... Arkansas respondents reported that bears cause more damage to corn (P = 0.0348), milo (P = 0.... more ... Arkansas respondents reported that bears cause more damage to corn (P = 0.0348), milo (P = 0.007), and wheat (P = 0.0364) than respondents from Mississippi. ... We found significant differences between areas in landowner expectation of damage to corn, milo, and wheat. ...
... Burns, CJ 1988. Home range and distribution of white-tailed deer in relation to agricultural ... more ... Burns, CJ 1988. Home range and distribution of white-tailed deer in relation to agricultural food plantings. MS Thesis, Miss. State Univ., Mississippi State. 126pp. Byford, JL 1970. Movement responses of white-tailed deer to changing food supplies. Proc. Annu. Conf. Southeast. ...
... Alabama. MS Thesis, Miss. State Univ., Mississippi State. 43pp. Yearsley, EF and DE Samuel. 1... more ... Alabama. MS Thesis, Miss. State Univ., Mississippi State. 43pp. Yearsley, EF and DE Samuel. 1980. Use of reclaimed surface mines by foxes in West Virginia. J. Wildl. Manage. 44:729-734. 1993 Proc. Annu. Conf. SEAFWA
... Pictures cost US$0.33 each, including film and development. Assuming $300 per infrared-trigge... more ... Pictures cost US$0.33 each, including film and development. Assuming $300 per infrared-triggered camera unit and a five-year life expectancy, annual cost for a 14-day, 41-ha per camera survey of 243 ha using six cam-eras would be $3.08/ha. ...
To address skewed age structure of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), some state wi... more To address skewed age structure of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), some state wildlife agencies and many private wildlife management units are adopting antler-based, selective-harvest criteria (SHC) to protect young males from harvest. We categorized age-specific antler characteristics of males harvested within 3 soil resource regions of Mississippi to quantify regional variation of protection with SHC. We used a simulation model to estimate the effects various selection criteria and harvest rates of vulnerable males may have on subsequent cohort antler size. Finally, we compared cohort antler size from wildlife management areas (WMA) in Mississippi before and after implementing a statewide SHC. The proportion of yearling males protected differed (P<0.05) among 3 soil resource regions for various SHC. Therefore, knowledge of regional, age-specific antler size is necessary to formulate a SHC that protects a majority of young males while permitting the harvest of s...
Infrared-triggered cameras are increasingly used in wildlife management and require refinement fo... more Infrared-triggered cameras are increasingly used in wildlife management and require refinement for optimal use. We compared photographic recapture rates of tagged animals on two enclosed Mississippi study areas and a third enclosed study area in Oklahoma. We evaluated effects of camera density (one camera per 41 ha and one camera per 81 ha) and sampling duration (1 to 14 days) on accuracy of deer population estimates, cumulative new occurrences of adult males, cumulative sex ratio, and cumulative fawn crop on the Mississippi study areas. Photographic recapture rate varied from 92% for adult males and 89% for adult females in Mississippi to 22% for adult males and 34% for adult females in Oklahoma. A three-day survey provided stable sex ratio and fawn crop estimates at 41 and 81 ha per camera. A seven-day survey provided stable estimates of adult males with 76% accuracy at 41 ha per camera and with 59% accuracy at 81 ha per camera. Infrared-triggered camera surveys can accurately estimate population characteristics for management of white-tailed deer. However, a high level of accuracy for estimating density should not be assumed for all locations.
To address skewed age structure of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), some state wi... more To address skewed age structure of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), some state wildlife agencies and many private wildlife management units are adopting antler-based, selective-harvest criteria (SHC) to protect young males from harvest. We categorized age-specific antler characteristics of males harvested within 3 soil resource regions of Mississippi to quantify regional variation of protection with SHC. We used a simulation model to estimate the effects various selection criteria and harvest rates of vulnerable males may have on subsequent cohort antler size. Finally, we compared cohort antler size from wildlife management areas (WMA) in Mississippi before and after implementing a statewide SHC. The proportion of yearling males protected differed (P<0.05) among 3 soil resource regions for various SHC. Therefore, knowledge of regional, age-specific antler size is necessary to formulate a SHC that protects a majority of young males while permitting the harvest of smaller-antlered, older males. Our simulation model indicated SHC that protected smaller-antlered young males and permitted the harvest of larger-antlered young males reduced mean cohort antler size in subsequent years if the harvest rate of vulnerable males was high. Antler size of 2.5- and 3.5-year males declined (P<0.05) on a WMA in the Delta soil resource region after implementation of a 4-point minimum harvest criterion, but did not change on WMAs in the other soil resource regions. We conclude SHC that protect smaller-antlered young males coupled with high harvest rates of vulnerable young males may negatively impact cohort antler size in subsequent years on some areas. Use of SHC that protect young males with small antlers should be viewed as a temporary regulatory solution to chronic age-structure problems.
We compared landowner attitudes toward American black bears (Ursus americanus) on White River Nat... more We compared landowner attitudes toward American black bears (Ursus americanus) on White River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas, with a high black bear population, to 4 public areas in Mississippi (Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge, Delta National Forest, Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge), with few or no bears, to determine if differences existed. Areas were similar in land use practices. We surveyed all 325 landowners that owned land adjacent to White River National Wildlife Refuge and public lands in the Mississippi Delta, with 58% responding. Demographic variables did not differ between areas (P > 0.05) nor did knowledge levels of individuals regarding black bears (P = 0.730). Respondents in Arkansas were less likely to support increasing the bear population (P = 0.027) and had experienced more bear damage (P < 0.001) than those in Mississippi. Respondents did not differ on how bear populations should be managed (hunting season: P = 0.215; relocate: P = 0.774; kill permits: P = 0.680; compensate landowner: P = 0.060; trapping: P = 0.937; bears should not be disturbed: P = 0.149). Arkansas respondents reported that bears cause more damage to corn (P = 0.0348), milo (P = 0.007), and wheat (P = 0.0364) than respondents from Mississippi. No differences (P > 0.05) existed between areas for 18 other crops. Educational programs are needed to improve the knowledge of respondents about black bear natural history and management. Additionally, hunting and translocation were considered by respondents to be the most favorable management options for these areas when surplus populations exist.
Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences, 1999
We determined forage production and utilization for 3 cool-season forage combinations for white-t... more We determined forage production and utilization for 3 cool-season forage combinations for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Interior Flatwoods of Mississippi in 1994 and 1995:crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.)/wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), ladino clover (T. repens L.f. lodigense Hort. ex Gams)/wheat, and arrow leaf clover (T. vesiculosum Savi)/wheat. Cool-season plantings produced from 893 to 1105 kg/ha (dry weight) of forage over a 6-month period. Cumulative production was highest for ladino clover/wheat. Cumulative utilization by deer ranged from 309 to 578 kg/ha of forage dry weight, and was significantly higher for crimson clover/wheat(65%) than ladino clover/wheat (28%) or arrow leaf clover/wheat (29%). Management implications regarding selection of cool-season forages are discussed.
We recorded plant community characteristics in an 18-year-old, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virg... more We recorded plant community characteristics in an 18-year-old, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) exclosure in the Lower Coastal Plain of Mississippi during summer 1996. The 0.4-ha exclosure was constructed in 1977 within upland pine (Pinus spp.) forest of the Leaf River Wildlife Management Area in Perry County, Mississippi. Surveys at the time of exclosure construction revealed that similar plant cover and species richness existed inside and outside of the exclosure. Surveys were conducted during 1996 along 8 37-m transects located inside and outside the exclosure. Forest canopy did not differ between exclosure and control sites. Exclosure habitat supported 59 plant species and unprotected control sites contained 43 plant species. Density and coverage of midstory vegetation were greater (/• < 0.0001) in exclosed sites than control sites. Deer forages, such as blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), hollies (Ilex spp.), and yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), exhibited higher midstory and ground coverages along exclosure transects than along control transects. Our data revealed effects of browsing on plant community structure, coverage, and species richness, and demonstrated potential long-term effects of high deer densities on native flora and plant community characteristics.
We used infrared-triggered cameras to estimate white-tailed deer population size. The camera esti... more We used infrared-triggered cameras to estimate white-tailed deer population size. The camera estimate simplifies analysis of photographs obtained from these cameras and provides an estimate similar to that generated using the models with program CAPTURE. Four surveys of an enclosed property in northeastern Mississippi generated counts of 16, 31, 40, and 14 antlered white-tailed deer using the camera estimate at different camera densities and at different time periods. Indentifying individuals by antler characteristics and analyzing the data using program CAPTURE estimated the population of bucks for the same 4 surveys of the same property to be 13 (95%CI= 12-27), 30 (95% CI = 20-169), 22 (95% CI = 21-41), and 11 (95% CI = 8-27) respectively. All camera estimates fell within the 95% confidence interval for program CAPTURE when models correcting for heterogeneity of capture and bias due to time and behavior were employed. Results indicated that the camera estimate is useful for estimation of antlered white-tailed deer populations where Lincoln-Petersen models are appropriate and possibly for more complex sampling situations if photographs capture a large percentage of the population.
The welfare of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns orphaned during an early doe harv... more The welfare of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns orphaned during an early doe harvest is of management interest when the hunting and fawning seasons are temporally close. A 2-year study on early-weaned, captive white-tailed deer fawns was conducted to evaluate potential effects of early orphaning on growth and survival. Comparisons were made between survival of 60-day-old weaned fawns (TV = 28), 90-day-old weaned fawns (N = 21), and control fawns left with their does (N = 21). No significant differences were found between survival rates in 1994 (P = 0.68) and 1995 (P = 1.00). There were no significant differences between groups for any growth measurement at 7 months of age. These data demonstrate fawns orphaned at >60 days of age are capable of normal development with proper nutrition.
Proc. Annu. Conf. Southeast. Assoc. Fish and Wildl. Agencies, 1993
Abstract: Spatial relationships of radio-monitored gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were exa... more Abstract: Spatial relationships of radio-monitored gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were examined over a 5-year period. Marginal overlap (<10%) of convex polygon home ranges of same sex adult foxes with adjacent home range boundaries provided evidence for territoriality. Extensive overlap was observed between juveniles and adults of opposite sex. Mean home range overlap of suspected mated pairs was 61% ± 13%, providing evidence of pair bonding between the sexes. Territory size (home range) may provide a useful measure of population density. Assuming 2 adult foxes inhabit the same range, adult gray fox population density in areas of suitable habitat in the lower Gulf Coastal Plain can be expected to range from 1 adult fox per 183-308 ha
Abstract: Radio-collared white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; 7 males, 13 females) were tra... more Abstract: Radio-collared white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; 7 males, 13 females) were tracked from 1984 to 1989 on the Marion County Wildlife Management Area in southern Mississippi. Alternating halves of the study area were planted with66 0.1-ha and 20 0.4-ha cool-season and 20 0.4-ha summer agronomic forage plots. Mean annual production and utilization (air-dry) of cool-season forages were 1,904kg/ha (SE = 59) and 1,107 kg/ha (SE = 41), respectively. Summer forage production and utilization were 664 kg/ha (SE = 50) and 586 kg/ha (SE = 48), respectively. Annual 95% convex polygon home ranges averaged 691 ha for 6 adult (> 3 years)bucks and 343 ha for 12 adult does. Significant (P < 0.05) seasonal differences in home range size were observed for does, but seasonal differences for bucks were not significant (P = 0.12). Significant movements both toward and away from the planted side of the study area were observed for some individual deer. Net movement of radio-collared deer, however, did not respond positively or negatively to the planting of food plots.
Ages of 76 known-age white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were estimated by tooth wear and ... more Ages of 76 known-age white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were estimated by tooth wear and replacement (TWR) and by incisor cementum annuli (CA) determination. TWR and CA methods gave similar results (75% and 71% correct, respectively). However, accuracy was dependent on deer age, with TWR being more accurate than CA in age classes <3.5 years and CA being more accurate in age classes >3.5 years. Accuracy of 55 southeastern United States biologists in estimating age of 98 known-age deer jaws also was determined. Results indicated biologists were well-skilled in the TWR technique but generally underestimated actual age class >3.5 years. Using their mode response (N = 98), biologists correctly determined age for 71.4% of the jaws; however, when using their estimates given for all jaws (N = 5,390), 62.6% were aged correctly.
The eyes of bobcat (Felis rufus) kittens opened between 9 and 16 days of age in 3 stages (waterin... more The eyes of bobcat (Felis rufus) kittens opened between 9 and 16 days of age in 3 stages (watering, beginning to open, and complete opening) lasting 1-2 days each. Birth weights averaged 125 g. Growth curves peaked at 60 weeks (x¯ = 10 kg) for males and at 55 weeks (x¯ = 8 kg) for females. Log transformations of nose to rump length, and front leg length were highly correlated with age (r ≥ 0.94).
Nine white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) outfitted with radio collars were observed for 9 ... more Nine white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) outfitted with radio collars were observed for 9 months or longer to monitor seasonal movements and habitat utilization. Estimates of seasonal home-range size, using a multivariate method, varied from 176 ha to 1245 ha, and annual home range size varied from 455 ha to 2216 ha. Average annual home ranges of 4 females (737 ha ± 219 SD) was about half the average home range of 5 males (l511 ha ± 571 SD). Habitat utilization/availability analysis demonstrated significantly greater (P < 0.05) utilization of dense bottomland hardwood sawtimber than expected on an annual basis by 5 of the deer, and all deer used this habitat type in greater proportion than expected from its availability. Of 19 habitat types tested, only dense hardwood sawtimber showed a consistent use preference by deer. However, 3 deer showed geometric shifts in home range activity centers in the summer toward soybean fields, suggesting greater utilization of this habitat type than indicated by utilization/availability analysis.
... Arkansas respondents reported that bears cause more damage to corn (P = 0.0348), milo (P = 0.... more ... Arkansas respondents reported that bears cause more damage to corn (P = 0.0348), milo (P = 0.007), and wheat (P = 0.0364) than respondents from Mississippi. ... We found significant differences between areas in landowner expectation of damage to corn, milo, and wheat. ...
... Burns, CJ 1988. Home range and distribution of white-tailed deer in relation to agricultural ... more ... Burns, CJ 1988. Home range and distribution of white-tailed deer in relation to agricultural food plantings. MS Thesis, Miss. State Univ., Mississippi State. 126pp. Byford, JL 1970. Movement responses of white-tailed deer to changing food supplies. Proc. Annu. Conf. Southeast. ...
... Alabama. MS Thesis, Miss. State Univ., Mississippi State. 43pp. Yearsley, EF and DE Samuel. 1... more ... Alabama. MS Thesis, Miss. State Univ., Mississippi State. 43pp. Yearsley, EF and DE Samuel. 1980. Use of reclaimed surface mines by foxes in West Virginia. J. Wildl. Manage. 44:729-734. 1993 Proc. Annu. Conf. SEAFWA
... Pictures cost US$0.33 each, including film and development. Assuming $300 per infrared-trigge... more ... Pictures cost US$0.33 each, including film and development. Assuming $300 per infrared-triggered camera unit and a five-year life expectancy, annual cost for a 14-day, 41-ha per camera survey of 243 ha using six cam-eras would be $3.08/ha. ...
To address skewed age structure of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), some state wi... more To address skewed age structure of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), some state wildlife agencies and many private wildlife management units are adopting antler-based, selective-harvest criteria (SHC) to protect young males from harvest. We categorized age-specific antler characteristics of males harvested within 3 soil resource regions of Mississippi to quantify regional variation of protection with SHC. We used a simulation model to estimate the effects various selection criteria and harvest rates of vulnerable males may have on subsequent cohort antler size. Finally, we compared cohort antler size from wildlife management areas (WMA) in Mississippi before and after implementing a statewide SHC. The proportion of yearling males protected differed (P<0.05) among 3 soil resource regions for various SHC. Therefore, knowledge of regional, age-specific antler size is necessary to formulate a SHC that protects a majority of young males while permitting the harvest of s...
Infrared-triggered cameras are increasingly used in wildlife management and require refinement fo... more Infrared-triggered cameras are increasingly used in wildlife management and require refinement for optimal use. We compared photographic recapture rates of tagged animals on two enclosed Mississippi study areas and a third enclosed study area in Oklahoma. We evaluated effects of camera density (one camera per 41 ha and one camera per 81 ha) and sampling duration (1 to 14 days) on accuracy of deer population estimates, cumulative new occurrences of adult males, cumulative sex ratio, and cumulative fawn crop on the Mississippi study areas. Photographic recapture rate varied from 92% for adult males and 89% for adult females in Mississippi to 22% for adult males and 34% for adult females in Oklahoma. A three-day survey provided stable sex ratio and fawn crop estimates at 41 and 81 ha per camera. A seven-day survey provided stable estimates of adult males with 76% accuracy at 41 ha per camera and with 59% accuracy at 81 ha per camera. Infrared-triggered camera surveys can accurately estimate population characteristics for management of white-tailed deer. However, a high level of accuracy for estimating density should not be assumed for all locations.
To address skewed age structure of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), some state wi... more To address skewed age structure of male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), some state wildlife agencies and many private wildlife management units are adopting antler-based, selective-harvest criteria (SHC) to protect young males from harvest. We categorized age-specific antler characteristics of males harvested within 3 soil resource regions of Mississippi to quantify regional variation of protection with SHC. We used a simulation model to estimate the effects various selection criteria and harvest rates of vulnerable males may have on subsequent cohort antler size. Finally, we compared cohort antler size from wildlife management areas (WMA) in Mississippi before and after implementing a statewide SHC. The proportion of yearling males protected differed (P<0.05) among 3 soil resource regions for various SHC. Therefore, knowledge of regional, age-specific antler size is necessary to formulate a SHC that protects a majority of young males while permitting the harvest of smaller-antlered, older males. Our simulation model indicated SHC that protected smaller-antlered young males and permitted the harvest of larger-antlered young males reduced mean cohort antler size in subsequent years if the harvest rate of vulnerable males was high. Antler size of 2.5- and 3.5-year males declined (P<0.05) on a WMA in the Delta soil resource region after implementation of a 4-point minimum harvest criterion, but did not change on WMAs in the other soil resource regions. We conclude SHC that protect smaller-antlered young males coupled with high harvest rates of vulnerable young males may negatively impact cohort antler size in subsequent years on some areas. Use of SHC that protect young males with small antlers should be viewed as a temporary regulatory solution to chronic age-structure problems.
We compared landowner attitudes toward American black bears (Ursus americanus) on White River Nat... more We compared landowner attitudes toward American black bears (Ursus americanus) on White River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas, with a high black bear population, to 4 public areas in Mississippi (Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge, Delta National Forest, Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge), with few or no bears, to determine if differences existed. Areas were similar in land use practices. We surveyed all 325 landowners that owned land adjacent to White River National Wildlife Refuge and public lands in the Mississippi Delta, with 58% responding. Demographic variables did not differ between areas (P > 0.05) nor did knowledge levels of individuals regarding black bears (P = 0.730). Respondents in Arkansas were less likely to support increasing the bear population (P = 0.027) and had experienced more bear damage (P < 0.001) than those in Mississippi. Respondents did not differ on how bear populations should be managed (hunting season: P = 0.215; relocate: P = 0.774; kill permits: P = 0.680; compensate landowner: P = 0.060; trapping: P = 0.937; bears should not be disturbed: P = 0.149). Arkansas respondents reported that bears cause more damage to corn (P = 0.0348), milo (P = 0.007), and wheat (P = 0.0364) than respondents from Mississippi. No differences (P > 0.05) existed between areas for 18 other crops. Educational programs are needed to improve the knowledge of respondents about black bear natural history and management. Additionally, hunting and translocation were considered by respondents to be the most favorable management options for these areas when surplus populations exist.
Journal of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences, 1999
We determined forage production and utilization for 3 cool-season forage combinations for white-t... more We determined forage production and utilization for 3 cool-season forage combinations for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Interior Flatwoods of Mississippi in 1994 and 1995:crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.)/wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), ladino clover (T. repens L.f. lodigense Hort. ex Gams)/wheat, and arrow leaf clover (T. vesiculosum Savi)/wheat. Cool-season plantings produced from 893 to 1105 kg/ha (dry weight) of forage over a 6-month period. Cumulative production was highest for ladino clover/wheat. Cumulative utilization by deer ranged from 309 to 578 kg/ha of forage dry weight, and was significantly higher for crimson clover/wheat(65%) than ladino clover/wheat (28%) or arrow leaf clover/wheat (29%). Management implications regarding selection of cool-season forages are discussed.
We recorded plant community characteristics in an 18-year-old, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virg... more We recorded plant community characteristics in an 18-year-old, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) exclosure in the Lower Coastal Plain of Mississippi during summer 1996. The 0.4-ha exclosure was constructed in 1977 within upland pine (Pinus spp.) forest of the Leaf River Wildlife Management Area in Perry County, Mississippi. Surveys at the time of exclosure construction revealed that similar plant cover and species richness existed inside and outside of the exclosure. Surveys were conducted during 1996 along 8 37-m transects located inside and outside the exclosure. Forest canopy did not differ between exclosure and control sites. Exclosure habitat supported 59 plant species and unprotected control sites contained 43 plant species. Density and coverage of midstory vegetation were greater (/• < 0.0001) in exclosed sites than control sites. Deer forages, such as blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), hollies (Ilex spp.), and yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), exhibited higher midstory and ground coverages along exclosure transects than along control transects. Our data revealed effects of browsing on plant community structure, coverage, and species richness, and demonstrated potential long-term effects of high deer densities on native flora and plant community characteristics.
We used infrared-triggered cameras to estimate white-tailed deer population size. The camera esti... more We used infrared-triggered cameras to estimate white-tailed deer population size. The camera estimate simplifies analysis of photographs obtained from these cameras and provides an estimate similar to that generated using the models with program CAPTURE. Four surveys of an enclosed property in northeastern Mississippi generated counts of 16, 31, 40, and 14 antlered white-tailed deer using the camera estimate at different camera densities and at different time periods. Indentifying individuals by antler characteristics and analyzing the data using program CAPTURE estimated the population of bucks for the same 4 surveys of the same property to be 13 (95%CI= 12-27), 30 (95% CI = 20-169), 22 (95% CI = 21-41), and 11 (95% CI = 8-27) respectively. All camera estimates fell within the 95% confidence interval for program CAPTURE when models correcting for heterogeneity of capture and bias due to time and behavior were employed. Results indicated that the camera estimate is useful for estimation of antlered white-tailed deer populations where Lincoln-Petersen models are appropriate and possibly for more complex sampling situations if photographs capture a large percentage of the population.
The welfare of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns orphaned during an early doe harv... more The welfare of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns orphaned during an early doe harvest is of management interest when the hunting and fawning seasons are temporally close. A 2-year study on early-weaned, captive white-tailed deer fawns was conducted to evaluate potential effects of early orphaning on growth and survival. Comparisons were made between survival of 60-day-old weaned fawns (TV = 28), 90-day-old weaned fawns (N = 21), and control fawns left with their does (N = 21). No significant differences were found between survival rates in 1994 (P = 0.68) and 1995 (P = 1.00). There were no significant differences between groups for any growth measurement at 7 months of age. These data demonstrate fawns orphaned at >60 days of age are capable of normal development with proper nutrition.
Proc. Annu. Conf. Southeast. Assoc. Fish and Wildl. Agencies, 1993
Abstract: Spatial relationships of radio-monitored gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were exa... more Abstract: Spatial relationships of radio-monitored gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were examined over a 5-year period. Marginal overlap (<10%) of convex polygon home ranges of same sex adult foxes with adjacent home range boundaries provided evidence for territoriality. Extensive overlap was observed between juveniles and adults of opposite sex. Mean home range overlap of suspected mated pairs was 61% ± 13%, providing evidence of pair bonding between the sexes. Territory size (home range) may provide a useful measure of population density. Assuming 2 adult foxes inhabit the same range, adult gray fox population density in areas of suitable habitat in the lower Gulf Coastal Plain can be expected to range from 1 adult fox per 183-308 ha
Abstract: Radio-collared white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; 7 males, 13 females) were tra... more Abstract: Radio-collared white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; 7 males, 13 females) were tracked from 1984 to 1989 on the Marion County Wildlife Management Area in southern Mississippi. Alternating halves of the study area were planted with66 0.1-ha and 20 0.4-ha cool-season and 20 0.4-ha summer agronomic forage plots. Mean annual production and utilization (air-dry) of cool-season forages were 1,904kg/ha (SE = 59) and 1,107 kg/ha (SE = 41), respectively. Summer forage production and utilization were 664 kg/ha (SE = 50) and 586 kg/ha (SE = 48), respectively. Annual 95% convex polygon home ranges averaged 691 ha for 6 adult (> 3 years)bucks and 343 ha for 12 adult does. Significant (P < 0.05) seasonal differences in home range size were observed for does, but seasonal differences for bucks were not significant (P = 0.12). Significant movements both toward and away from the planted side of the study area were observed for some individual deer. Net movement of radio-collared deer, however, did not respond positively or negatively to the planting of food plots.
Ages of 76 known-age white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were estimated by tooth wear and ... more Ages of 76 known-age white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were estimated by tooth wear and replacement (TWR) and by incisor cementum annuli (CA) determination. TWR and CA methods gave similar results (75% and 71% correct, respectively). However, accuracy was dependent on deer age, with TWR being more accurate than CA in age classes <3.5 years and CA being more accurate in age classes >3.5 years. Accuracy of 55 southeastern United States biologists in estimating age of 98 known-age deer jaws also was determined. Results indicated biologists were well-skilled in the TWR technique but generally underestimated actual age class >3.5 years. Using their mode response (N = 98), biologists correctly determined age for 71.4% of the jaws; however, when using their estimates given for all jaws (N = 5,390), 62.6% were aged correctly.
The eyes of bobcat (Felis rufus) kittens opened between 9 and 16 days of age in 3 stages (waterin... more The eyes of bobcat (Felis rufus) kittens opened between 9 and 16 days of age in 3 stages (watering, beginning to open, and complete opening) lasting 1-2 days each. Birth weights averaged 125 g. Growth curves peaked at 60 weeks (x¯ = 10 kg) for males and at 55 weeks (x¯ = 8 kg) for females. Log transformations of nose to rump length, and front leg length were highly correlated with age (r ≥ 0.94).
Nine white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) outfitted with radio collars were observed for 9 ... more Nine white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) outfitted with radio collars were observed for 9 months or longer to monitor seasonal movements and habitat utilization. Estimates of seasonal home-range size, using a multivariate method, varied from 176 ha to 1245 ha, and annual home range size varied from 455 ha to 2216 ha. Average annual home ranges of 4 females (737 ha ± 219 SD) was about half the average home range of 5 males (l511 ha ± 571 SD). Habitat utilization/availability analysis demonstrated significantly greater (P < 0.05) utilization of dense bottomland hardwood sawtimber than expected on an annual basis by 5 of the deer, and all deer used this habitat type in greater proportion than expected from its availability. Of 19 habitat types tested, only dense hardwood sawtimber showed a consistent use preference by deer. However, 3 deer showed geometric shifts in home range activity centers in the summer toward soybean fields, suggesting greater utilization of this habitat type than indicated by utilization/availability analysis.
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