnguiUa rostrata, from brackish portions of Cooper River, South Carolina, were infected with 1 or more of 22 helminth species representing 4 classes: Trematoda, Cestoda, Nematoda and Acanthocephala. Larval nematodes (Contracaecum sp.) predominated, infecting 95% of eels examined. Seasonal, size- and age-related variations in levels of parasitism by trematodes and cestodes are discussed. Six new host and 7 new locality records are established.

Otter trawl data from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' shrimp monitoring program from 1966 through 1979 were used to determine seasonal and areal abundance of gulf menhaden in five areas along the Louisiana coast. Catches were highest in western Louisiana. Overall peaks in late winter/spring and lows in late summer/fall of catches coincide with the influx of larvae from offshore and emigration of juveniles to the Gulf, respectively.

Fish associated with midwater fish attractors, bottom fish attractors, and open water devoid of cover were sampled by electrofishing at Madison County Public Fishing Lake. Both types of attractors concentrated harvestable-size largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides better than open-water areas devoid of cover. Midwater attractors concentrated harvestable-size largemouth bass as well as bottom attractors.

In September 1976, 1/3 of Lake Orange was treated with rotenone to reduce an overabundant black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) population. Following the treatment 5,232.4 kg of dead fish were recovered, of which 2,050.0 kg were black crappie. Impact of the treatment on the fishery was monitored by a 2-year pre-treatment and a 2-year post-treatment creel survey. Following the treatment, the number of black crappie harvested decreased but average size increased. Average size of creeled bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) doubled The largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) fisheries and total fishing pressure were similar before and after the treatment.

An experimental multiple dewatering plan designed to control Hydrilla verticillata and improve sportftsh habitat was implemented on Fox Lake in 1979 and 1980. Hydrilla above the hydrosoil and turions were eliminated while relative abundance of tubers decreased from 19.44 to 1.79 per m2 by termination of the project. The depth of organic sediments was reduced by 29%, 36%, and 47% for the 30, 60, and 90 cm contour intervals respectively. Expansion of native vegetation was documented by a 40% areal increase in Vallisneria americana and basin-wide germination of Typha latifolia.

A drawdown of Lake Carlton was conducted to evaluate complete dewatering as a method for rehabilitation of a severely eutrophic lake. The water level was lowered 4.1 m exposing 80.7% of the bottom (29.4% sand and 51.3% organic sediments). Substantial germination and growth of terrestrial and aquatic vegetation occurred on the exposed bottom. Following refill a layer of consolidated sediments persisted over most of the area where organic sediments had been exposed. Most new vegetation was established at too great a water depth and died. A net gain in area covered by rooted aquatic vegetation persisted only 2 years after refill.

Incidental game fish capture and mortality in St. Johns River hoop nets is a major source of controversy between sport and commerical interests. The controversy is most severe in that portion of the river from Lake George southward. Project personnel observed 574 hoop nets that had been fished 3,896 hoop net-days over a 12-month period. Four species of catfish comprised 84.8% of the total harvest while the game fish by-catch represented approximately 13%. Harvestable size game fish (that size game fish retained by the sport fisherman) comprised 1.4% of the total harvest. Initial mortality was 2.0% for all game fish caught, but no initi~ mortality for any harvestable size game fish was observed. On the basis of an estimated total fishing pressure of 3,000 hoop nets in the St. Johns River from Lake George southward, 3,171 game fish were caught daily, 346 of which were of harvestable size.