Life Sciences Commons^™

Spatial-Temporal Responses Of Cow Elk To Targeted And Non-Targeted Hunting Risk, Randall Mcbride

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Predation is one of the most important interspecies interactions that affect a wildlife population. Predator-prey interactions may cause species to shift their behavior, such as changing the use of their habitat in both space and time, based on their ability to assess risk. Wildlife population responses to predation stresses have been studied in the past, but individuals' responses to these stresses have not been studied in fine detail. For this study, cow elk were collared with GPS collars, and hunters carried hand-held GPS units. GPS locations were taken at 10-minute intervals for both cow elk and hunters during the hunting …

A Profile Of Wild Pig Hunters In Texas, Usa, Rachael L. Connally, Maureen G. Frank, Gary E. Briers, Nova J. Silvy, Keith M. Carlisle, John M. Tomeček

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a widespread exotic, invasive species that poses ecological, agricultural, and human health risks in invaded areas. Wildlife managers often manage wild pig abundance and expansion to mitigate these risks. The diversity of stakeholders involved in the issue of wild pig management complicates efforts to manage the species, and, to be successful, wildlife professionals should consider the human dimensions associated with wild pig management. The prevalence of privately owned lands in Texas, USA necessitates cooperation to enact effective management policies. In this study, we investigate the factors that affect a hunter’s likelihood to participate …

Hunter Motivations And Use Of Wild Pigs In Texas, Usa, Rachael L. Connally, Maureen G. Frank, Gary E. Briers, Nova J. Silvy, Keith M. Carlisle, John M. Tomeček

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a widespread exotic, invasive species that pose ecological, agricultural, and human health risks in their invaded range. Wildlife managers must manage wild pig abundance and range expansion to mitigate these risks. The diversity of stakeholders involved in the issue of wild pig management complicates efforts to manage the species, and, to be successful, wildlife professionals must consider the human dimensions associated with wild pig management. The prevalence of privately owned lands in Texas, USA necessitates cooperation to enact effective management policies. In this study, we investigate the impact of hunter motivations on wild …

Tolerance Of Bearded Vultures To Human Activities: Response To Comor Et Al. (2019), Olivier Duriez, Antoni Margalida, Luc Albert, Beatriz Arroyo, Virginie Couanon, Hélène Loustau, Martine Razin, Jean-Baptiste Mihoub

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is listed as vulnerable in Europe on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List because of population declines over multiple generations. Vulture population declines have been attributed to shooting, use of toxicants, and changes in land use, which have resulted in habitat degradation and increased anthropogenic disturbances. Concomitantly, conservation authorities have restricted practices deemed harmful to the species and have established protection buffers around occupied vulture breeding sites to mitigate the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances on breeding success. Comor et al. (2019) compared bearded vulture breeding success over 6 years within …

Resource Use By American Black Bears In Suburbia: A Landholder Step Selection Approach, Farshid S. Ahrestani, Mark A. Ternent, Matthew J. Lovallo, W. David Walter

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Range expansion of American black bears (Ursus americanus; bear) and residential development have increased the bear presence in suburbia. Suburban landscapes exhibiting patchworks of variable-sized parcels and habitats and owned by landowners with diverse values can create large areas of suitable habitats with limited public access. These landscapes may limit the effectiveness of hunting as a traditional bear population management tool. Managers require better information regarding landowner attitudes about hunting before implementing harvest regulations intended to mitigate conflicts in suburban areas. To address this need, in 2013, we surveyed landowners to identify properties that allowed bear hunting in 3 …

After Decades Of Suburban Deer Research And Management In The Eastern United States: Where Do We Go From Here?, Paul D. Curtis

Human–Wildlife Interactions

State wildlife agencies have regulatory authority and oversight over deer (Cervidae) management in the United States. However, increased urban sprawl and overabundant deer populations have created increased human–deer conflicts. Because of the growing controversy surrounding the use of traditional management practices such as regulated hunting in suburban areas in the eastern United States, managers are now using specialized tools and management approaches to reduce deer conflicts in urban areas. However, this has created new challenges as they try to meet the desires of diverse stakeholder groups. Although deer management programs in urban areas differ somewhat in every state, effective management …

Similar Breeding Success Of Bearded Vultures In Disturbed And Undisturbed Areas Shows Evidence Of Adaptation Capabilities, Vincent Comor, Nicolas Poulin, Mathieu Boos

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Retraction notice: We have been informed that because of logistical reasons the authors of Comor et al. (2019) were unable able to provide the answers requested by Duriez et al. (2020) regarding the protocols, the quantitative data, or the small and unbalanced sample sizes. At the authors' request, the article by Comor et al. published in Human–Wildlife Interactions 13(3) has been retracted.

Human activities are usually considered as disturbing factors impeding the breeding success of wild animals. Protected areas can then be set up to restrict such activities aiming to improve wildlife’s breeding success and conservation. To test for the …

Hunter And Public Opinions Of A Columbian Black-Tailed Deer Population In A Pacific Northwest Island Landscape, Robert P. Wingard, Paul R. Krausman

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Management decisions are influenced by public acceptance for wildlife; thus, knowledge of public concerns and management preferences can be an advantage to natural resource decision makers. Wildlife managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are concerned that the Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus; deer) population on Whidbey Island, Washington, USA, exceeds social carrying capacity (i.e., a publicly acceptable population). In summer 2014, we designed a self-administered mail questionnaire to assess opinions of residents and a phone survey to assess the opinions of Whidbey Island deer hunters about Columbian black-tailed deer. We hypothesized that residents would …

Lead Concentrations In White-Tailed Deer Tissue Due To Retained Bullets, Meghan C. Zimmer, Tod L. Osier

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Mobilization of lead from retained bullets may lead to elevated lead levels in game tissue with consequences for consumers. We investigated lead mobilization in 2 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) carrying retained lead ammunition from previous gunshot wounds. Lead concentrations in muscle tissue of deer with retained lead bullets were in the same range as control deer. In contrast, 1 deer had higher bone lead levels than controls, suggesting mobilization occurred. Our results suggest that lead mobilization to meat from retained lead bullets does not appear to pose a consumption risk for those consuming meat that is physically distant from lead …

Impacts Of Water Development On Great Salt Lake And The Wasatch Front, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh, Craig Miller, Sarah E. Null, Peter Wilcock, Maura Hahnenberger, Frank Howe

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Although droughts and floods produce short‐term fluctuations in the elevation of Great Salt Lake, water diversions since the arrival of 19th Century pioneers represent a persistent reduction in water supply to the lake, decreasing its elevation by 11 feet and exposing much of the lake bed. As Utah moves forward, we need to be aware of the impacts of lowered lake levels and make decisions that serve the interests of all Utahns. In particular, proposals to further develop the water supply of the Great Salt Lake should carefully consider potential impacts to the health of the lake and examine the …

Declining Populations Of Greater Sage-Grouse: Where And Why, Michael R. Conover, Anthony J. Roberts

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Scientists have been predicting the extinction of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) since 1916, and sage-grouse populations have declined relentlessly during the last century despite attempts to reverse the decline. In this review paper, we examined the scientific literature to evaluate hypotheses about why sage-grouse populations have declined. There is little support for the hypotheses that the decline is due to overhunting, parasites, food shortages, or collisions with power lines or fences. West Nile Virus (WNV) reduced sagegrouse up to 25% when the virus first reached the West during 2002, but sage-grouse have developed resistance to the virus since …

Unintended Consequences Of Bovine Brucellosis Management On Demand For Elk Hunting In Northwestern Wyoming, Mandy E. Kauffman, Benjamin S. Rashford, Dannele E. Peck

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Management strategies proposed to mitigate the risk of brucellosis transmission between elk and cattle (e.g., test-and-slaughter of all elk, elimination of feedgrounds, use of contraceptives) could result in a substantial decrease in elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) populations. These strategies could impact hunting and outfitting industries through reduced regional elk populations. Loss of hunters, particularly nonresidents, could result in economic losses for the state and hinder elk management. We estimated 2 empirical models using panel data from multiple hunt areas to determine effects of elk population changes on demand for elk hunting licenses in northwest Wyoming. First, we used …

Effects Of Waterfowl Hunting On Raccoon Movements, Shandra Nicole Frey, Michael R. Conover

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Nontarget wildlife may react to hunters with avoidance, ambivalence, or attraction, depending upon the frequency of contact and the consequences of past contacts. We studied raccoons (Procyon lotor) located within the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah, before and during waterfowl hunting seasons to assess changes in the size of their distributions, locations, and travel distances. Raccoon distribution size did not change with the onset of hunting. Once hunting began, raccoons were located more frequently in areas with lower densities of hunters and less frequently in areas with higher densities of hunters. Raccoons also responded to the presence …

Survival And Harvest Characteristics Of Giant Canada Geese In Eastern South Dakota, 2000–2004, Charles D. Dieter, Jeffrey S. Gleason, Bobby J. Anderson, Spencer Vaa, Paul W. Mammenga

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The population of giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) in eastern South Dakota has increased substantially since reintroduction efforts began in the 1960s. Breeding population estimates of Canada geese exceeded the population management objective of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks by the mid-1990s and has continued to increase at an estimated rate of 3 to 5% per year. Goose-related crop damage complaints have also increased. In 1996, a September hunting season (September 1 to 15) was implemented in 10 counties in eastern South Dakota and was expanded in 2000 to include most of eastern South Dakota. …

Late Summer Movements By Giant Canada Geese In Relation To A September Hunting Season, Charles D. Dieter, Bobby J. Anderson, Jeffrey S. Gleason, Paul W. Mammenga, Spencer Vaa

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The population of giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) breeding in eastern South Dakota has increased dramatically since reintroduction efforts began in the 1960s. May breeding population levels of giant Canada geese exceeded population management goals set by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) by the mid-1990s, and the population has continued to increase into the 2000s. This population increase was accompanied by an increase in goose-related conflicts such as crop depredation. In 1996, a September hunting season was implemented in select counties in eastern South Dakota in an effort to reduce the giant …

Bullet Fragmentation And Lead Deposition In White-Tailed Deer And Domestic Sheep, Marrett D. Grund, Louis Cornicelli, Leah T. Carlson, Erika A. Butler

Human–Wildlife Interactions

In February 2008, a private physician in North Dakota radiographed hunterharvested venison and found that 60 of 100 packages contained metal fragments. This discovery had implications for public-funded venison donation programs, and it prompted several Midwest states to examine their programs. Approximately 500,000 deer hunters harvest >200,000 deer annually in Minnesota, and the state has a donation program similar to North Dakota’s program. Therefore, we analyzed fragmentation patterns and lead deposition in carcasses of 8 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and 72 domestic sheep (Ovis aries). We fired 5 different bullet types from centerfire rifles, and we …

Factors Affecting The Harvest Vulnerability Of Trumpeter Swans, Heidi L. Tangermann

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two species of swan are regularly found in Utah, tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) and trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator). Tundra swans migrate through Utah. During the fall migration period they are hunted in the state under guidelines established by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Trumpeter swans are occasional visitors to Utah during the same migration period. Because trumpeter swans are difficult to distinguish from tundra swans in flight, they 11 are at risk of being harvested during the swan hunt. In my thesis, I examine the factors that may influence trumpeter swan vulnerability to …

Preventive Predation Management: An Evaluation Using Winter Aerial Coyote Hunting In Utah And Idaho, Kimberly Kessler Wagner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

To evaluate preventive aerial coyote hunting as a depredation management technique, I compared sheep losses to coyote (Canis latrans) predation and the hours of corrective predation management required on summer grazing areas with and without hunting the prior winter from helicopters. Correlations were used to test for relationships between the extent, intensity, and timing of aerial hunting and lamb losses to coyote predation. Data on the age, sex, and reproductive status of coyotes killed using aerial hunting on coyote populations.

Winter aerial hunting reduced confirmed and estimated lamb losses to coyote predation and the hours of effort required …

Water In Relation To The Establishment Of Chukar Partridge In Utah Deserts, James R. Messerli

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effects artificial watering devices (guzzlers) have on chukar (Alectoris graeca) populations were studied in Juab County, Utah.

The effect of water was determined by a comparision of chukar populations near guzzlers with water to guzzlers without water. The closure of two guzzlers had a pronounced effect on the distribution of chukars and the number of chukars decreased significantly at the two guzzlers after their closure.

Water concentrated the chukars, therefore, influencing their activities. During the water-critical period, between 1 July and 1 October, frequent, possibly daily, trips were made to water by chukars.

Reproduction and chick survival …

Economic Rent Values For Pheasant Hunting In Utah, Braulio Rodriguez V.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A conceptual model relating recreation resource values to the concept of economic rent was developed. The model argues that recreation sites possess both quality and location characteristics which serve as rent producing agents. Sites of better quality extract economic rents relative to those of lesser quality while those located most advantageously to user origins earn location rents relative to those more distantly located. The economic rent values are expressed by the differential use costs and recreationist activity associated with individual site usage.

A methodological procedure was developed which generates estimates of total rent values for a given site. The procedure …

Farmers' Reactions Toward Upland Bird Hunting In Two Utah Counties, 1957, Frank J. Calkins

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Proof that public hunting on private lands is a growing Utah problem is, perhaps, most easily found by driving down any country lane. “No Trespassing" signs come one to a fence post or so it must seem to the pheasant hunter. His quarry is the most popular of Utah's farm game species and, unfortunately, the most popular subject of farmer-sportsmen disputes.

Reasoning that short seasons reduce hunter nuisances and property damage, landowners have long advocated three- to five-day pheasant seasons. And because of this and a former game department concern about overshooting the birds (Utah Fish and Game Commission, 1946) …

The Status And Management Of Pheasant Posted Hunting Areas In Utah, William G. Parsons

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Since 1900 the ringneck pheasant Phasianus colchicus torquatus Gmelin has assumed major importance in the United states as an upland game bird. This is particularly evident in Utah where, in 1951, 76,000 hunters bagged an estimated one quarter million pheasants (8).