Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Little published information exists on shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) in the Chesapeake Bay. During a reward program for Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus), 32 shortnose sturgeon were captured in the Chesapeake Bay and reported by commercial watermen between January 1996 and January 2000. Thirteen of the 32 shortnose sturgeon were sonically tagged, and 6 of these telemetered individuals were tracked during daylight hours within the upper Chesapeake Bay. The distance (km) and time (days) between consecutive relocations were use to estimate movement rates as km/day. Localized and wandering movements of telemetered shortnose sturgeon were observed within the upper Chesapeake Bay based on extended time intervals between relocations, but individuals were rarely relocated on consecutive days. Telemetered shortnose sturgeon were generally relocated in areas that exceeded the average available water depth.

The objective of this case history was to document the response of the crappie (Pomoxis spp.) population at Kentucky Lake to restrictive harvest regulations. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, crappie abundance declined due to poor recruitment and high mortality during severe drought years. A tagging study estimated minimum exploitation at 45%. Following the drought, restrictive harvest regulations (30 fish creel and 254 mm minimum length limit) were implemented to reduce exploitation, and subsequently increase survival of crappie from age 1 to age 2. Annual survival of these smaller crappie, determined from cohort analysis, was increased from approximately 21% to 48% following implementation of restrictive regulations. Abundance of adult crappie increased following the restrictive regulations. Recruitment variability was not affected by the restrictive regulations, and probably was affected more by environmental changes.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) stocks striped bass (Morone saxatilis) fingerlings in Lake Norman to support a put-grow-and-take fishery. Members from 2 angling groups demanded the WRC raise striped bass stocking rates and increase available striped bass forage. The agency contended increasing stocking rates would exacerbate poor condition and slow growth among the lake's striped bass. Conflict between the WRC and anglers arose when the agency indicated it would not raise striped bass stocking rates, stock additional clupeids, or introduce alosids. An Advisory Committee was established consisting of non-WRC fisheries scientists, members of the 2 angling groups, several members of the fishing media, and local fishing guides. The dynamics of the Committee helped to mediate the conflict and permitted anglers and WRC managing biologists to develop more trusting and pragmatic relationships.

Lake Tanglewood, Texas, is a eutrophic reservoir with an excessively abundant gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum population comprised of primarily large individuals (>180 mm total length [TL]). Fingerling (40 mm TL) hybrid striped bass (Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops) were stocked at high rates in 1992 (490/ha) and 1993 (245/ha) to restructure the gizzard shad population. Small gizzard shad (<180 mm TL) declined in abundance 1 year after hybrid striped bass were introduced, presumably as a result of hybrid striped bass predation. With reduced recruitment, large gizzard shad abundance steadily declined. Gizzard shad year class production increased after the abundance of large gizzard shad declined, suggesting that a high density of large gizzard shad may suppress gizzard shad year class production.

We compared relative abundance, size distribution, growth, and harvest of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) before and after implementation of a 178-mm minimum length limit at 144-ha Purtis Creek State Park Lake (PCSPL), Texas. Relative abundance [catch/hour of electrofishing (CPUE)] was significantly lower in post-regulation years (1993-1995, 243/hour) than in pre-regulation years (1990-1992, 520/hour). However, this decline was likely more attributed to recruitment patterns than to regulation effects. There was no significant difference (P = 0.18) between pre- and post-regulation bluegill size distribution. The only significant change in pre- and post-regulation mean length-at-age was for age-1 bluegill (134 mm vs. 123 mm, P = 0.04). However, this difference is suspect due to low sample sizes and the effect of extended spawning period on the “actual” age of bluegill captured in the fall.

We conducted 2 experiments to evaluate the potential of feeding schedules designed to elicit compensatory growth and increase growth of hybrid bluegill (F1: male bluegill Lepomis macrochirus x female L. cyanellus). The first experiment evaluated a commercially prepared pellet and consisted of 3 treatments: fish fed every day and fish starved for 2 or 4 days after cessation of hyperphagia. The second experiment evaluated 2 diets, mealworms and commercial pellets, fed every day and on a 2-day starvation schedule. Growth and feed consumption in starvation treatments did not significantly exceed that of controls in either experiment. Our results contradict those of earlier studies that showed increased growth and consumption with similar feeding methods.

Historical records and natural history collections have been used as important tools to determine the status of populations. The objectives of this project were to compile a list of the fishes that have inhabited Triplett Creek and to identify changes in the fish assemblage in Triplett Creek. Historical records and vouchered specimens document 80 species from 19 families in the Triplett Creek system between 1890 and 1998. In a survey of the Triplett Creek system in 1999 and 2000, 16,554 specimens were collected, representing 54 species from 11 families. At least 3 fish species are considered extirpated from Triplett Creek, and 3 new fish species [Gambusia affinis (western mosquitofish), Moxostoma macrolepidotum (shorthead redhorse), Percina copelandi (channel darter)] were collected. A comparison of 3 collecting periods using Jaccard's Coefficient of Community Similarity (CC) indicates that the fish assemblages are similar (pre-1950 vs. 1950-1998 CC=0.77; pre-1950 vs.

Allegheny woodrat (neotoma magister) populations in the northern and western limits of the range have been greatly reduced in recent years, increasing the need to locate and monitor both threatened and seemingly stable populations. We tested the feasibility of predicting areas of suitable habitat for the woodrat in the Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF) by using a Geographic Information System model. Several themes depicting woodrat habitat variables were overlaid to produce a comprehensive map displaying likelihood of woodrat occurrence. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine effect of each habitat variable on woodrat occurrence based on a sample of 394 known woodrat occurrence sites, 511 random sites, and habitat data including slope, landuse, site geology, forest cover, and locations of forest openings, clifflines, streams, and roads. The resulting habitat model correctly classified 97% of the 416 independent woodrat locations at the 0.50 probability level.

Successful regeneration of oaks on better sites (SI50>60) has proven difficult in recent decades due to competition from faster growing species and well-established advanced regeneration from more shade-tolerant species. The suppression of fire is thought to have played a critical role in allowing this largely fire-intolerant competition to dominate many upland hardwood forests at the expense of oaks. As part of a larger study examining the role of prescribed fire in regenerating upland oaks, seasonal prescribed burns were applied to first-stage shelterwood harvested stands on Horsepen WMA in the Virginia Piedmont in 1995. We surveyed small mammal communities in these stands to assess the impact of such fires on this component of the fauna.

There is little published information available on non-target captures during small mammal trapping. We used a variety of snap traps baited with a rolled oat-peanut butter mix to capture 2,054 individuals from 9 genera of small mammals in a study of small mammal and avian community structure in riparian areas and adjacent loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations. We also captured 170 individuals from 24 non-target species over 122,446 trap-nights. Trapping was conducted from 1990 throught 1995 in 57 riparian areas and adjacent pine plantations in the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas, during 10-day periods each February. Overall, 7.6% of individuals captured were non-target species. Approximately 78% of non-target captures were birds, 19% were mammals, 2% were amphibians, and 1% were reptiles. Rat traps accounted for 53% of total non-target captures; museum special traps, 29%; and mouse traps, 18%.

Three species of bats are endangered in Kentucky: the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), the gray bat (M. grisescens), and the Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus). Because some level of monitoring of these bats has taken place at Kentucky caves for several decades, trends can be assessed and some effects of management practices can be evaluated. In Kentucky, populations of Indiana bats continue to decline despite numerous protection efforts, populations of gray bats appear stable, and populations of Virginia big-eared bats are increasing.

We studied short-term response of gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) populations to nest boxes in mixed-pine (Pinus spp) hardwood and even-aged pine forests in Alabama from December 1988 to September 1990. Nest boxes (5/ha) were installed in 3 mixed pine-hardwood and 3 even-aged pine stands. We used a split-plot design to determine if populations differed between treatment (with nest boxes) and control (without nest boxes) halves of mixed pine-hardwood areas. In even-aged pine area, post-treatment population indices of squirrels (minimum number known to be alive [MNA]) were compared to pre-treatment indices collected by Fisher and Holler (1991). We captured 260 squirrels 1,102 times in 33,480 trap-days. Number of individual squirrels captured after nest box installation was double in treatment (125) versus control halves (63) of mixed pine-hardwood areas. Population estimates did not differ between treatment and control.

We assessed taxonomic status of wild canids in Kentucky using 13 cranial measurements on 143 known canid skulls in a multivariate statistical procedure to classify 56 unknown canid skulls from Kentucky. Discriminant function analyses revealed complete separation of canid taxa between coyotes and dogs, although coyote-dog hybrids had significant overlap with coyotes. Hybridization between coyotes and dogs in Kentucky occurred in less than 10% of unidentified canids. Our findings suggest that wild canids in Kentucky are best classified as coyotes, Canis latrans.

Bobcat (Lynx rufus) home range is generally considered to be a function of habitat quality, but there have been few published studies that explicitly address this idea. We used empirically developed bobcat habitat models to predict habitat quality within bobcat home ranges on 2 study areas in central Mississippi. We then assessed the relationship between home range size and habitat quality. Habitat quality and variability of habitat quality were not (P>0.10) predictors of home range size. Moreover, habitat quality differed statistically (P<0.01), and habitat composition differed qualitatively between study areas, yet there were no differences (P=0.14) in bobcat home range size between study areas. We suggest that the effect of habitat quality on bobcat home range size may diminish as habitat quality increases, and we offer alternative hypotheses to explain bobcat home range size.

Historically, corpora luteal counts have been used to index reproductive output; however, there has been skepticism as to their usefulness in bobcats because bobcats may retain their corpora lutea from one season to the next. We conducted this study to determine if bobcats retain corpora lutea and if they are functional. Luteal bodies were monitored throughout multiple breeding seasons. The functionality of luteal bodies of previous cycles (LBPCs) in bobcats was explored using radioimmunoassay, and compared to that of corpora lutea (CL). LBCPs continued to produce progesterone, although CL tissue had a greater progesterone concentration than LBPC tissue. This study offers evidence against using luteal body counts to determine reproductive output. Further, we suggest that retention of luteal bodies may be a unique reproductive strategy by bobcats to maintain pregnancy and, as such, may affect restoration efforts and should be considered in establishment of harvest quotas.

Disking fallow fields is a management practice commonly used to promote early successional habitats for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) broods. However, effects on habitat value for bobwhite broods from different seasonal timing of disking is poorly understood. We compared vegetation composition and structure among fall-disked fields (N=24), spring-disked fields (N=26) and bobwhite brood locations determined by telemetry (N=22 broods). Both disking treatments produced more bare ground and visual obstruction than brood locations. In a joining cluster analysis based on vegetation structure, neither spring-disked nor fall-disked fields were grouped with broods. Ground coverage in disked fields tended to be dominated by a few species, but plant community composition differed between fall-and spring-disked fields. Spring disking promoted agronomic weed species such as Senna obtusifolia and Crotalaria spectibilis which have little food value to quail.

Kentucky-31 tall fescue (Festuca arundicacea) was a common planting established on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields throughout the southeastern United States during the late 1980s and 1990s. Fescue-dominated grassland communities on CRP fields offer poor quality nesting, brood-rearing, and foraging habitat for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) because of dense vegetation, high litter cover, low bare ground, and low plant diversity. Herbicide applications have been shown to reduce fescue and release early successional plant communities, and therefore may enhance bobwhite habitat quality. However, the relative efficacy of herbicide used in conjunction with fire has not been investigated. We tested singular and joint effects of herbicide (glyphosate) application and burning on vegetation in fescue CRP fields in east Mississippi. We tested the following 4 treatments: spring glyphosate application, spring burn, spring burn and glyphosate application, and control.

Ruffed grouse densities are lower in the southern portion of its range than in the more northern reaches. It has been suggested that the lower productivity of ruffed grouse in southern latitudes may account for lower population densities. We examined nesting success of ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus at 2 sites in West Virginia during 1998 and 1999. We located nests of radio-collared female grouse and determined proportion of females that nested, nest success (proportion of hens successful in hatching ?1 chick), clutch size, hatching success, and hatch dates. Proportion of hens that attempted to nest, nesting success, and average clutch size and hatching success was similar between age classes, sites, and years. Depredation was the major cause of nest failure, with 30% of nests monitored over the two-year period being disturbed or destroyed. Nests monitored via video cameras revealed raccoons (Procyon lotor) and black rat snakes (Elaphe o. obsoleta) were common nest predators.

We evaluated ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus drumming logs in western North Carolina to determine criteria used by male grouse in selecting drumming sites. For every drumming log found (N = 34), we selected a random log within the same stand type and with a similar topographic position. We collected data on drumming log characteristics and on vegetation surrounding the drumming site. We found 85% (N = 29) of drumming logs on or near a ridge top in a mature (>40 years old) oak/hickory (Quercus/Carya) or northern hardwood forest stand with a dense mid-story of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) and or flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum). There was no difference in physical characteristics of logs, basal area, or woody understory density between drumming logs and random logs (P>0.05). mid-story density and vertical vegetation density were greater at drumming logs than at random logs (P > 0.01).

Understanding space use patterns of wildlife may be useful to spatially plan habitat management options and understand how species use resources on a landscape. Spatial fidelity can be defined as the tendency of an animal to maintain similar space use patterns among periods of interest and can be described in terms of differences in dispersion of points and shift in central tendency. However, little information is available concerning spatial fidelity in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). Therefore, we investigated seasonal spatial fidelity of male and female eastern wild turkeys (M. g. silvestris) on the Tallahala Wildlife Management Area (TWMA) in central Mississippi during 1984-1996. We estimated dispersion between seasons as the mean distance between each location and the bivariate median. We estimated shifts in space use patterns as the distance between bivariate median centers for consecutive seasons.

Reclaimed surface mines are used by American woodcock (Scolopax minor) as diurnal habitat during summer in West Virginia. However, habitat quality of these sites relative to that of other (unmined) diurnal habitat in West Virginia has not been previously evaluated, making it difficult to assess the potential for using mine reclamation to create woodcock habitat. We compared vegetation and soil characteristics at points where we flushed woodcock on reclaimed surface mines (25 flush points at 11 sites) and unmined locations (26 flush points at 13 sites) in West Virginia during the summers of 1995-1997. We provide baseline information on soil characteristics of unmined summer diurnal habitat in this part of the woodcock's range and assess relative quality of reclaimed summer diurnal habitat. Quality of overhead cover was similar at reclaimed and unmined areas, but unmined sites provided more lateral cover because of greater stem densities (x¯ = 16,715/ha, SE = 3,550 vs.

Waterfowl management is a major goal at the Delta National Wildlife Refuge, yet there is little information on mottled duck (Anas fulvigula) nesting on the Mississippi River Delta (MRD) in Louisiana to guide management decisions. In 1998 and 1999, we determined nest success and its relationship to sites and habitat types. Average Mayfield nest success for all locations and years was 20.0%. Nest success differed among sites in 1998 and among habitat types in 1999. Greatest nest success (56.7%) was on Mississippi River levee sites and lowest nest success (0.3%) was on canal banks. Most nest failure was attributed to female abandonment (33.1%) and nest depredation (27.7%). Habitats selected for nesting sites were not used in proportion to their availability, with grassland habitats being used more than expected and marsh and forested habitats being used less than expected. No nests were located on splays.

During winters 1990-1992, we manipulated food availability 5%-20% less than that of ad libitum feeding for captive groups of wild-strain North American wood ducks (Aix sponsa) to test effects of increasing levels of food restriction on prebasic molt of females. Birds fed ad libitum and 5%-15% restricted diets exhibited a protracted molt (>90 days) of low intensity. Most females fed a 20%-restricted diet did not initiate molt until resumption of ad libitum food availability. We hypothesize that a 20% restriction exceeds a threshold in food availability and possibly body condition needed by captive female wood ducks to meet nutritional demands of maintenance and prebasic molt. A lower threshold may exist for free-living wood ducks, implying the importance of adequate food availability and quality during winter to minimize negative effects on within- and cross-seasonal life-cycle functions.

Managers have assumed that migratory geese regularly interchange among wintering refuges, providing a potential to manage them as a complex. The primary purpose of our study was to determine population affiliation and magnitude of goose movements among 4 national wildlife refuges (NWR) in Tennessee and northern Alabama, thereby assessing the feasibility of this approach. Interchange and population affiliation were examined using neck collar observations from 1977-1998. Population affiliation varied among refuges, with Southern James Bay geese being most common at Wheeler NWR, and Mississippi Valley geese being most common at Reelfoot NWR. Only 5.1% of 11,039 different blue-and orange-collared geese observed at the 4 refuges were observed at more than 1 refuge during the entire study period.

Accurate nocturnal bird abundance and distribution data are necessary for managing nocturnal avian communities. We compared vocalization playback and silent methods for surveying 3 nocturnal avian species in Mississippi in 1997 and 1998. Playback elicited more responses from eastern screech-owls (Otus asio) than the silent method. Playback was more effective than the silent method at detecting habitat associations of eastern screech-owls, which were strongly associated with pine regeneration stands than pine sawtimber stands and pine-hardwood stands. Playback of broadcast vocalizations more effectively detects abundance of some nocturnal bird species than silent methods. Increased detectability and accuracy are essential for monitoring and managing nocturnal avian communities and their habitat associations.