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LSU Master's Theses

2004

Waterfowl

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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Effects Of Spinning-Wing Decoys On Flock Behavior And Hunting Vulnerability Of Local And Migrant Mallards And Other Ducks In Minnesota, Michael L. Szymanski Jan 2004

Effects Of Spinning-Wing Decoys On Flock Behavior And Hunting Vulnerability Of Local And Migrant Mallards And Other Ducks In Minnesota, Michael L. Szymanski

LSU Master's Theses

Waterfowl managers in Minnesota and other states are concerned that increased kill rates associated with the use of spinning-wing decoys (SWDs) may negatively affect local breeding populations of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). I conducted 219 experimental hunts to evaluate hunting vulnerability of mallards to SWDs during the 2002 duck-hunting season in Minnesota. Following experimental hunts, I asked volunteer hunters to complete post-hunt questionnaires to document their hunting experience, and their use and opinions of SWDs. Finally, I used stable isotope methodology to determine natal origins of HY mallards killed during experimental hunts. I found that mallard flocks (≥1 duck) were 2.91 …


Estimating The Population Of Greater And Lesser Scaup During Winter In Off-Shore Louisiana, Sean David Kinney Jan 2004

Estimating The Population Of Greater And Lesser Scaup During Winter In Off-Shore Louisiana, Sean David Kinney

LSU Master's Theses

I analyzed data from an experimental aerial transect survey, using stratified random sampling, to estimate wintering populations of greater scaup (Aythya marila) and lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) (hereafter scaup) in off-shore waters along the coast of Louisiana during winters 2000-2002. My objectives were to evaluate anecdotal reports of large numbers of scaup in off-shore waters of Louisiana during winter, and to develop estimates and confidence intervals for numbers of scaup in this area. My analysis yielded estimates of 815,700, 420,600, and 791,000 scaup in off-shore Louisiana for years 2000-2002, respectively. Confidence intervals were 1,087,000 to 545,000, 594,300 to 247,000, and …