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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551 - 600 of 4522 articles | 50 per page | page 12

 

Article Year

Law Enforcement Management of Conservation Outreach Programs in Alabama

Beginning in 1994 with a mandatory hunter education program, Alabama's Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries has continued to introduce, almost yearly, new outreach programs in both hunter and conservation education. Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers (CEOs) are often required to participate in these programs. Some law enforcement personnel feel that the outreach programs take up a relatively large percentage of a CEO's time and have a detrimental effect on enforcement efforts.

Stephen M. Pepper

Pages 357-363

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2003

Marketing Efforts to Increase Fishing Participation In Oklahoma: A Case History

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) has become increasingly concerned about stagnant or declining fishing license sales and a 50% turnover rate among annual fishing license holders. Marketing campaigns were initiated in Oklahoma in an attempt to reverse the trend. During 2001, ODWC partnered with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) to test the effect of supplementing the RBFF national campaign with local marketing efforts.

Greg L. Summers, Andrea K. Crews

Pages 364-370

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2003

Meeting the Technical Challenges of Enforcing Boating Under the Influence Laws

While national boating accident statistics readily identify the abuse of alcoholic beverages as a contributing factor in a large number of our nation's boating accidents, the challenges of formulating and implementing effective methods of reducing the abuse of alcoholic beverages on our nation's waterways are often overwhelming. One challenge hinges on the fact that the consumption of alcoholic beverages while boating meets with both legal and societal approval. Another is due primarily to our society's perception of what the stereotypical “drunk” person looks, smells, and acts like.

Richard M. Moore

Pages 348-352

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2003

Movements and Home Ranges of Alligator Gar in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Alabama

Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) populations have declined across the species' historical range. Therefore, data on movements and home ranges of alligator gar are needed to evaluate potential management scenarios. The movements of 12 alligator gar were monitored using radio and sonic telemetry in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Alabama, from June 1998 to April 2000. Fish were fitted with external radio transmitters (N = 5) from June to October 1998 and sonic transmitters (N = 10) from March to May 1999.

Peter C. Sakaris, Allyse M. Ferrara, Kevin J. Kleiner, Elise R. Irwin

Pages 102-111

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2003

Physical and Behavioral Characteristics of Nuisance and Non-nuisance Black Bears in Southern West Virginia

Increased interactions among humans and black bears (Ursus americanus) are spurring increased concerns over property damage and human safety. These concerns become more apparent with habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly in relation to urban situations. To better understand the behavior and ecology of nuisance and non-nuisance black bears, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) captured 152 (127 males, 25 females) nuisance and 118 (61 males, 57 females) non-nuisance individuals from 1996 to 2002.

Harley Wayne Weaver, James T. Anderson, John W. Edwards, Tom Dotson

Pages 308-316

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2003

Pitfall Trap Versus Area Searches for Herpetofauna Research

Area searches and pitfall trap methods are commonly used to quantify presence or abundance of reptile and amphibian species. However, most studies do not use both methods simultaneously. We compared these methods with respect to detectability of herpetofauna species and detection rates for individual species on public lands in east central Mississippi. We conducted area searches along 300 m2 belt transects measuring 50 x 6 m at distances of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 m from first and second order streams. Pitfall traps were placed along transects at 0, 50, and 100 m from streams.

Jarrod H. Fogarty, Jeanne C. Jones

Pages 268-279

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2003

Poster Session

Pages 371-373

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2003

Response of Adult Largemouth Bass and Aquatic Plants to Small-scale Applications of Aquathol K in Lake Seminole, Georgia

We examined the effects of an aquatic herbicide (Aquathol K) applied prior to largemouth bass spawning to reduce the exotic submersed macrophyte hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and promote establishment of native submersed plants on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) population metrics. Density and biomass of adult (>250 mm) largemouth bass were determined between 2000 and 2003 using a catch-depletion technique in a cove that had been periodically treated with herbicides.

Michael J. Maceina, Jeffrey W. Slipke

Pages 35-43

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2003

Response of Plant and Invertebrate Communities to Pothole Blasting in a Giant Cutgrass Marsh

Thousands of hectares of tidally-influenced, forested wetlands were cleared in the South Atlantic Coastal Zone and put into rice production during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Many of these ricefields were abandoned in the late 1800s and were not maintained thereafter; hence, they no longer have functional dikes and provide poor habitat for waterfowl and wading birds due to colonization by dense stands of giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea).

Sara H. Schweitzer, Jason T. Ayers, Philip E. Hale

Pages 172-180

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2003

SEAFWA Guide to Authors (Technical Papers)

Pages 382-389

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2003

Seasonal Distribution and Movement of Striped Bass in Lewis Smith Reservoir, Alabama

Lewis Smith Reservoir, an 8,583-ha Alabama Power Company impoundment on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River in north central Alabama, has received annual stockings of Gulf strain striped bass (STB-G) since 1983. Little is known about the distribution and seasonal movement patterns of striped bass in Lewis Smith Reservoir. During a three-year period from 1999-2001, 22 striped bass were captured, surgically implanted with ultrasonic transmitters and released back into the reservoir near their original capture site.

Jerry L. Moss, Keith B. Floyd, J. Chris Greene, Jim M. Piper, Traci D. Berry, Philip D. Ekema

Pages 141-149

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2003

Spatial and Temporal Trends in River Otter Harvest in Louisiana

Louisiana is the leading state in number of river otters (Lontra canadensis) used in reintroduction programs in other states and in the production of pelts. However, habitat loss and degradation have prompted concern about the status of otter populations. We analyzed harvesting records maintained by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries during 1983-2001 to identify spatial and temporal trends in otter harvesting activity.

Daniel G. Scognamillo, Michael J. Chamberlain, Greg Linscombe

Pages 200-207

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2003

Survival of Rural and Urban White-Tailed Deer in Missouri

Information on survival rates and causes of mortality are important to understanding white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population dynamics and implementing appropriate management practices. We examined sex- and age-specific survival rates for three Missouri white-tailed deer populations that represented agricultural, forest, and urban landscapes. Except for males on Woods Farm (forest site), we observed no differences in age-specific or annual survival for male or female deer .6 months of age.

Lonnie P. Hansen, Jeff Beringer

Pages 326-336

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2003

Taxidermy of Illegal Florida Wildlife—Taxidermy by Fred

In June 2002, investigators of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed a black market distributor of illegally obtained and protected wildlife species in South Florida. The suspect operated a black market taxidermist business in which he received money to mount the illegally obtained wildlife. Some of the animals were then sold to other customers in South Florida. A covert investigator infiltrated this enterprise called Taxidermy by Fried and identified the suppliers of the wildlife.

Pavilion M. Thorn

Pages 353-356

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2003

Using a Terrain-based Vegetation Model to Map Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel Distribution

We tested an a priori plant community classification model, developed using topographic characteristics and GIS, to determine if it could be used to predict the distribution of the endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) in the Balsam Mountains of western North Carolina. Nest boxes were used to sample northern flying squirrel populations in areas of predicted presence versus areas of predicted absence. There was no difference between the two site types for presence or absence of northern flying squirrels.

Christopher McGrath, Steven Patch

Pages 243-251

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2003

Food Habits of Catfishes in Tailwater and Reservoir Habitats in a Section of the Coosa River, Alabama

The food habits of blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), channel catfish (I. punctatus), and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) in a section of the Coosa River, Alabama, were determined by examining the contents of 800 catfish stomachs from tailwater and reservoir habitats on the Coosa River from 2001-2002. Stomachs were described using the Relative Importance Index. Small blue catfish consumed mainly molluscs in tailwaters and insects in reservoir habitats. Insects were most important to larger blue catfish in both habitats.

Jeffrey C. Jolley, Elise R. Irwin

Pages 124-140

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2003

Georgia's Forestry for Wildlife Partnership Program: Conserving Wildlife on Industrial Forests

Georgia, like much of the Southeast, is faced with increasing pressures on its natural resources including forests. The predominant forces being imposed on Georgia's forests are development due to human population expansion and increasing demand for forest products. In 1996, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, began working with 14 corporate forest owners operating in Georgia to develop a partnership program that would recognize companies for their efforts in natural resources conservation.

Mark D. Whitney, Nathan M. Klaus, Reggie E. Thackston, Emily Jo Williams

Pages 114-123

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2002

A 50-year History of the Southern Division American Fisheries Society

We evaluated the accomplishments of the past 50 years of the Southern Division American Fisheries Society (SDAFS). We used minutes from the Southern Division annual meetings and various records to view past issues addressed by the division and activities of the SDAFS technical committees and chapters, and the evolution of the SDAFS annual meeting. Since its formation in 1952, the SDAFS has grown to about 2,000 members with 8 active technical committees, 20 chapters, and 8 student units.

Mike S. Allen, Mike J. Van Den Avyle, Richard L. Noble, Fred A. Harris

Pages 1-16

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2002

A Survey for Prevalence of Paramoeba spp. in Blue Crabs along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts

Paramoeba perniciosa is a parasite that has been found in blue crabs Callinectes sapidus from coastal embayments from Florida to Connecticut and has been associated with mortalities in crab shedding facilities in coastal bays of Maryland and Virginia. Hemolymph samples from more than 7300 crabs over a 9-year period from the Gulf (N = 228) and Atlantic (N = 7167) coasts of the United States revealed 0.5% of crabs assayed to be infected by P. perniciosa.

Gretchen A. Messick

Pages 105-113

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2002

A Survey of Urban Deer Policies in 4 Southeastern States

In the 20th Century, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in the United States increased dramatically. In many states, management objectives for deer have changed from conserve and increase to control and decrease. Diversity among stakeholder's objectives for deer populations has made management difficult. Many states in the northeastern and midwestern United States began struggling with urban deer management in the 1980s, whereas southeastern states have only recently encountered this challenge.

Christyne L. Scofield, Robert J. Warren, Warren A. Flick, David H. Newman

Pages 412-420

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2002

An Analysis of Mississippi Conservation Officer Satisfaction with Weaponless Tactics Training

A survey was developed and administered to a population of Mississippi conservation law enforcement officers in order to elicit demographic characteristics and satisfaction with weaponless tactics training. One hundred and four of 253 (41%) surveys were returned for analysis. Respondents were classified based on having <5 years, 5-15 years, or >15 years service. In general, officers with more experience were likely to find weaponless tactics training important but only moderately so.

Richard B. Minnis, Patrick L. Parker

Pages 396-403

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2002

Atlantic Tarpon Distribution in Brackish-water Lagoons, Humacao Natural Reserve, Puerto Rico

Atlantic tarpon Megalops atlanticus is an important recreational fisheries resource in the 6 brackish water lagoons located in Puerto Rico's Humacao Natural Reserve. The lagoons, which formed on the reserve after Hurricane David and Tropical Storm Frederick flooded the area in August 1979, are arranged in series and connect to the sea during periods of substantial precipitation. Subsequently, they reflect environmental gradients from essentially marine to low-salinity brackish water conditions.

Kirk R. Rundle, Donald C. Jackson, Eric D. Dibble, Orlando Ferrer

Pages 86-94

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2002

Attitudes of South Carolina Youth Towards Aquatic Resources and Recreational Fishing

This study assessed South Carolina youths' attitudes toward, opinions on, knowledge of, and priorities toward South Carolina aquatic resources and recreational fishing. A telephone survey was administered to youth between the ages of 8 and 18 in South Carolina during April 2001 to examine fishing initiation, motivation, and fishing participation rates among South Carolina youth. Overall, a majority of youth (91%) in South Carolina had fished at least 1 time in their lives and a majority (53%) of youth would go fishing more often if they could.

Mark D. Duda, Peter E. De Michele, David Allen, Bebe Harrison, Val Nash, Gene Hayes, Ross Self, William Testerman, Carol A. Zurawski, Alison J. Lanier, Joy Yoder

Pages 421-433

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2002

Bat Activity in Upland and Riparian Habitats in the Georgia Piedmont

Detailed knowledge of habitat use patterns of forest bats in the southeastern United States is needed to predict how habitat changes from forest management and other land use practices affect bat communities. We used Anabat detectors to survey bat activity on the Oconee National Forest, Georgia, among 3 loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stand ages (clearcut, sapling, and mature) and 3 riparian habitat types (creeks, rivers, and open wetlands). We used echolocation calls to assess differences in relative activity and species richness among stand ages and riparian habitat types.

Amanda M. Ellis, Laura L. Patton, Steven B. Castleberry

Pages 210-218

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2002

Chemical Restraint of the Fisher

As fisher (Martes pennanti) populations recover throughout portions of their historic distribution in the southeastern United States, responsibilities and opportunities in their conservation research likely will become more prevalent. Chemical restraint often is a valuable tool in studying wildlife populations. We reviewed previous research on chemical restraint of fishers with the objective of providing a comparative assessment of field and clinical applications of specific chemical restraints or chemical restraint combinations.

Matthew R. Dzialak, Thomas L. Serfass

Pages 275-289

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2002

Comparison of 3 Electrofishing Gear Types Used to Capture Catfish

We compared catfish catch per unit effort (CPUE), species composition, and size distribution data collected by a Smith-Root 7.5 GPP boat-mounted electrofishing unit, a Smith-Root 7.5 GPP boat-mounted electrofishing unit used in conjunction with the Smith-Root “Catfish Zapper,” and with the micro-electronic device known as the “Skoal Box.” A combined 1,175 catfish were collected from 6 sites within the Cape Fear and Lumber rivers in the summers of 2000 and 2001.

Robert T. Rachels, Keith W. Ashley

Pages 44-54

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2002

Cooper's Hawk Non-breeding Habitat Use and Home Range in Southwestern Tennessee

There has been considerable interest in the ecology of Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii) in the Southeast since Stoddard's work in the 1930s on northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) identified Cooper's hawks as one of the key predators on bobwhites. Understanding Cooper's hawk-bobwhite relationships has become increasingly important as bobwhite populations have declined and Cooper's hawk populations have increased over the past 30 years.

Laura A. Lake, David A. Buehler, Allan E. Houston

Pages 229-238

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2002

Deer Antler Characteristics in Relation to Land Use and Spatio-temporal Factors in Missouri

Deer antler growth is influenced by the environment, population density, genetics, and nutrition. As land use and densities change over time, antler characteristics are hypothesized to also change. We examined how geography, land use, and the number of deer harvested per unit area (i.e., harvest density) related to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) antler characteristics of harvested yearling bucks in Missouri during 2 time periods (1951-1970 and 1997-2001). Latitude related positively to antler characteristics in the early time period.

Robert E. Kissell, Jr., Christopher G. Wieberg, Lonnie Hansen, Jeff Beringer

Pages 322-330

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2002

Dispersal, Home Range and Survival of Repatriated Mink in the Northern Coastal Marshes of South Carolina

Research conducted by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources indicated that populations of mink throughout South Carolina were declining or had become rare in areas of previous abundance. In September 1998, we initiated a 3-year study within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in Charleston County, South Carolina, to determine the feasibility of re-establishing a wild mink (Mustela vison) population in the northern coastal marshes of South Carolina.

J. W. Peeples, T. T. Fendley, O. E. Baker, III, J. W. Butfiloski

Pages 219-228

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2002

Effectiveness of a Fish Passage Facility for Anadromous River Herring Recruitment

Migratory stocks of river herring, alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (A. aestivalis) have declined as a result of overfishing, poor water quality, and loss of spawning and nursery habitat. To provide access to previously blocked spawning and nursery areas, fish passage facilities have been installed at stream blockages. In 1997, a fish ladder was installed on Unicorn Lake, a tributary of the Chester River in Maryland.

Sheila M. Eyler, Leigh E. Vogel, F. Joseph Margraf

Pages 55-64

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2002

Effects of Backpack Radio Packages on Mass of Captive-reared Mallards Released in Maryland

Radio telemetry has been an invaluable technique to study waterfowl ecology, but impacts of radio packages on ducks have not been experimentally assessed during the non-breeding season. We tested the hypothesis that backpack-style radios with 2 body harness loops influenced the body mass dynamics of 8-week-old captive-reared mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) released in Maryland in August. We attached mock radio packages and visual markers to 477 experimental ducks and visual markers only to 582 control birds.

Frank C. Rohwer, Kenneth D. Richkus, David B. Smith

Pages 365-373

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2002

Effects of Expanded Stocking Locations on Striped Bass Survival

Smith Mountain Lake is a 8,337-ha reservoir formed by the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers in Virginia. This lake maintains suitable habitat for striped bass (Morone saxatilis) but does not contain adequate spawning habitat for natural reproduction. Consequently, it requires annual stockings of this species to maintain the fishery. We examined how recruitment of striped bass to age-1 was affected by increasing the number of stocking locations at Smith Mountain Lake. Prior to 1996, striped bass were stocked at 2 sites.

Daniel M. Wilson

Pages 79-85

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2002

Estimating Population Size of Maryland's Black Bears Using Hair Snaring and DNA Analysis

Black bear (Ursus americanus) populations have expanded in Maryland since the late 1970s. Previous attempts to estimate bear numbers have been hampered by access to private land and manpower shortages. The development of hair snaring techniques, coupled with genetic fingerprinting, provides a more efficient technique than traditional mark-recapture methods to estimate black bear numbers in Western Maryland. In May-June 2000, we established 108 grids throughout occupied bear range in Garrett and western Allegany counties in western Maryland.

Steven L. Bittner, Tim L. King, William F. Harvey

Pages 312-321

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2002

Forestry and Forest Industry: A Fish and Wildlife Agency's Current Perspective

In recent years, conflicting viewpoints on natural resource management in Mississippi have existed between the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) and forest industry. The continuing success of commercial forestry as a leading economic activity in Mississippi depends, in part, on a successful communication and education program by the forestry community (e.g., large private corporations, smaller firms, public agencies and organizations, non-governmental organizations, and universities) targeted to constituency groups such as MDWFP and the general public.

Marcus K. Measells, Stephen C. Grado, Louis M. Capella

Pages 148-158

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2002

Home Range of Largemouth Bass in the Tidal Upper Chesapeake Bay

Radio telemetry was used to determine home ranges of 38 largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from the tidal upper Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Bass from opposite shores (Susquehanna = west, Northeast = east) were tagged from 1991-1993 and tracked for 4-15 months (1991-1995) depending on battery life. Mean home range of Susquehanna bass (246 ha, N = 16) was larger than non-migratory Northeast bass (119 ha, N = 18) but the difference was not significant.

Alan A. Heft, Carol A. Richardson-Heft

Pages 17-25

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2002

Immobilizing Captive White-tailed Deer Using Medetomidine-Ketamine versus Xylazine-Telazol

Chemical immobilization often is the most effective method for capturing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Numerous chemical immobilization agents are available. We compared the efficacy and physiological effects of 2 white-tailed deer immobilizing agents: medetomidine-ketamine (M-K) antagonized with atipamezole, and xylazine-Telazol (X-T) antagonized with tolazoline. Mean induction time was longer and more variable for M-K. Mean reversal time and total down time was longer and more variable for X-T.

T. Wayne Schwertner, Mark R. Mitchell, David W. Rosberg

Pages 343-351

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2002

Influence of Water Hardness, Salts, and MS-222 on Survival of Phase I Striped Bass During and After Transport

Phase I striped bass hauled in varying levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) had significantly higher survival than fish hauled in varying levels of calcium chloride (CaCl2), regardless if the fish came from a hard water or soft water hatchery. The addition of MS-222 to the transport water did not have a beneficial effect on phase I striped bass survival.

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

Pages 75-78

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2002

Integrating Early-successional Wildlife and Habitats into North Carolina's 21st Century Landscape

Small game populations, including northern bobwhite, have shown precipitous declines in North Carolina. To address these declines and trends in habitat loss, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission implemented the Cooperative Upland habitat Restoration and Enhancement (CURE) program in August 2000. The CURE program has 6 objectives related directly to habitat enhancement. This is a cooperative, multi-phase project, the success of which depends upon collaboration with numerous private landowners and other agencies and organizations.

David T. Cobb, Terry L. Sharpe, David Sawyer, Denton O. Baumbarger

Pages 124-135

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2002

Involvement of State Fishery Managers in White Marlin Conservation: A Case Study

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Service, is charged with stewardship of coastal and inland fishery resources and management of fishermen who fish in our waters. Maryland's involvement in fishery management is not restricted only to state waters. We also have been actively involved in influencing national and international fisheries policy for Atlantic white marlin (Tetrapturus albidus), particularly in 2002.

Jill T. Stevenson

Pages 95-104

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2002

The Use of the Special Search Warrant Team in Wildlife Covert Operations

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Law Enforcement Division has been using covert law enforcement operations since 1981. Due to documented increases in illegal commercialization of fish and wildlife resources in the state, the Commission's administrators restructured the covert unit increasing the number of full-time and part-time officers assigned to perform covert tasks. Renewed covert emphasis resulted in an increase in funding and training for covert officers, concentrating efforts to identify, apprehend, and prosecute violators.

Lt. Chuck Woodson, Cpl. Stephanie Moudy

Pages 385-388

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2002

Shrews in Managed Northern Hardwood Stands in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia

Shrews are an abundant and important component of the mammalian fauna in central and southern Appalachian forested habitats. Because most soricids are small, cryptic, and difficult to survey, they typically have been underrepresented in research examining effects of forest management on small mammals.

W. Mark Ford, Chris A. Dobony, John W. Edwards

Pages 374-384

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2002

Small Mammal and Herpetile Response to Mid-rotation Pine Management in Mississippi

Prescribed burning and/or herbicide applications are performed in managed pine (Pinus spp.) forests to control non-pine vegetation. Little research has examined small mammal or herpetile community response to these treatments in mid-rotation pine stands. Therefore, our objective was to determine prescribed burning and herbicide treatments effects on small mammal and herpetile communities within mid-rotation pine plantations in Mississippi.

Sybil A. Hood, Darren A. Miller, Bruce D. Leopold, L. Wes Burger

Pages 171-186

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2002

Small Mammal Response to Coarse Woody Debris in the Central Appalachians

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is an important habitat component of many faunal species, and little research has been conducted on the relationship between CWD and small mammals in central Appalachian hardwood forests. Response of small mammal populations to manipulation of CWD volume was tested in central Appalachian forests in north central West Virginia from 2000-2001. Abundance and diversity of small mammals captured (N=1,564) on 12 experimental 60 3 60 m live-trapping grids were compared.

James T. Anderson, Joseph D. Osbourne

Pages 198-209

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2002

Stocking Size and Population Dynamics of Channel Catfish in Virginia Impoundments

Sub-adult channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) were marked with fin clips and stocked into 5 Virginia small (13- to 65-ha) impoundments from 1993-1996 to determine optimum stocking size and population dynamics. Four years of treatment stockings were compared to 4 years of standard (fingerling) stockings using gill net and creel surveys. Gill net catch per unit effort (CPUE) was higher (P = 0.04) during the treatment phase, and percentage of marked fish within populations steadily increased and reached a high of 91% in 1997. No evidence of natural reproduction was observed.

John S. Odenkirk

Pages 65-74

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2002

Texas Parks and Wildlife for the 21st Century

Recognizing the need for a statewide plan to guide its future programs, Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) commissioned this study to develop a comprehensive plan for TPWD to meet the natural and cultural resources and recreation needs in Texas through the year 2030. This publication focuses on Phase I of the study, which consisted of holding a series of 13 formal focus groups and 7 telephone surveys to understand Texans' opinions on and attitudes toward the outdoors, on natural and historical resources, and on Texas Parks and Wildlife and its programs.

Mark D. Duda, Peter E. De Michele, Robert Cook, Andrew Sansom, Lydia Saldaña, Kelly Dziekan, Darcy Bontempo, Steven J. Bissell, William Testerman, Carol A. Zurawski, Alison J. Lanier, Joy Yoder

Pages 434-449

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2002

Using Partnerships to Address Human Black Bear Conflicts in Central Florida

Conflicts between humans and bears have escalated in central Florida over the past 5 years. The scope and magnitude of these conflicts extend beyond the responsibilities and capabilities of any 1 agency; therefore, handling these problems requires cooperation among multiple agencies and organizations.

Carolyn M. Sekerak, Thomas H. Eason, Christine R. Small

Pages 136-147

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2002

Managing the Complex Issues Involved with Line-of-duty Death

On 25 March 2002, an Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer died of complications from a gunshot wound received while serving a search warrant. The Enforcement Section had no formal guidelines related to line-of-duty deaths at the time the officer died. Agencies should be prepared to deal with line-of-duty deaths and have formal guidelines in place to aid the agency in effectively managing the multitude of issues involved. Fish and wildlife enforcement is a high-risk profession and every agency has faced or will have to face this reality.

Cpt. Johnny M. Johnson

Pages 404-411

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2002

Variation in Bird Detection Probabilities and Abundances Among Different Point Count Durations and Plot Sizes

Avian points counts are commonly used to inventory bird species composition and abundance. When designing a study to inventory birds using point counts, point plot size and count duration are 2 variables that must be considered based on project goals. We conducted double-observer point counts on the Camp Dawson Collective Training Area, Preston County, West Virginia, during 2000 and 2001 to ascertain how detection probabilities and abundance estimates are affected by different plot sizes and durations.

Greg M. Forcey, James T. Anderson

Pages 331-342

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2002

Mass Loss as an Index of Seed Deterioration in a Terrestrial Environment

Deterioration of seeds due to weathering may affect the quantity and quality of food available for granivorous wildlife through time. Deterioration rates of seeds during field weathering in terrestrial environments largely are unknown, and the relationship between seed mass loss and loss of specific nutrients during weathering has not been tested.

Steven E. Hayslette, Ralph E. Mirarchi

Pages 290-300

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2002

Use of an Angler Incentive Program for Data Collection and Management of a Trophy Bass Fishery

One hundred and seventy-six trophy-size (?3.6 kg) largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), entered into a privately-sponsored catch-and-release program at Caddo Lake, Texas/Louisiana, were tagged and monitored to assess angler recapture rates, genetic composition, and their distribution within the lake. All largemouth bass program entries were scanned for tags to determine angler recapture rates over a 4-year period. Blood samples were obtained from initial entries and used to determine genetic composition using random amplified polymorphic DNA testing.

Michael J. Ryan, Michael W. Brice, Loraine Fries

Pages 26-37

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2002