Hunter Success and Crippling Losses for Bobwhite Quail

During a two-week period each February from 1972 through 1981, bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) were collected on two study sites consisting of 202 and 210 hectares (505 and 524 acres, respectively). Bobwhites were collected by conventional sport hunting techniques, and records were maintained on several criteria concerning hunter success and crippling loss. During the 10-year study, 108 different hunters using 112 different dogs hunted a total of 3,089 man hours, flushed 15, 576 bobwhites, fired 6,820 shots, bagged 2,245 bobwhites, shot down and lost 230 bobwhites, and feathered an additional 385 bobwhites . Bobwhite density ranged from 0.6 to 7.6 bobwhites per ha (0.3 to 3.1 / acre) . Crippling loss ranged from 15 percent to 29 percent (x = 22 percent) of the total annual kill but did not correlate with fluctuations in bobwhite density

Efficiency of Dogs in Locating Bobwhites

The efficiency of dogs in locating bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) was studied on Tall Timbers Research Station, Leon County, Florida. Numbers of bobwhites present on two study areas were determined in six different years with the Lincoln Index method. Numbers of bobwhites found on bird dog censuses and numbers of bobwhites flushed while methodically hunting the study areas were recorded for comparison with Lincoln Index data. Numbers of bobwhites found with both methods involving bird dogs were substantially less than those numbers determined with the Lincoln Index census technique

Diseases and Parasites of the Bobwhite

The authors\u27 experiences with disease and parasite problems of wild and pen-raised bobwhites are given. Information extrapolated from an extensive literature review is presented in tabular form. Diseases and parasites of bobwhites, location in the bird of the lesion or parasite, and geographic areas of occurrence are note

Evaluation of Bobwhite Quail Surveys in Kansas

Statistical analysis of selected Kansas bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) population and harvest surveys is presented. Survey techniques evaluated include roadside counts by rural mail carriers (RMCS), April roadside counts, whistling cock counts, random summer brood counts (RSBC), interviews of hunters contacted during the hunting season, wing collection envelopes distributed to hunters, and a mail questionnaire harvest survey of hunters. Significant differences (P \u3c 0.05) between years and between survey regions existed for the April RMCS, April roadside count (coveys/observer), June whistle count, RSBC (young/adult and young/adult hen), and July RMCS, Correlation tests indicated significant (P \u3c O, 1 to 0.001) correlation coefficient (r) values between many of the population surveys, and between many of the population surveys and harvest parameters. The October RMCS is the best single predictor of harvest parameters. When the October RMCS (quail/100 miles) is used in association with adults/observer (RSBC) and total quail/observer (RSBC), higher R2 values are obtained as determined by stepwise multiple regression with harvest parameters

Avian Pox Infections in Southeastern Bobwhites: historical and Recent Information

Historic and recent information on the occurrence of avian pox, an infectious viral disease, in southeastern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) is summarized. An apparent long-term(\u3e 50 year) low-level (\u3c 2 percent) rate of infection occurred prior to an outbreak with a 12-fold increase in prevalence in 1978-1979. Post-outbreak monitoring during the two succeeding years disclosed that the regional prevalence of infection declined to near the pre-outbreak rate. The significance of avian pox as a regional and local mortality factor is discussed

SCWDS Briefs: Volume 24, Number 2 (July 2008)

Table of Contents: Brucellosis in MT and WY Lead Fragments in Donated Venison The Threat of Plague Recent Cases of Plague in the U.S. Raccoon Roundworm – Public Health Update 2008 Avian Pox in a Nestling Bald Eagle A Note to Our Readers Recent SCWDS Publications Availabl

SCWDS Briefs: Volume 26, Number 3 (October 2010)

White Nose Syndrome Response Plan Newcastle Disease in Cormorants Baylisascaris in Florida Raccoons EHDV-6 Surveillance The Hunchback Mite North American Model of Wildlife Conservation New SCWDS Members AFWA Resolution on Lead International Feral Swine/Wild Boar Conference

The One Quail Per Acre Myth

Data are presented which conflict with the 1-bird-per-acre saturation point concept for bobwhites (Colinus virginianus). Conclusions are that if a saturation point exists it is at a level greater than 2 bobwhites per acre

Experimental infection of conventional nursing pigs and their dams with \u3ci\u3ePorcine deltacoronavirus\u3c/i\u3e

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a newly identified virus that has been detected in swine herds of North America associated with enteric disease. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the pathogenicity, course of infection, virus kinetics, and aerosol transmission of PDCoV using 87 conventional piglets and their 9 dams, including aerosol and contact controls to emulate field conditions. Piglets 2–4 days of age and their dams were administered an oronasal PDCoV inoculum with a quantitative real-time reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR quantification cycle (Cq) value of 22 that was generated from a field sample having 100% nucleotide identity to USA/Illinois121/2014 determined by metagenomic sequencing and testing negative for other enteric disease agents using standard assays. Serial samples of blood, serum, oral fluids, nasal and fecal swabs, and tissues from sequential autopsy, conducted daily on days 1–8 and regular intervals thereafter, were collected throughout the 42-day study for qRT-PCR, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Diarrhea developed in all inoculated and contact control pigs, including dams, by 2 days post-inoculation (dpi) and in aerosol control pigs and dams by 3–4 dpi, with resolution occurring by 12 dpi. Mild to severe atrophic enteritis with PDCoV antigen staining was observed in the small intestine of affected piglets from 2 to 8 dpi. Mesenteric lymph node and small intestine were the primary sites of antigen detection by immunohistochemistry, and virus RNA was detected in these tissues to the end of the study. Virus RNA was detectable in piglet fecal swabs to 21 dpi, and dams to 14–35 dpi

SCWDS Briefs: Volume 23, Number 4 (January 2008)

Table of Contents: Orbiviruses New & Old - What Do We Need to Know? Orbivirus Vector Surveys Studies on H5N1 HPAI Virus in Swans and Geese Dr. Justin Brown Awards Impacted Turkey Gizzard Regional Disease Workshops in 2008-09 Dove Disease Research at SCWDS Some Staff Change