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.
1001 - 1050 of 4522 articles | 50 per page | page 21
| Article | Year |
|---|---|
Control of Waterhyacinth by Winter Drawdown A winter drawdown was evaluated to control waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in B. A. Steinhagen Reservoir in southeast Texas. A 1.8-m drop in water level was initiated on 15 December 1993 and maintained through 17 February 1994. Freezing temperatures were recorded on 19 days during the drawdown with the lowest temperature —6.7 C. A significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in waterhyacinth frequency of occurrence was indicated in line transects. Waterhyacinth areal coverage was reduced from 1,476 ha in June 1993 to 26 ha in June 1994. Rhandy J. Helton, L. H. Hartmann
Pages 105-111 |
1995 |
Mitochondrial-DNA Confirmation of Southern Walleye in the Mobile Basin, Alabama The existence of a distinct walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) population in south-flowing drainages of the southeastern United States has been suspected for some time. Recently, a mitochondrial-DNA (mtDNA) marker was identified that permitted discrimination of these southern walleyes from northern forms. In order to determine the type and distribution of walleyes in Alabama, mtDNA analysis was conducted on 35 individuals collected from 3 river systems within the state. Neil Billington, R. M. Strange, Michael J. Maceina
Pages 112-117 |
1995 |
Growth and Spawning Characteristics of Southern Riverine and Northern Strain Walleyes in Texas Genetically-marked strains of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreuni) from Arkansas (ARS) and Iowa (IAS) were stocked simultaneously into a Texas reservoir in 1985 to evaluate strain-related performance differences associated with spawning and growth. Post-stocking collections made during the spring spawning season (1988-1990) resulted in the capture of 132 walleyes from this year class. ARS walleyes comprised 35% of 1985 year-class samples which was significantly higher than the stocking proportion (26%). B. R. Murphy, David R. Terre, W. C. Provine
Pages 118-128 |
1995 |
Fish Biomass and Angler Harvest from a South Carolina Cooling Reservoir Fish biomass and angler harvest data were collected from Keowee Reservoir during a period when thermal characteristics of this reservoir were significantly altered by operation of a large steam-electric power plant. Plant operation increased the heat load of the reservoir and depressed the depth of the thermocline. During the 22-year sampling period, fish biomass (primarily for nonsportfish taxa) declined, fishing effort increased, and angler harvest rates remained unchanged. D. Hugh Barwick, L. E. Miller, W. R. Geddings, D. M. Rankin
Pages 129-139 |
1995 |
A Classification of Louisiana Lakes Based on Historical Rotenone Data Fish standing crop data from rotenone surveys of 43 Louisiana lakes from 1969 to 1989 were analyzed in an effort to classify them for fisheries management purposes. Total fish, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and >30-cm largemouth bass standing crops averaged 207.7, 11.8, and 7.7 kg/ha, respectively. Results from these rotenone surveys were compared to those of similar studies in the 1950s when Louisiana lakes were placed into habitat categories. Standing crops were compared to various water-quality parameters; they were positively correlated to chlorophyll-a levels.
Pages 140-452 |
1995 |
Evaluating Fish Habitat in a South Carolina Watershed Using GIS Fish habitat of the Edisto River Basin in South Carolina was evaluated using a geographic information system (GIS). A committee of fisheries biologists was formed to evaluate fish habitat within the Basin, and the GIS was used to compile and analyze data and generate maps to represent quality of fish habitat. United States Geological Survey (USGS) 1:24,000-scale digital line graph (DLG) hydrography data were assigned values for data on species composition, predesignated protected areas, riparian habitat, dams and impoundments, ditches and channelization, and water quality.
Pages 153-166 |
1995 |
Age Estimation and Length Back-calculation for Known-age Largemouth Bass Scales and otoliths from largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) of known ages (age 6, 7, and 8) were prepared and examined by 3 experienced readers who were uninformed of specimen age or length. Results indicated limited agreement between readers and numerous inaccurate age estimations. Among 97 scale samples read, all 3 readers only agreed on the age of a single specimen which was older than estimated; using otoliths, readers agreed on 4 specimens which were correctly aged. Percentage of correctly-aged fish ranged from 10% to 30% with scales and 39% to 47% with otoliths. Robert G. Howells, R. K. Betsill, J. A. Prentice
Pages 167-177 |
1995 |
Age, Growth, and Mortality of Lane Snapper from the Northern Gulf of Mexico Age, growth and mortality of lane snapper {Lutjanus synagris) from the northern Gulf of Mexico (Port Aransas, Texas, to Panama City, Fla.) were examined. Otolith sections from 694 fish collected from January 1991 to December 1994 were used to develop growth information using 2 methods (direct proportion and regression) of back-calculation. Fish ranged in age from 2 to 17 years and their size ranged from 210 to 673 mm total length. Males grew slightly faster and were larger at age than females; however, the oldest (age 17 at 500 mm) and largest (673 mm at age 11) were females. Allyn G. Johnson, L. A. Collins, J. Dahl, M. S. Baker, Jr.
Pages 178-186 |
1995 |
Age and Growth of Grass Carp in Lake Guntersville, Alabama A total of 139 grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) of unknown ploidy were collected by bowfishing during 1993 and 1994 in Lake Guntersville, Alabama. Ages were determined from sectioned otoliths (lapilli), then age-specific total lengths were back-calculated using scales of known age. Mean back-calculated total lengths of grass carp were 334, 627, 768, 852, 896, 895, 920, 965, and 973 mm at ages 1 through 9, respectively. A length-to-weight relationship was calculated as: weight (g) = 0.00000519 x total length mm3-14, r2 = 0.92. James V. Morrow, Jr., J. P. Kirk
Pages 187-194 |
1995 |
Comparison of 3 Seines in Alabama Small Impoundments The performance of 3 seines was evaluated in 6 state-owned public fishing lakes in Alabama. The catch of bluegill fry (Lepomis macrochirus) and young of year (YOY) largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in a 4.6-m (short) seine and an experimental 9.1-m (medium) seine was compared. The catch of intermediate bluegills (8-13 cm TL) in the medium seine was subsequently compared to their catch in a 15.2-m (long) seine. The medium seine was similar to the short seine for collecting bluegill fry.
Pages 195-204 |
1995 |
Influence of Selected Physical Factors on the Catch Rate of White Crappie in Trap Nets We investigated effects of selected physical factors on the catch rate of white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) in trap nets in Mississippi lakes. Population data were collected on 7,782 white crappie from 557 trap-net samples in the fall (N = 4,679 fish/243 nets) and spring (N = 3,103 fish/314 nets), 1987-1989. Generally, catch/day (N fish/24 hours) estimates were higher and less variable in trap nets set at water depths of 1.0-2.9 m and on bottom slopes of 0.0%-7.9%.
Pages 205-215 |
1995 |
Gamefish Bycatch and Mortality in Hoop Nets in the St. Johns River, Florida An intensive hoop net study was conducted on the St. Johns River, Florida, to: (1) estimate commercial hoop net effort, bycatch and initial gamefish mortality; (2) determine delayed mortality of game fish caught in hoop nets; and (3) estimate riverwide gamefish mortality in hoop nets. A survey of all known hoop net fishers revealed 38 fished 2,386 hoop nets for 794,300 net-days of effort in 1993. Between July 1992 and June 1993, 1,053 commercially-fished hoop nets were observed that were fished 7,320 net-days. Marty M. Hale, R. J. Schuler, Jr., J. E. Crumpton
Pages 216-223 |
1995 |
Tag Retention of Hallprint Dart Tags and Tag-induced Mortality in Largemouth Bass Tag retention and tag-induced mortality were evaluated for 2 sizes of Hallprint® dart tags injected in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Mean tag retention rates of 98% for larger (81 mm) PDB dart tags and 78% for smaller (69 mm) PDT dart tags were observed during a 15-month study in Lake Blanchester, Florida. Significantly higher tag loss (P ≤ 0.05) of PDT tags was attributed to a more flexible and shorter (12-mm) barb (anchor) compared to the larger and longer (18-mm) barb on the PDB tag. Dennis J. Renfro, W. F. Porak, S. Crawford
Pages 224-230 |
1995 |
Assessment of Radio and Ultrasonic Telemetry Systems in a Polyhaline Reservoir We tested the performance of low- (40 MHz) and high-frequency (150 MHz) radio and ultrasonic (75 kHz) telemetry transmitters in Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, Oklahoma, a polyhaline body of water. We measured the maximum detection distance of all 3 transmitters at various depths and conductivity levels in lacustrine habitats and the ultrasonic transmitter in riverine habitats. The ultrasonic transmitter had the greatest detection distance (600-1,200 m) in all lacustrine habitats and in clear, deep riverine habitats. William L. Fisher, M. L. Wilkerson
Pages 231-239 |
1995 |
Smallmouth Bass Habitat Use and Movement Patterns with Respect to Reservoir Thermal Structure Temperature-sensing ultrasonic transmitters were implanted in adult smallmouth bass {Micropterus dolomieu) in thermally stratified Melton Hill Reservoir, Tennessee, to monitor daily summer movement. Based on energetic expectations and preferred temperatures, smallmouth bass were expected to inhabit areas with optimal temperatures except when food availability required them to move to areas of less-desired temperatures to feed. No significant changes in temperature or depth were observed during daily tracking sessions.
Pages 240-249 |
1995 |
Catchability and Spawning Behavior of Largemouth Bass Tagged with Dummy Transmitters Catchability and spawning behavior of largemouth bass {Micropterus salmoides) with surgically implanted dummy transmitters and bass without transmitters were compared during 1992-1994 in a 0.20-ha pond. There was no significant difference between catchability of transmitter and control bass (P < 0.05) and spawning behavior of male transmitter and control bass (P < 0.05). Female transmitter and control bass were observed being courted by male bass on nests. Carol A. Richardson, A. A. Heft, L. Fewlass
Pages 250-255 |
1995 |
Determination of Management Unit Priorities for Nesting Songbird Objectives Partners in Flight, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Program, has generated interest among land managers to integrate songbird management into traditional management objectives. Confusion often exists, however, about which bird species or species assemblage to manage on any particular management unit. I describe 1 method for land managers to determine breeding bird priorities for any particular management unit and provide, as an example, nesting songbird priorities and management recommendations for the Cheatham Wildlife Management Area in Tennessee.
Pages 256-266 |
1995 |
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Wildlife Division is proposing to establish regional “wetland ecosystem” teams to coordinate wetland related activities on state-owned and private lands in Texas. The Central Coast Wetland Ecosystems Project (CCWEP) was the first of these teams to form. M. Todd Merendino, D. W. Mabie, J. B. Ortego, D. L.Brown
Pages 267-274 |
1995 |
Effect of Predator Control on Reproductive Success and Hen Survival of Attwater's Prairie-chicken From 1980-1981, we tested the hypothesis that removal of potential nest predators would increase the reproductive success of the endangered Attwater's prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri). Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis, N = 74), opossums (Didelphis virginiana, N = 83), and raccoons (Procyon lotor, N = 9) were removed from a 522-ha predator removal area (PR) during February- June 1980 and 1981. Predator indices were lower (P < 0.002) and prairie-chicken nest success was higher (82% vs. 33%, P < 0.019) in the PR than a 620-ha control area (CO). Jeffrey S. Lawrence, N. J. Silvy
Pages 275-282 |
1995 |
Winter Movements and Denning of Black Bears in Northwest Florida Information on winter movements and denning of Florida black bears (Ursus americanus floridanus) is important to develop habitat management programs. I studied denning characteristics and winter movements of 13 radiocollared bears (9M, 4F) in the Apalachicola National Forest and surrounding timberlands of northwest Florida from 1990-91 to 1992-93. All monitored bears denned during the study. Pregnant females entered dens earlier (P < 0.02), emerged later (P < 0.02), and denned longer (142 ± 5 [SE] vs. 52 ± 7 days) than other bears.
Pages 283-291 |
1995 |
A geographic information system was developed for lower Melton Hill Reservoir and the adjoining Clinch River in eastern Tennessee to demonstrate the feasibility of using this tool to identify potential bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) breeding habitat in the southeastern United States. Input variables in the model included land use, forest type, condition and size, distance from water, distance from human development,and acreage of aquatic foraging area.
Pages 292-302 |
1995 |
Winter Birds in a Developing Pine Plantation Winter resources may limit bird populations. In this study we document the winter bird community and assess habitat relationships in a single large loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantation (~500 ha) from shortly after establishment into the middle-age closed canopy stage at 16 years. The winter bird community changed as the plantation grass/forb/shrub community gave way to low shrubs, and again as low shrubs were dominated and mostly supplanted by the rapidly growing pine trees. J. H. Williamson, James G. Dickson, R. N. Connor
Pages 303-313 |
1995 |
Habitat Diversity and Small Mammal Populations in Canaan Valley, West Virginia Small mammals were trapped annually in Canaan Valley, West Virginia, from 1978 to 1993. Canaan Valley is located at 1,000 m elevation in the Appalachian Mountains and contains an unusual interspersion of ecological communities. Snap-trapping was conducted for 4 consecutive nights each September in each of 11 habitat types: alder, aspen, conifer, grassland, grassland/ecotone, hayfield, young hardwoods, mature hardwoods, muskeg, shrub/ecotone, and spiraea.
Pages 314-322 |
1995 |
Inter-observer Variability in Wading Bird Survey Data Evaluating the contribution of wading bird populations to avian biodiversity and wildlife managers' ability to maintain viable wading bird populations requires accurate information on population levels and trends. Wading bird population surveys often use multiple observers in single or over multiple years, but inter-observer variability is seldom evaluated. David T. Cobb, G. L. Sprandel, K. M. Enge
Pages 323-331 |
1995 |
Longevity and Bird Use of Hardwood Snags Created by Herbicides Herbicides are frequently used in pine stands to control competing hardwoods. We investigated the longevity of 4 species of hardwood snags (mockernut hickory [Carya tomentosa], sweetgum [Liquidambar styraciflua], southern red oak [Quercus falcata], and post oak [Q. stellata]) after treatment with 2,4-D herbicide. In addition, we observed evidence of foraging activity and cavity excavation by cavity-nesting birds. James G. Dickson, J. H. Williamson, R. N. Conner
Pages 332-339 |
1995 |
Habitat Selection by Florida Grasshopper Sparrows in Response to Fire Minimum population estimates of Florida grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum floridanus) made using listening stations systematically located throughout a 2,374-ha portion of the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in central Florida ranged from 219-234 individuals over a 3-year period. The study area was divided into 3 units and 1 was burned each year. Grasshopper sparrow population density was related to the 3 burn regimes: <1 year post-burn, 1-2 years post-burn, and >2 years post-burn. Patrick B. Walsh, D. A. Darrow, J. G. Dyess
Pages 340-347 |
1995 |
Managing Visitors to Prevent Disruption of Emergence of Bats Public interest in viewing emergences of bats has increased in recent years, and possible disruption by visitors of emergence time of colonies has become a concern for wildlife biologists. Consequently, the objectives of this study were to assess the influence of visitors on time of emergence and flight behavior of a colony of Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana). In summer 1992, we studied dynamics of the bat colony at the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area near Fredericksburg, Kendall County, Texas. Marian M. Bailey, J. T. Baccus, R. D. Welch
Pages 348-355 |
1995 |
Nest Sites of Seabirds on Dredge Islands in Coastal Louisiana Dredge islands are an important but relatively unstudied habitat for seabirds on the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. We characterized nest sites of Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri), least terns (S. antillarum), gull-billed terns (S. nilotica) and black skimmers (Rynchops niger) on dredge islands in the Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area in Louisiana. With the exception of the least tern, seabird use of the islands has increased over the last 5 years. Generally, dredge islands were used only during the first nesting season following their creation. Paul L. Leberg, P. Deshotels, S. Pius, M. Carloss
Pages 356-366 |
1995 |
From 1982 through 1994, 1,086 brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) pre-fledglings were banded with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aluminum bands in a spoil island nesting colony in St. Andrews Bay, Bay County, Florida. The colony was newly established the year banding was initiated and at the time constituted the only nesting colony on the Florida panhandle Gulf coast, with the nearest colonies being 250 km to the west in Louisiana and 165 km to the east near Cedar Key, Levy County, Florida. Don A. Wood, J. A. Gore, S. A. Nesbitt, M. S. Sasser
Pages 367-371 |
1995 |
Oral Biomarking of a Supplementally-fed Herd of Free-ranging White-tailed Deer A field study was undertaken to: 1) determine if a large number of freeranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) could be marked with tetracycline hydrochloride (THC), and, if successful, 2) assess use of supplemental feed by deer. Shelled corn treated with THC (approximately 300 mg/0.45 kg) was distributed (18 Jul-3 Aug 1992) on a commercial hunting club in South Carolina that supplementally fed white-tailed deer. Mandibles collected from 784 hunterharvested deer (15 Aug 1992-1 Jan 1993) were evaluated for THC marks. Michael D. Van Brackle, R. L. Marchinton, G. O. Ware, V. F. Nettles, S. B. Linhart, C. R. Ruth, L. O. Rogers
Pages 372-382 |
1995 |
Use of Fertilized Honeysuckle by White-tailed Deer in Western Tennessee Use of fertilized Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) by whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was examined by a marked-plant and twig procedure to assess the potential for utilizing naturally-occurring foods that have been enhanced by fertilization in deer management. We conducted the study on the Milan Army Ammunition Plant in Gibson and Carroll counties, Tennessee. Twenty transects were established in August 1992 and were examined ca. every 3 weeks until March 1994. Percent frequency of browse by deer was different (P = 0.0001) among all seasons (n = 7). R. David Frederick, M. L. Kennedy
Pages 383-388 |
1995 |
Home Range of Male White-tailed Deer in Hunted and Non-hunted Populations In many areas, hunting season coincides with rut, and movements associated with breeding activities may confound interpretation of hunting-related deer movements. This study provided an opportunity to evaluate the respective influences of separate rut and hunting seasons on home range sizes of adult male deer. Home ranges of 54 radio-collared male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were compared between Big Cypress National Preserve (BCNP; hunted) and Everglades National Park (ENP; non-hunted), Florida, during 1989-1991. Robert A. Sargent, R. F. Labisky
Pages 389-398 |
1995 |
An Evaluation of Supplemental Plantings for White-tailed Deer in the Georgia Piedmont In the southeastern United States, supplemental plantings often are used to increase forage availability and quality. We evaluated production and utilization by white-tailed deer {Odocoileus virginianus) of 3 warm-season and 8 cool-season agricultural forages in Madison, Morgan, and Putnam counties, Georgia. Eight 0.1-ha food plots were planted with cool-season forages at 3 locations in October 1991. Three warm-season forage species were planted at 3 locations in May 1992. Forage production and utilization were measured every 29 ± 3 days. J. Scott McDonald, K. V. Miller
Pages 399-413 |
1995 |
Mortality of Maturing White-tailed Deer in Coastal South Carolina A better understanding of population dynamics leads to more informed wildlife management decisions. Investigations of mortality rates and their causes for maturing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are lacking in the Coastal Plain of the Southeast. We captured 36 (18 male and 18 female) fawns with rocket nets and radio-collared them on Westvaco's North Whitener tract in Jasper County, South Carolina, from October through December 1992. We radio-tracked these deer during the 1993 calendar year to investigate mortality rates in a coastal area under a quality deer management program. Keith E. Morgan, T. T. Fendley, D. A. Shipes
Pages 414-422 |
1995 |
Heterogeneity in Observability of White-tailed Deer on Remington Farms Population estimates of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) based on marking individuals and resighting them at later times require assumptions about observability that are rarely verified. Yet the accuracy of estimates depends on meeting the assumptions. At Remington Farms on the eastern shore of Maryland, we tested accuracy of mark-resight population estimates from the heterogeneity model (Mh) of the CAPTURE program against a known abundance of a marked subpopulation of the herd. We also tested the assumption of heterogeneous capture probabilities. Richard A. Lancia, M. C. Conner, B. D. Wallingford
Pages 423-431 |
1995 |
Efficiency of Archery Hunting for White-tailed Deer on Medway Plantation We conducted this study to determine efficiency of archery equipment in conjunction with tracking dogs for harvesting white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on Medway Plantation in the Coastal Plain of South Carolina. Twentytwo experienced archers hunting from elevated stands over corn feeders shot 61 deer. A tracking dog was used whenever deer did not fall within sight of the hunter (41 of the 61 deer shot). Immediately following each hunt, the hunter completed a questionnaire to determine equipment used, shot conditions, and deer reaction. Richard T. Morton, D. C. Guynn, Jr., R. H. Hortman, J. G. Williams
Pages 432-438 |
1995 |
Potential Effects of Capture and Radio-monitoring on Eastern Wild Turkey Reproduction Wildlife researchers often assume capturing and marking do not influence marked animals' behavior, but this assumption is seldom tested. Therefore, we investigated effects of capture on reproductive success of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in east-central Mississippi. Hens were captured by cannon net, wing-tagged, radio-marked, and released between January and March 1990-1993. Marked and unmarked hens were observed at July and August bait sites 1990-1993; those observed with ≥ 1 poult were classified as reproductively successful. Mike Weinstein, D. A. Miller, G. A. Hurst, B. D. Leopold
Pages 439-447 |
1995 |
Mortality of Wild Turkey Poults In Coastal Plain Pine Forests Identification of poult mortality agents and associated rates are critical to management of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), particularly in coastal plain pine forests where reported mortality rates are greater than those documented in other environments. We studied rates and specific causes of mortality for wild turkey poults in south Georgia and north Florida from 1988-1993. During the period, 34 of 344 poults from 39 broods survived to 28 days post hatch and yearly mortality rates averaged 90.8% ± 1.8. D. C. Sisson, D. W. Speake, Jason C. Peoples
Pages 448-453 |
1995 |
Wild Turkey Nesting Ecology in the Lower Coastal Plain of South Carolina A population of eastern wild turkeys {Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) was studied in the lower coastal plain of South Carolina to determine if intensively managed short-rotation pine plantations have a detrimental effect on reproductive success. Reproductive parameters including nesting chronology, nest success, hen success, clutch size, and hatchability were estimated from 50 radio-instrumented hens monitored during 1988-1990. Predation during nesting and brooding periods was the major cause of nest and adult hen losses (55%). However, illegal kills were as high (45%). J. Rickie Davis, H. R. Barnhill, D. C. Guynn, Jr., R. E. Larkin, W. M. Baughman
Pages 454-465 |
1995 |
Wild Turkey Reproductive Parameters from Two Different Forest Ecosystems In Central Mississippi Many pine (Pinus spp.) and pine-hardwood forests in the Southeast have been, and are being, converted to short-rotation (35 years) even-aged pine plantations. Effects of forest type conversion on wild turkey reproductive parameters have not been documented. Therefore, we compared reproductive performance of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in central Mississippi between a forest system dominated by short rotation loblolly {P. taeda) pine plantations (Kemper County) and Tallahala Wildlife Management Area (TWMA), a more "natural" forest system managed by the U.S. Darren A. Miller, W. Weinstein, S. R. Priest, B. D. Leopold, G. A. Hurst
Pages 466-475 |
1995 |
Evaluation of Wild Turkey Population Estimation Methods To determine effects of land use and management practices on wild turkey {Meleagris gallapovo) populations, managers need reliable, low-cost methods to estimate absolute and relative densities. Therefore, we evaluated estimation ability of 4 models using wild turkey capture data from 1986-1993 and summer bait site observations from 1990-1993 in Kemper County, Mississippi. Capture-markrecapture models performed worse (i.e., higher coefficients of variance) than capture-mark-resight models. Mike Weinstein, B. D. Leopold, G. A. Hurst
Pages 476-487 |
1995 |
Feeding Response of Wild Turkeys to Chestnuts and Other Hard Mast Disease eliminated American chestnut (Catenea dentata), mast production from most North America forests before objective data could be collected on its use by wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). This study evaluated wild turkey use of American chestnut, chestnut hybrids, and other selected hard mast. Feeding responses of free-ranging wild turkeys to American and Chinese chestnuts was compared to 22 other mast species during winters 1993 and 1994. Turkeys were presented measured amounts of mast during 20 feeding trials. Chestnuts were readily accepted as a food. William G. Minser, T. Allen, B. Ellsperman, S. E. Schlarbaum
Pages 488-497 |
1995 |
Northern Bobwhite Brood Habitat Use in South Georgia Providing habitat to recruit young into a population with high rates of annual turnover is vital if stable populations are to be maintained. We studied habitat selection using radio-tagged northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) with broods ≤ 2 weeks old on 2 intensively managed quail hunting plantations in southwest Georgia from 1992 to 1994. Habitat selectivity was analyzed using 1,443 locations from 75 broods. Fifty-eight of the 75 broods preferred fallow fields with use greater than expected (P ≤ 0.05). Steven W. Yates, D. C. Sisson, H. L. Stribling, D. W. Speake
Pages 498-504 |
1995 |
Bobwhite Nesting Ecology and Modern Agriculture: A Management Experiment Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations have declined on a continental scale. One factor implicated in the decline is habitat loss through agricultural modernization. K. Marc Puckett, W. E. Palmer, P. T. Bromley, J. R. Anderson, Jr., T. L. Sharpe
Pages 505-515 |
1995 |
Summer Diet of Northern Bobwhite in Eastern Mississippi: Implications for Habitat Management Potential dietary differences between adult female and male northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) during the breeding season may influence habitat use and thus require special habitat management. The bobwhite literature contains only meager quantitative information, and no statistical evaluation, of adult female and male bobwhite diets during the breeding season. Therefore, we collected bobwhites and quantified their food use to test the null hypothesis that diets of male and female bobwhites were similar during the breeding season. Leonard A. Brennan, G. A. Hurst
Pages 516-524 |
1995 |
Improving Northern Bobwhite Brood Rearing Habitat in Tall Fescue Dominated Fields Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)-dominated fields provide poor northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) brood rearing habitat. Burning, disking, and herbicide applications have been recommended to improve bobwhite habitat within fescue-dominated fields. We implemented fall burning, fall disking, spring burning, spring disking, spring herbicide application, summer burning, and summer disking in fescue-dominated fields on 4 wildlife management areas across Kentucky. L. Andrew Madison, T. G. Barnes, J. D. Sole
Pages 525-536 |
1995 |
Using a Toll-free Telephone "Hotline" to Assess Coyote Depredation in Alabama Depredation to crops and livestock by coyotes (Canis latrans) is a subject of much concern to agricultural producers in Alabama. This concern suggested a need for an efficient mechanism for producers experiencing perceived coyote damage to report losses. We tested a combination self-reporting/field verification technique to determine proportion of coyote damage complaints actually attributable to coyotes, determine species responsible for reported coyote damage, and collect descriptive data on coyote damage in Alabama. James B. Armstrong, N. K. Walters
Pages 537-544 |
1995 |
The Status of Mountain Lions in Texas The mountain lion (Felis concolor) is legally classified as a nongame mammal in Texas within the broad scope of wildlife regulatory authority delegated to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Lions are not subject to any specific protective regulations; however, mountain lions are recognized as an important part of the native fauna of Texas. The Department is currently collecting mortality and sighting data by ecological region to determine current distribution and population status of Texas lions.
Pages 545-551 |
1995 |
Ecology of the Mountain Lion on Big Bend Ranch State Park in Trans-Pecos Texas Reproduction, mortality rates, dispersal, and survival of young lions are among the most basic factors affecting lion populations. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) initiated a research study to investigate home ranges, population dynamics, genetic variability, and diets. We captured 19 mountain lions (Felis concolor) on Big Bend Ranch State Park (BBRSP) 22 January 1993 through 9 March 1995, using trained hounds or leg-hold snares. All captured lions were examined, aged and sexed, and a series of body measurements were recorded. Michael T. Pittman, Billy Pat McKinney, Gilbert Guzman
Pages 552-559 |
1995 |
Use of Bait Stations to Monitor Black Bear Populations in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley Black bear populations of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) are threatened by continuing habitat destruction, necessitating development of techniques to monitor population trends. Bait station surveys have proven successful for monitoring other southeastern bear populations. We conducted experimental bait station surveys during May-August 1992 and 1993 to evaluate effect of bait type (fish, sardines, meat), sampling duration (4 and 8 days), and sampling month on bait station visitation rates by black bears. Darren A. Miller, B. D. Leopold, H. A. Jacobson
Pages 560-569 |
1995 |