Proceedings of Southeastern Fish and Wildlife Conference

Prior to 2013, SEAFWA published the Proceedings of annual conferences. In 2014, SEAFWA began publishing the peer-reviewed Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

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Article Year

Nesting Success of Ruffed Grouse in West Virginia

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.

Christopher A. Dobony, John W. Edwards, W. Mark Ford, Thomas J. Allen

Pages 456-465

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2001

Non-target Captures During Small Mammal Trapping with Snap Traps

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.

David G. Peitz, Philip A. Tappe, Ronald E. Thill, Roger W. Perry, M. Anthony Melchiors, T. Bently Wigley

Pages 382-388

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2001

Poster Session

Pages 607-619

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2001

Progesterone in Luteal Bodies of Bobcats

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).

Victoria M. Woshner, Debra L. Miller, Stephen J. Waldhalm, Nancy M. Cox, Harry A. Jacobson, Bruce D. Leopold

Pages 427-435

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2001

Quantifying Instream Habitat in the Upper Shavers Fork Basin at Multiple Spatial Scales

Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations in the upper Shavers Fork, a high elevation watershed in eastern West Virginia, have been severely impacted by a loss of quality habitat. Successful restoration of these populations will require a comprehensive understanding of current habitat conditions at a watershed scale. We describe a statistically based habitat survey designed to quantify physical habitat conditions within the watershed at a range of spatial scales.

J. Todd Petty, Jason Freund, Peter Lamothe, Patricia Mazik

Pages 81-94

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2001

Relation of Environmental Calcium and pH to the Stress Response of Striped Bass

Striped bass fingerlings (Morone saxatilis) acclimated to hard water (110 mg/liter as calcium carbonate, 41.0 mg/liter as calcium) were exposed for 96 hours at pH 7.7, 6.1, or 4.2 in hard water. In another experiment, striped bass fingerlings acclimated to soft water (32 mg/liter as calcium carbonate, 9.5 mg/liter as calcium) were exposed for 96 h at pH 7.7, 6.1, or 4.2 in soft water. No mortalities occurred during the experiments.

Patricia M. Mazik, Bill A. Simco, Nick C. Parker

Pages 208-217

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2001

Relationships Between Diet and Growth of Age-0 Largemouth Bass in a Kentucky Lake Embayment

Diet and growth of the 1993 year-class of age-0 largemouth bass were determined in Ledbetter Embayment of Kentucky Lake. Diet was analyzed to determine the relationship between diet quality and the resulting size structure of the cohort. Length-weight and head capsule-weight regressions were used to estimate the dry weight of prey items in the diet. Largemouth bass were divided into 2 size classes (large and small) based on the mean length for each sampling date.

David P. Dreves, Tom J. Timmons

Pages 175-193

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2001

Response of Brown Trout in Lake Cumberland Tailwater to a Trophy Regulation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a 508-mm minimum length limit in conjunction with a 1-fish-per-day creel limit to determine its effectiveness in improving the size structure of the brown trout (Salmo trutta) fishery resource in the Lake Cumberland Kentucky tailwater. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of trophy (>508 mm) brown trout within the tailwater. When sample sites were combined, a significant increase in brown trout CPUE was seen across years for all size-classes.

Jeff R. Ross, Jarrad T. Kosa

Pages 23-37

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2001

Response of the Crappie Population to Regulatory Changes in Kentucky Lake, Kentucky: A Case History

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.

Paul W. Rister

Pages 304-315

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2001

Seasonal Movement and Distribution of Smallmouth Bass in a Virginia Impoundment

We described seasonal movements of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in Lake Moomaw, a 1,024-ha western Virginia impoundment, using ultrasonic telemetry in combination with a mark-recapture tagging study. Documentation of lake sections occupied over the course of a 2-year period was used to assess the extent and magnitude of spring migrations of bass to the headwaters of the reservoir. Fish using the headwaters during the spring were drawn mainly from adjacent areas within 9 km of the headwaters, although fish from as far away as the dam were recovered in the headwater area.

Daniel A. Garren, John J. Ney, Paul E. Bugas, Jr.

Pages 165-174

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2001

Spatial Fidelity of Wild Turkeys Between the Seasons in Central Mississippi

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.

Darren A. Miller, L. Mike Conner, Bruce D. Leopold, George A. Hurst

Pages 475-487

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2001

Spatially Explicit Modeling of Allegheny Woodrat Habitat in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

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.

Eric S. Ivanovich, Stephen Sumithran, Robert B. Frederick

Pages 364-374

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2001

Status and Management of Endangered Bats in Kentucky

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.

Traci A. Wethington

Pages 389-395

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2001

Surveying Nocturnal Bird Communities of the Southeast with Silent and Playback Methods

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.

Douglas R. Wood, Francisco J. Vilella, James W. Armacost, Jr., L. Wes Burger, Jr.

Pages 528-533

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2001

Temporal Change in Fish Assemblages of Triplett Creek, Kentucky

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.

Katherine A. McCafferty, David J. Eisenhour

Pages 353-363

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2001

The Case for Multi-jurisdictional Management of Ohio River Paddlefish

The paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) population in the Ohio River Basin is an inter-jurisdictional resource shared by 8 states and managed with 3 different strategies, restoration, protection, and harvest. These contrasting management strategies evolved from a historical gradient in abundance of paddlefish from the upper to lower reaches, differential impact of anthropogenic factors, and U.S. Supreme Court settlements, which changed river ownership among lower Ohio River states.

Doug Henley, Les Frankland, Scott Hale, Chris O'Bara, Tom Stefanavage

Pages 243-256

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2001

The Nemours Wildlife Foundation: A New Partner in Wildlife Conservation

Future successes in wildlife conservation will hinge on our ability to forge partnerships, and the best opportunities for new partnerships will come from private, nonprofit foundations. The number of new foundations is growing at a remarkable rate, and the funding they provide to projects dealing with the environment and wildlife exceeds $1.7 billon annually. Additionally, these foundations are rich in scientific and educational expertise, land for study areas, laboratories, and other resources essential for scientific investigations and educational programs.

Ernie P. Wiggers

Pages 575-581

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2001

The Taxonomic Status of Wild Canis in Kentucky

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.

John J. Cox, Leslie Meade, David C. Yancy, David S. Maehr

Pages 408-417

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2001

Initial Gray Squirrel Population Responses to Nest Boxes in Two Forest Types in Southern Alabama

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.

Thomas E. Nupp, Nicholas R. Holler

Pages 396-407

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2001

Vegetation Characteristics in Seasonal-disked Fields and at Bobwhite Brood Locations

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.

A. Vince Carver, Loren W. Burger Jr., William E. Palmer, Leonard A. Brennan

Pages 436-444

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2001

Walleye Movement, Distribution, and Habitat Use in Laurel River Lake, Kentucky

Movement, distribution, and habitat use of walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum) in Laurel River Lake, Kentucky were determined by radio-tracking 35 walleyes for 605 days (mean = 249 days) from March 1994 through November 1995. The goal of this study was to increase the angler utilization of walleyes in Laurel River Lake by educating anglers on walleye movement patterns, habitat usage, and distribution within the lake. Walleye movement (as measured in distance between weekly locations) was highest during the spring (median = 120 m/day) and lowest during the summer (median = 53 m/day).

John D. Williams

Pages 257-269

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2001

Angler Exploitation of Walleye in Norris Reservoir,Tennessee

Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) (TL>381 mm) were collected from February through April 1994 from 4 distinct regions and in March 1997 from 2 distinct regions of Norris Reservoir, Tennessee, and inserted with Hallprint T-bar anchor tags to determine angler exploitation, location of re-capture, and the effectiveness of a reduction in the daily creel limit. Fish were collected with both horizontal gill nets and electrofishing techniques, but only walleye captured by electrofishing gear were used in angler exploitation analysis. A $5 reward was offered to promote tag return.

Christopher J. O'Bara, Douglas P. Peterson

Pages 135-145

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2000

A Rapid Method for Determining Metabolism of Fish

The utility of bioenergetics models for answering fisheries and ecological questions has often been hampered by the availability of data or resources for deriving species-specific models. Among the principal components of bioenergetics models are metabolism equations that historically have been derived from series of long experiments in which fish of different sizes are acclimated and tested at each temperature for extended periods.

Kyle J. Hartman

Pages 179-188

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2000

Armadillo Diets Among Seasons and Between Habitats on Cumberland Island, Georgia

In the 1970s, the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) invaded Cumberland Island, Georgia, which includes a federally designated wilderness area where native flora and fauna are protected by the National Park Service. Because of concerns about the potential ecological effects of this exotic mammal on the island's protected ecosystems, we collected 171 armadillos to determine their diets by stomach content analysis. We measured relative amounts of each food on a seasonal basis for a sub-sample of armadillos from oak-palmetto (N=44) versus oak-pine (N=43) habitats.

David A. Osborn, Martin I. Nelson, Robert J. Warren

Pages 282-291

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2000

Bird Communities of Four Grazed and Ungrazed Habitats in the Post Oak Region of Texas

This study examined species composition and relative abundance of birds in the Post Oak Region of Texas during winter and spring 1993. A grazed and an ungrazed site were established in each of 4 habitat types: forests, woodlands, upland pastures, and wet meadows. Habitat characteristics of the study sites were evaluated using plot and point methods. Birds were surveyed using time-area circular plot methods with 4 plots per study site. Highest numbers of bird species and individuals were recorded in the woodlands during winter and wet meadows during spring.

Raymon L. Hedges, R. Montague Whiting, Jr.

Pages 251-265

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2000

Delineating Age and Species of Harvested Cottontail and Swamp Rabbits

Age structure of harvested populations is important to wildlife biologists to adequately observe effects of harvest and management regimes. We aged harvested cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and swamp (S. aquaticus) rabbits by eye lens weight. We developed 2 logistic regression equations based on external morphometrics (mass [N=213] and hind foot length [N=209]) to predict age and species. Our model used to delineate species had high correct classification rates (>89%).

Bobby T. Bond, Jacob L. Bowman, Bruce D. Leopold, L. Wes Burger, Jr., K. David Godwin

Pages 330-336

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2000

Determining the Size of American Alligators Using Hind-foot Track Length

Size distribution information is useful for crocodilian management, but can be hard to obtain. Indirect and less costly demographic inferences made from track measurements may be valuable for management decisions. We related hind-foot lengths (HF) with total length (TL) to determine if we could indirectly assess alligator size using track length. Regression showed that HF was an excellent predictor (F1,246= 15722.9, R2=0.98, P<0.01) of TL and track length was an exceptional predictor of HF (F1,14=7520.3, R2= 1.00, P<0.01).

Philip M. Wilkinson, Kenneth G. Rice

Pages 337-340

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2000

Distribution and Status of the Swamp Rabbit in South Carolina

We conducted a survey from 1990 to 1995 to determine the distribution and status of the swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) in South Carolina. Populations appear largely confined to 3 counties in the Savannah river watershed of northwestern South Carolina. We found little evidence that a significant change in distribution has occurred in South Carolina since the species was first reported in the late 1930s. Swamp rabbits are restricted to bottomlands, but were found in a variety of successional habitats ranging from old-fields to mature hardwood forests.

Steven G. Platt, Mary Bunch

Pages 408-413

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2000

Effects of Aquatic Vegetation Removal on the Trophy Bass Fishery of Caney Creek Reservoir

After efforts to eradicate hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) with herbicide applications proved to be unsuccessful in Caney Creek Reservoir, triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were introduced in an effort to control the expansion of the exotic, while leaving total aquatic plant coverage at a beneficial level of 15%—30%. After 2 years, the aquatic vegetation population that had been dominated by submerged species was composed primarily of emerged species. Aquatic vegetation coverage was reduced to < 15% for the remainder of the study.

Michael G. Wood, Charles N. Dugas

Pages 18-27

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2000

Effects of Bait Type and Hooking Location on Post-release Mortality of Largemouth Bass

We compared post-release mortality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) caught with treble hook lures, soft plastic worms, and live common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Also, we evaluated relations between mortality, bait type, anatomical hooking location, bleeding occurrence, and fish total length (TL). Thirty fish were caught with each bait type during each of 2 angling events conducted at Lake Umphrey, Texas, during August 1995, tagged and held for 72 hours in a cage located in the lake.

Randall A. Myers, Steven M. Poarch

Pages 39-45

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2000

Estimating Post-mortem Intervals of Wildlife Carcasses Using Necrophilous Insects

The succession and species composition of necrophilous insects on animal carcasses can be used by wildlife law enforcement officers for estimating postmortem interval (PMI) at suspicious death scenes. Necrophilous insects infesting wildlife carcasses (Louisiana black bear, white-tailed deer, and alligator) in a woodland habitat were monitored during the spring of 1999 to eventually develop a guide for estimating PMI by wildlife officers based on an insect database. The study was conducted at the Waddill Outdoor Educational Center in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.

Erin J. Watson, C. Lamar Meek, Brian L. Spillman, Philip E. Bowman

Pages 478-489

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2000

Estimating Sighting Proportions of American Alligator Nests during Helicopter Survey

Proportions of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nests sighted during aerial survey in Florida were estimated based upon multiple surveys by different observers. We compared sighting proportions across habitats, nesting seasons, and observer experience levels. The mean sighting proportion across all habitats and years was 0.736 (SE=0.024). Survey counts corrected by the mean sighting proportion reliably predicted total nest counts (7?2=0.933). Sighting proportions did not differ by habitat type (P=0.668) or year P=0.328).

Kenneth G. Rice, H. Franklin Percival, Allan R. Woodward

Pages 314-321

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2000

Evaluation of the Related Catch Rates of Hoop Nets for Sampling Channel Catfish

Current standardized sampling procedures in Oklahoma call for the use of gill nets to collect relative abundance and size structure data on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). While gill nets are effective at catching channel catfish, their usefulness as a sampling tool is limited because of the variability of the resulting data. Furthermore, gill nets represent a lethal means of sampling channel catfish which can adversely affect channel catfish populations.

Kenneth K. Cunningham, Larry M. Cofer

Pages 80-87

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2000

Field Identification Accuracy for White Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass

We estimated the accuracy of field identification of white bass (Morone chrysops) and palmetto bass (M. chrysops X M. saxatilis) by Texas fisheries workers and evaluated the reliability of meristic and morphometric characteristics commonly used to differentiate between these 2 fishes. Electrophoretic and isoelectric focusing analyses of diagnostic proteins were used to verify the fisheries workers' identification of fish (1,087) sampled from 16 reservoirs thoughout Texas.

J. Warren Schlechte, Kevin W. Storey, LoraineT. Fries

Pages 97-106

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2000

Fish Population and Angler Responses to a 406-mm Minimum Length Limit for Largemouth Bass on Lake Eufaula, Alabama-Georgia

Due to a history of cyclic adult largemouth bass population trends, a 406-mm minimum length limit was imposed on largemouth bass on Lake Eufaula in July 1992. Two main objectives for the harvest restriction were to increase the abundance of adult largemouth bass in the fishery and to maintain an abundant bass population so that the cyclic nature of this fishery would not be as severe.

Kenneth C. Weathers, Michael J. Newman, David Partridge, Russell Wright

Pages 28-38

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2000

Flathead Catfish Diet Analysis, Stock Assessment, and Effects of Removal on Sutton Lake, North Carolina

The purpose of this study was to assess the abundance, size composition, and food habits of the flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) poopulation in Sutton Lake near Wilmington, North Carolina, and to determine if the flathead catfish population could be diminished by repeated electrofishing over several months. Flathead catfish were collected monthly from June through October 1999 and removed using 2 boat-mounted electrofishing units. A total of 255 flathead catfish weighing 1,550 kg were collected. Individuals >600 mm total length dominated the catch.

T. Mason Herndon, Jr., Christian T. Waters

Pages 70-79

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2000

Food Habits of Striped Bass and Their Influence on Crappie in Weiss Lake, Alabama

A contingency of local anglers and guides from Weiss Lake, Alabama, has voiced concern that the natural reproduction of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) has negatively impacted the popular crappie (Pomoxis spp.) fishery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of naturally reproducing striped bass on the crappie population in Weiss Lake. Specifically, we examined striped bass food habits and compared crappie population characteristics before (1990-1992) and after (1993-1999) the establishment of the naturally reproducing bass population.

Jeffrey W. Slipke, Stephen M. Smith, Michael J. Maceina

Pages 88-96

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2000

Game Warden Role and Responsibilities Associated with Metropolitan Areas

The need for game warderns in metropolitan areas is greatly underestimated. Demographics are used to show comparisons between tasks performed by wardens in metro vs. rural areas. This is demonstrated by tabulating the activity from wildlife agency reports. Results from Oklahoma hunter participation surveys are used to calculate regional hunting pressure and illustrate the violume of investigations. Wildlife revenue data from 3 county-based license categories are used as relative indices to show sportsmen density.

Carlos A. Gomez

Pages 453-459

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2000

Grass Carp Reproduction in the Lower Trinity River,Texas

Reports of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) from the lower Trinity River and Trinity-Galveston Bay of southeastern Texas prompted concerns that this introduced fish may be successfully spawning and recruiting in local waters. To examine these possibilities, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) personnel conducted icthyoplankton sampling from April through July 1992 and 1993 and electron shed during July and August 1993 in the lower Trinity River. Additionally, fish-kill records from the Trinity-Galveston Bay area were examined.

Mark A.Webb, Robert G. Howells, Howard S. Elder

Pages 207-212

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2000

Growth, Condition, and Daily Ring Validation of a Cichlid in Puerto Rico

We validated otolith daily rings of Cichlasoma managuense using immersion in alizarin complexone to provide a known-age reference mark. Cichlids were stocked at 38 fish/cage into 3 121-liter cages with 5-mm mesh size within an experimental pond in Puerto Rico. The smallest 78% immediately escaped the cages and were at large in the ponds. Initial total length of cage cichlids averaged 26.5 mm compared to 20.4 mm for cichlids at large in the pond, although pond cichlids quickly overcame this deficit and realized growth rates 2 times faster than confined cichlids (1.42 mm/day vs.

J. Wesley Neal, Richard L. Noble

Pages 128-134

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2000

Habitat Use and Productivity of Mottled Ducks on the Atchafalaya River Delta, Louisiana

We studied nesting habitat selection, nest density, and nest success of mottled ducks (Anas fulvigula) on islands in the Atchafalaya River Delta, Louisiana, 1995-1996. Nesting mottled ducks preferred shrub-moderate habitats and avoided shrub-sparse and marsh habitats. Other habitats were neither preferred nor avoided. Nest densities using non-random plot sampling in 1995 and line-transect sampling in 1996 averaged 3.9 nests/ha and 1.3 nest/ha, respectively. Mayfield nest success estimates on individual islands ranged from 6.0% to 67.1%.

Robert S. Holbrook, Frank C. Rohwer, William P. Johnson

Pages 292-303

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2000

Health and Condition of Trout in the Norfork Tailwater, Arkansas, Following Hypoxic Periods

Health, feeding, and relative weight of brown (Salmo trutta) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were assessed seasonally at 2 sites on the Norfork tailwater, Arkansas, to evaluate effects of hypoxic water discharges from Norfork Dam. The upper site was immediately below Norfork Dam and subject to low (<6 ppm) dissolved oxygen (DO) in water releases during summer and fall. Dissolved oxygen recovers to ≥6 ppm before reaching the downstream control site.

C. Stan Todd, Thomas R. Bly

Pages 157-166

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2000

Home Range Dynamics and Den Use of Nine-banded Armadillos on Cumberland Island, Georgia

We implanted radio transmitters in 11 armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) on Cumberland Island, Georgia, and monitored them seasonally from July 1987 through May 1988. Six individuals survived (S) the entire study: 5 died (D) between 1-4 months post-implantatin. Home range sizes for S individuals did not differ significantly between sexes (N=6; 3 males and 3 females).

Bobby T. Bond, Martin I. Nelson, Robert J. Warren

Pages 414-423

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2000

Home Range Sizes of Fox Squirrels in Southwest Georgia

Home range size quantifies space needed by an animal in a given area and time. Because fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) home range estimates in the Southeast are rare, I radio-monitored fox squirrels to determine their seasonal and composite (i.e., total duration of monitoring) home range size in southwest Georgia between March 1998 and September 1999. There was no sex by season interaction (P =0.11). Male seasonal and composite home ranges (35.8±4.4 ha and 37.0±3.6 ha, respectively) were larger (P <0.001) than female home ranges (seasonal = 13.3±1.5 ha, composite =21.0±6.3 ha).

L. Mike Conner

Pages 400-406

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2000

Hunter Opinions Regarding Mourning Dove Management on Alabama Public Lands

The importance of public lands for mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) hunting in the Southeast may increase as other dove hunting opportunities decrease. Maximimizing satisfaction of dove hunters on public lands requires knowledge concerning hunter opinions and preferences. We documented dove hunter satisfaction on state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Alabama with respect to habitat and hunter management. Crops planted were the primary management concern; hunters preferred corn and browntop millet for dove hunting.

Steven E. Hayslette, James B. Armstrong, Ralph E. Mirarchi

Pages 322-329

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2000

Influence of Sodium and Calcium Chloride on the Stress Response and Survival of Striped Bass During and After Transport from a Hard and Soft Water Hatchery

Survival and the stress response of striped bass Morone saxatilis during transport and for a 1-month recovery period after transport were evaluated in 2 studies. In the first study, fish from Carbon Hill National Fish Hatchery (CHNFH), a hard water hatchery (total hardness, 100 mg/liter as calcium carbonate), were transported and recovered for 1 month at the Southeastern Fish Cultural Laboratory (SFCL), a hard water facility (total hardness, 108 mg/liter as calicum carbonate).

Patricia M. Mazik, Bill A. Simco, Nick C. Parker

Pages 118-127

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2000

Intern Programs: A Solution for Wildlife Enforcement Agencies

As our nation grows in a successful economy, wildlife enforcement agencies find themselves in a highly competitive race to recruit and develop qualified applicants for the ever-changing career of the wildlife enforcement officer. This challenge is not limited to any one area of the country and solutions must be as innovative as the technological advances our society is experiencing. Agencies that have developed standards for the level of experience and education they require in their officers, must also develop programs that target the recruitment and retention of those officers.

Robert Goodrich

Pages 493-499

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2000

Investigation of Migratory Bird Mortality in Arkansas Oil Pits

In south Arkansas, the use of open oil pits by the oil industry and the oil, which has escaped into the secondary containment areas, is having a detrimental impact on migratory waterfowl, game species, non-game species, and the surrounding environment. The use of aerial surveillance to visually locate these sites and recording of the sites with a GPS has proven the most effective method for location of problem areas.

Kevin A. Wood, Fred W. Harrod, Jr.

Pages 469-477

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2000

Law Enforcement Trends Affecting Georgia's Conservation Rangers

Conservation Rangers in the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) face new challenges that have resulted from social and ecological changes caused by urbanization during the past 10-20 years. As the type of natural resource user in Georgia has changed, so has the role and responsibility of the conservation ranger. These changes include increased numbers of boaters, decreased numbers of hunters, an increased emphasis on education of the public by law enforcement personnel, and new laws (some of which are not game and fish laws) to enforce.

Scott M. Nesbit, Lt. Col. Bob Brown, Lt. Col. Ron Bailey, Robert J. Warren

Pages 460-468

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2000

Survival and Reproduction of Wild Turkey Broodstock Relocated to the Pineywoods of East Texas

We assessed survival and reproduction of Georgia and Iowa eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) relocated to the Pineywoods of Texas. Using approximately equal numbers from each state, 12 females and 3 males were radio tagged and released at each of 4 sites in February 1994. In February 1995, 8 resident females were captured, radio tagged, and released on a disjunct study area intensively managed for wildlife. Radio tracking of the turkeys began immediately after release and continued until 30 June 1996.

James R. George, R. Montague Whiting, Jr., John D. Burk

Pages 374-382

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2000