M.S.

The main objective of this project was to determine the possibility and feasibility of creating wildlife clearings through the use of herbicides as compared to conventional methods of bulldozing and hand clearing. The selected study area adjoining a series of 3 compartments designated as Broad Run Research Area, designed to study various methods of habitat manipulation. Twelve areas were selected for treatment and numbered consecutively. Two were abandoned; No. 1 because of its small size and No. 3 because of the value in its natural condition. A square clearing design was arranged in each of the remaining 10 areas. Four herbicides were selected for testing, each proposed clearing was divided into 4 equal sections in order to apply the 4 herbicides to each clearing; one per quarter-section. The 4 herbicides tested were Monuron, Fenuron, 2,4,5-T, and Ammonium sulfamate. Nonuron and Fenuron, in granular form, were applied around the base of each stem at rates of 5 and 10 grams per stem. Stems 0-4.9 inches d.b.h. received 5 grams and stems 5 inches d.b.h. and larger received 10 grams. Ammonium sulfamate and 2,4,5-T were applied to frills cut at waist height. The ax cute in 2,4,5-T treatment were spaced at 4 inch intervals, and in the ammonium sulfamate treatment were continuous and overlapping. These two chemicals were applied by the use of 2 gallon garden sprayers; ammonium sulfamate at a rate of 7lbs. of crystals dissolved in 2 gallons of water and 2,4,5-T at a rate of 12 lbs. active ingredient per 100 gals. of No. 2 diesel fuel. Frills were filled to overflowing. The granular herbicides were applied in June and July 1958 and the frill treatments were made in August of that year. Two stem counts by species were made on each entire area. The first was made immediately after treatment and the second after one complete growing season. The percent of kill was computed for each herbicide based on the stem counts. Herbaceous sample plots 1/100 acre in size, were established in 4 areas representing 4 topographical features. Two stem counts were made on each of these 4 areas. An incidental field study using 1,2, and 4-grams of Fenuron per stem revealed that most woody species can be controlled with 1 gram of active ingredient per stem. Openings were satisfactorily established with Fenuron and Monuron; a lower rate of application could have been used. Techniques used in frilling would have to be altered to obtain satisfactory results when using 2,4,5-T and ammonium sulfamate; complete frills are necessary for 2,4,5-T treatments and the ax cuts placed closer to the root collar in ammonium sulfamate treatments. Sight observations revealed the areas were being used by deer, rabbit, grouse, turkey, and woodcock. / Master of Science

To determine the causes for low hunter kill and presumed poor population growth of the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herd in the High Knob (HK) area of Scott and Wise Counties, Virginia, the relative abundance and nutritional status of the deer herd and the habitat quality of the HK area were studied relative to a deer herd and an area in the Stony Creek (SC) section of Giles County, Virginia, known to produce deer of good physical size and antler development and sustained high hunter harvests. Pellet-group surveys, deer collections in September and March, check station data on hunter-killed deer, soil sampling, and quantitative and qualitative forage analyses were used in assessing the HK deer herd and area. The extent to which poaching, free-roaming dogs, and winter weather might be affecting the HK deer herd also was investigated. Pellet group density was significantly lower (P = 0.004) at HK relative to SC and was believed to be indicative of a somewhat lower herd density at HK. In September, the condition of the HK deer herd was similar to that of the SC deer herd. However, the average number of parasites in the abomasums of HK deer was significantly greater (P = 0.0002) than in the abomasums of SC deer. Yearling bucks killed by hunters at HK had significantly lower eviscerated body weights (P = 0.0001), while all bucks killed by hunters at HK had smaller antler beam diameters (P = 0.006) and fewer antler points (P = 0.0001) relative to hunter-killed deer at SC. Because of an abnormally abundant acorn crop at SC in the fall of 1985 and an abnormally mild winter at HK and an abnormally severe winter at SC in 1986-87, the nutritional condition of the HK deer herd relative to the SC deer herd in March in a "normal" year was difficult to ascertain. However, it was inferred that in a "normal" year the HK deer herd would be in worse physical condition in March relative to the SC deer herd. Soil pH, organic matter, and mineral levels were significantly lower (P < 0.1) at HK than at SC. The HK area had significantly greater (P < 0.1) quantities of various vegetation categories than did the SC area in September, 1986. Quantities of common forages consumed by deer in winter were believed to be similar or slightly lower at HK than at SC. However, the average yearly biomass of acorns was believed to be substantially lower at HK than SC due to the greater percentage of the HK area comprised of yellow poplar dominated forest stands. No clear patterns between areas were evident among the forages analyzed for nutritional components. Poaching and harassment by free-roaming dogs were not believed to be substantially different between areas. However, winter weather severity was much greater at HK that at SC. Based on a 10-year average, snowfall is normally over 3X greater at HK relative to SC. Thus, it was concluded that the HK area has a reduced capacity to support highly dense deer herds due to a lack of quality forages in late fall through late winter and greater winter severity relative to SC. / M.S.

This thesis is serving as a study report on 15 years or wildlife research performed at the 11,422-acre Broad Run Wildlife Research Area, also known at the Broad Run Management Area, in Craig County, Virginia, Incorporated in this thesis is a synthesis of all pertinent data, conclusions, evaluations, and recommendations emanating from the 17 theses written from studies undertaken at Broad Run. From these 17 theses there has been gleaned 193 results which are included in this thesis. These results took the form as either facts, summary conclusions, distilled background discussions, or as evaluations on information unearthed or research performed. Five works emanating from studies at Broad Run concerned attempts to quantify browse and mast. Four theses concerned the wild turkey, its movements, distribution, and abundance as influenced by wildlife management practices. Three theses concerned deer, its abundance and the influence, if any, on its population by dogs. Two theses were concerned with such wildlife practices as agricultural clearings and herbicide use, while the remaining theses were on the subjects of wild grapes, birth control in foxes, climate as an influence on the deer hunter, and the influence of forest habitat on songbird populations. / Master of Science