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

Bobcat Home Range Size Relative to Habitat Quality

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.

L. Mike Conner, Michael J. Chamberlain, Bruce D. Leopold

Pages 418-426

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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

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

Herbicide and Prescribed Fire as Habitat Management Tools for Northern Bobwhite in Conservation Reserve Program Fields

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.

Kirk C. Greenfield, L. Wes Burger, Jr., Michael J. Chamberlain

Pages 445-455

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2001

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

Drumming Log Habitat Selection by Male Ruffed Grouse in North Carolina

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.

Carrie L. Schumacher, Craig A. Harper, David A. Buehler, Gordon S. Warburton, William G. Hinser, III

Pages 466-474

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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

Comparison of Reclaimed and Unmined Woodcock Summer Diurnal Habitat in West Virginia

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.

Ian D. Gregg, Petra Bohall Wood, Ann K. Steketee

Pages 488-497

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2001

Nest Success and Nesting Habitats of Mottled Ducks on the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana

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.

Nancy F. Walters, Frank C. Rohwer, James O. Harris

Pages 498-505

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2001

Effect of Winter-diet Restriction on Prebasic Molt in Female Wood Ducks

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.

Scott C. Barras, Richard M. Kaminski, Leonard A. Brennan

Pages 506-516

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2001

Migratory Canada Goose Population Affiliation and Interchange Among Four National Wildlife Refuges in Tennessee and Alabama

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.

Daniel L. Combs, Don H. Orr, E. Frank Bowers, Kenneth L. Morgan

Pages 517-527

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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

Identification of Potential red-cockaded Woodpecker Habitat Using Landsat Thematic Mapper and Remotely Sensed Data

Identifying habitat for species with special ecological requirements can be a challenging task when procedures are based on remotely sensed data. I used georeferenced locations of red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) cavity trees to evaluate the effectiveness of Landsat Thematic Mapper (tm) data and a digital elevation model in identifying oldgrowth pine forests that provide nesting habitat for this species.

James A. Cox

Pages 534-546

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2001

Forest Clearings Management: Insects and Vegetation for Wild Turkey Broods

Insects and herbaceous vegetation important to young eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo sylvestris) may be enhanced in forested areas by managing clearings. Natural resource agencies in Virginia and other eastern states have committed significant resources to create and maintain forest clearings to provide habitat for wild turkey broods in predominantly forested areas. However, techniques used to manage clearings often lack definitive ecological justifications.

Nelson W. Lafon, Gary W. Norman, Jay C. Jeffreys, David E. Steffen, Richard D. Fell

Pages 547-559

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2001

Hunter Success and Selectivity of Archers Using Crossbows

Use of crossbow equipment to hunt white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has increased in recent years. Concurrently, beliefs about efficiency of crossbows relative to upright bows has spawned concerns among many hunters that use of crossbows during standard archery seasons will lead to overharvest and herd degradation.

Stephen S. Ditchkoff, William R. Starry, Ronald E. Masters, Christopher W. Deurmyer

Pages 560-566

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2001

Forest Industry Hunt-lease Programs in the Southern United States: 1999

We evaluated selected characteristics of forest industry hunt-lease programs for the 1999 calendar year in the southern United States. Sixty questionnaires were mailed to wildlife biologists and hunt-lease administrators of various forest industries within these states. Thirty-four completed questionnaires were returned, yielding an overall response rate of 56.7%. Respondents owned 6,006,050 ha; they leased 4,600,611 ha (76.6%) to the private sector and 424,784 ha (7.1%) to the public sector.

H. Stroh Morrison, IV, Allan P. C. Marsinko, David C. Guynn, Jr.

Pages 567-574

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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

Aquatic Investigations and Recovery

The Aquatic Investigation and Recovery team of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is a 12-member team that is responsible for the recoveries of as well as provides investigative assistance for many water related fatalities in the state of South Carolina. Three specific incidents are discussed here. The first being the 1994 Susan Smith case, when a mother murdered her two children by allowing her vehicle to roll into Lake John D. Long in Union County, S.C. The second occurred in 1996, also in Lake John D.

Sgt. Timothy Baxley

Pages 582-587

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2001

Merging Law Enforcement Operations at a Field Level

In 1998, over 70% of Florida voters elected to revise the state's Constitution, which, among other things, combined Florida's Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and Marine Fisheries Commission. In July 1999, the merger went into effect creating the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; the largest conservation agency in the nation. This agency is responsible for all wild animal life, fresh water and marine life, and boating safety enforcement in the state of Florida.

Lt. Larry Jourdan, Lt. Chip Leavine

Pages 588-595

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2001

Geographic Information Systems in Wildlife Law Enforcement

Geographic information systems (GIS) have been used in wildlife and fisheries management and research for many years. These systems are not being used, however, to the fullest potential in conservation law enforcement. At present, there are only 5 conservation law enforcement agencies in the United States using GIS. In Mississippi a GIS is being developed for use in conservation law enforcement.

Chad M. Dacus, Richard B. Minnis, James Willcutt

Pages 596-606

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2001

Poster Session

Pages 607-619

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2001

Presidential Address: A Vision for Wildlife and Fish Issues in a Changing World

William L. Woodfin, Jr.

Pages 1-2

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2000

Three Decades of Managing Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye in Meredith Reservoir, Texas

Management of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu), and walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) fisheries in Meredith Reservoir has a long history of challenges addressed by fisheries managers including dramatic water level changes and habitat loss, changes in sampling gear and sampling protocols, changing angler concerns, and limited information. Management philosophy changed from a period of liberal harvest regulations designed to promote maximum harvest to one of more restrictive regulations designed to optimize both fish populations and angler success.

Joseph E. Kraai, Charles R. Munger

Pages 3-17

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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

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

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

Response of Juvenile Largemouth Bass to Habitat Enhancement Through Addition of Artificial Substrates

The availability of quality nursery habitats can be an important factor in the recuitment dynamics of littoral fish species. Eight artificial habitats composed of crushed rock substrate were established in littoral areas of an embayment of B. E. Jordan Lake, North Carolina, that historically exhibited low abundances of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Response of juvenile largemouth bass to habitats was assessed by night shoreline electrofishing at treatment sites and associated controls on 4 occasions during the growing season in each of 3 years.

James R. Jackson, Richard L. Noble, Elise R. Irwin, Scott L. Van Horn

Pages 46-58

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2000

Yield-per-recruit Simulation Analyses for a Largemouth Bass Population in Lucchetti Reservoir, Puerto Rico

Minimum size limits of 279, 305, and 330 mm total lengths (TL) were evaluated using Beverton-Holt yield modeling for the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) population in Lucchetti Reservoir, Puerto Rico. Growth, estimated from micro-tagged fish, was faster until maturity compared to the populations in the contiguous United States. The von Bertalanffy growth coefficient (k) was 1.44 with L∞ estimated at 404.4 mm TL. Survival rates for adult largemouth bass (>250 mmTL), calculated from mark-recapture studies, were estimated to be 40% for 1998 and 30% for 1999.

Ozcan Ozen, Richard L. Noble

Pages 59-69

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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

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

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

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

Striped Bass in Trout Waters of the Upper Chattahoochee River, Georgia: Can These Two Fisheries Coexist?

We used mark-recapture methods, diet analysis, and bioenergetics modeling to assess the threat adult striped bass posed to trout stocked in the upper Chattahoochee River, Georgia. An estimated 311 (95% CI = 159-1,166) striped bass inhabited the trout waters during the summer of 1998. Their diet was dominated (numerically) by crayfish (60%) and trout (15%). Striped bass in the Chattahoochee River preyed on stocked trout and are capable of consuming 7-28% of the trout stocked annually.

Brent J. Hess, Cecil A. Jennings

Pages 107-117

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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

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

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

Movement, Growth, and Production of Brown Trout in Sympatry with Brook Trout in a Southern Appalachian Stream

A 1,532-m reach of Laurel Fork, a second-order tributary of the Doe River, Tennessee, was divided into 37 study sections which were sampled every 3 months by electrofishing. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were weighed, measured, given a unique mark, and returned to the section from which they were caught. Population estimates were made with the Jolly Seber technique. Movement, density, instantaneous growth rate, biomass, and production were calculated.

Richard J. Strange, Ryan M. Phirman, James W. Habera

Pages 146-156

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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

Use of Shadow Bass Stock Characteristics to Evaluate Natural and Scenic Waterways in Mississippi

Shadow bass (Ambloplites ariommus) stocks were characterized in the Yockanookany and upper Pearl Rivers (1994-1996) to determine if this relatively uncommon fish could be used to evaluate streams for inclusion in the Mississippi Natural and Scenic Waterways System. Habitat influences (e.g., negative effects of channelization) on shadow bass were best reflected in stock characteristics that need considerable data and laboratory work (i.e., age and growth studies, condition factor analysis).

John F. Mareska, Donald C. Jackson

Pages 167-178

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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

Small Impoundment Management in the Southeastern United States

Mail questionnaires and telephone interviews were used to determine the importance of small impoundments and management strategies for small impoundments in the southeastern United States. Responses showed that small impoundments were highly valued by managing agencies in most states. Small impoundments open to the public were typically managed by state fish and wildlife agencies, whereas several agencies participated in the management of private small impoundments.

John M. Mudre, Ed Steinkoenig, Michael P. Masser, Charles Cichra, Bobby Wilson, Gary Burtle

Pages 189-195

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2000

Performance Comparison between Coppemose and Native Texas Bluegill Populations

Growth, survival, and catchability of non-native coppernose bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus purpurescens) were compared to that of common bluegill (L. macrochirus) from East (Neches River system) and West (Rio Grande system) Texas populations. The 3 types of bluegills were stocked together (each identifiable by coded-wire tags) into 4 0.25- ha hatchery ponds. Bluegill types were evaluated with and without an established fish community present at age 1 and 2. Coppernose bluegill were larger (i.e., length and weight) than East or West Texas bluegills, regardles of fish community presence.

John A. Prentice, J. Warren Schlechte

Pages 196-206

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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

Relationship of Blue Crab Abundance to River Discharge and Salinity

The relationships between 2 environmental factors (river discharge, salinity) and blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) abundance, as measured by juvenile recruitment and commercial landings, were evaluated. Correlation coefficients were calculated between a blue crab recruitment index (Jan-Feb catch-per-unit effort of individuals <40 mm carapace width) or commercial harvest and lagged or concurrent salinity and river discharge.

Vincent Guillory

Pages 213-220

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2000

Preliminary Study of Blue Crab Catch in Traps Fitted With and Without a Diamondback Terrapin Excluder Device

Comparisons were made on the catch rate, sizes of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), and bycatch taken in Mississippi Sound waters with crab traps equipped with and without a diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) excluder device from April through August 1997. The excluder device consisted of welding rods shaped into a 5 X 10 cm rectangle and fitted into the funnel entrances of a common Gulf Coast crab trap. All blue crabs taken were counted, carapace width measured (mm), and sexed. Bycatch was recorded for each sample.

Kerwin J. Cuevas, Michael J. Buchanan, William S. Perret, James T. Warren

Pages 221-226

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2000

Movements and Survival of Bachman's Sparrows in Response to Prescribed Summer Burns in South Carolina

Prescribed winter burning is a common practice in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) to manage for red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis). The effect of these burns on non-target animals is not well studied. Bachman's sparrows (Aimophila aestivalis) were captured in predominantly longleaf pine stands to be burned and not to be burned at Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge (CSNWR) and the Savannah River Site (SRS), South Carolina. Sparrows were marked with radio-transmitters and monitored daily.

Bradford D. Seaman, David G. Krementz

Pages 227-240

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2000

Woodland Salamander and Small Mammal Responses to Alternative Silvicultural Practices in the Southern Appalachians of North Carolina

The effects of 2 years post-treatment of group selection and 2-aged timber harvests on woodland salamanders and mammals were assessed on stands in high elevation, southern Appalachian northern red oak (Quercus rubra)-flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) communities, in the Nantahala National Forest. We collected 4 salamander species and 10 small mammal species. We detected no difference in woodland salamander relative abundance between timber harvests and uncut (control) stands.

W. Mark Ford, Michael A. Menzel, Timothy S. McCay, Jonathan W. Gassett, Joshua Laerm

Pages 241-250

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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

Relationships of Fur Market Conditions to Texas Quail Populations

Quail are declining throughout much of their range in the southeastern United States. The reason for this decline is unknown. However, the decline of fur prices during the late 1980s fueled a hypothesis that furbearer harvest has decreased, which in turn led to an increase in furbearer abundance, and a subsequent decrease in quail numbers.

Nova J. Silvy, Markus J. Peterson, Jon R. Purvis, Andrew S. Bridges

Pages 266-273

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2000

Relationship of Mast, Ovarian Activity, Recruitment and Deer Condition in Northeast Georgia

We collected reproductive tracts from female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) along with mast indices, deer condition data, and population parameters for a 20-year period in northeastern Georgia. The objectives were to determine what factors influenced reproduction and if ovulation incidence or mast abundance could be used to predict recruitment rate the following year. Percentage of does bred before 1 December and adult doe ovulation incidence were both associated with mast abundance. Higher ovulation incidence of adult does coincided with early breeding.

David M. Carlock, Kent E. Kammermeyer

Pages 274-281

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2000