REVIEW AND APPROVALS
YAZOO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COMPLEX
Hollandale, Mississippi
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1986
_ • 4 ) k- Refuge manager Date/
Regional Office Approval Date
w INTRODUCTION
0 Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is located in the heart of Mississippi's delta region about 30 miles south of Greenville, MS, and about five air miles east of the Mississippi River in Washington County . Land acquisition began under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Migratory Hunting Stamp Act in 1936 with the initial purchase of 2,166 acres . In March, 1937, an additional 639 acres were purchased with plans to acquire about 20,000 acres . Problems with a local drainage district resulted in a delay of official activation and assignment of a Manager until late in 1956 . The Service was given permission to purchase additional land in 1960 under the provision of Section 5928 of the Mississippi Code of 1942, recompiled, by Governor Ross R . Barnett . Varied acreages were purchased from individuals and/or clubs until a total of 12,471 acres were acquired with the purchase of 138 .2 acres on July 30, 1969, from Mrs . Susie B . Law .
In the early 1900's through the 1940's, the natural habitat supplimented by agricultural crops provided excellent waterfowl hunting in and around the refuge area . People came from as far away as New England 0 to partake of the sport . Permits indicate that the area abounded in ducks, geese, and swans throughout the wintering season .
Initially, Yazoo was established as a link in the chain of refuges throughout the Mississippi flyway with special emphasis on wintering habitat for ducks and geese . Through the years that followed and as land acquisition progressed, emphasis was added to include similar benefits for other migratory species, reproduction of mourning doves, wood ducks, giant Canada geese and colonial birds along with the management of endangered and resident species . Turkey management began in 1970 with the introduction of a nucleus flock .
Yazoo's 12,471 acres of undulating Delta soils range from heavy gumbo (clay) to silt loam and limited sand ridges (hot spots) . All of the open acreage is classed as prime agricultural land . Mean sea levels range from 9U feet in the main drainages to 113 feet in the agricultural 0 areas . Area temperatures range from 92°F . normal maximum to 40°F . normal minimum . Extremes for a 10 year period, 1961-1970, were a high 106°F . and a low -3°F . Average annual rainfall measures 52 .55 inches .
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#1 Yazoo NWR Interior 6/86 TW
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 0 Page A . HIGHLIGHTS 1
B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 2
C . LAND ACQUISITION
1 . Fee Title Nothing to Report 2 . Easements Nothing to Report 3 . Other Nothing to Report
D . PLANNING
1 . Master Plan Nothing to Report 0 2 . Management Plan 2 3 . Public Participation . . . Nothing to Report 4 . Compliance with Environmental Mandates . . . . Nothing to Report 5 . Research and Investigations 2
E . ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel 6 2 . Youth Programs 9 3 . Other Manpower Programs 11 4 . Volunteer Programs 11 5 . Funding 11 6 . Safety 11 7 . Technical Assistance Nothing to Report 8 . Other Items 12
F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1 . General 12 2 . Wetlands 12 3 . Forests 14 4 . Croplands 1b 5 . Grasslands 17 6 . Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7 . Grazing Nothing to Report 8 . Haying 18 9 . Fire Management 19 10 . Pest Control 19 11 . Water Rights 19 12 . Wilderness and Special Areas Nothing to Report 13 . WPA Easement Monitoring iii
Page G . WILDLIFE
1 . Wildlife Diversity 20 2 . Endangered and/or Threatened Species 20 3 . Waterfowl 20 4 . Marsh and Water Birds 25 5 . Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 25 6 . Raptors 25 7 . Other Migratory Birds 26 8 . Game Mammals 26 9 . Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10 . Other Resident Wildlife 31 11 . Fisheries Resources Nothing to Report 12 . Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13 . Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14 . Scientific Collections 31 15 . Animal Control 32 • 16 . Marking and Banding 32 17 . Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report
H . PUBLIC USE
1 . General 34 2 . Outdoor Classrooms - Students 34 3 . Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report 4 . Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to Report 5 . Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6 . Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations Nothing to Report 7 . Other Interpretive Programs 36 8 . Hunting 36 9 . Fishing Nothing to Report 10 . Trapping Nothing t o Report 11 . Wildlife Observation 39 • 12 . Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 13 . Camping Nothing to Report 14 . Picnicking Nothing to Report 15 . Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16 . Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation . . . . Nothing to Report 17 . Law Enforcement 18 . Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19 . Concessions Nothing to Report
I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1 . New Construction 40 2 . Rehabilitation 41 3 . Major Maintenance 42 4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement 44 5 . Communications Systems 46 6 . Energy Conservation Nothing to Report 7 . Other Nothing to Report
iv Page 0 J . OTHER ITEMS 1 . Cooperative Programs 46 2 . Items of Interest 47 3 . Credits 48
K . FEEDBACK 49
L . INFORMATION PACK --- (inside back cover)
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A . HIGHLIGHTS
A total of 3,692 ducks were banded during post-season banding efforts (Section G-16) .
Wilkins attended Advanced Refuge Managers' Academy (Section E-8) .
Driest January since 1915 . There was brief relief from the drought in late May - early June, and then dry conditions continued through October (Section B) .
CNN news arrived in May to film a special on wood ducks (Section J-2) .
Special Achievement Awards were received for jobs well done (Section E-1) .
A buck was taken during archery season that scored 159 6/B, Pope and Young, a new state record (Section G-B) .
7 State-aid road to the refuge office was finally completed on July 31 after almost two years (Section I-1) .
#2 Agricultural fields, forestland, wetlands, and ecotone areas provide excellent wildlife habitat diversity . 6/86 TW
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B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
This years' weather recordings were atypical . January and February were the driest on record since 1915 with less than two inches of rain received . By April, refuge rainfall was over 15 inches below normal, an all-time record . All the shallow impoundments began the year completely dry . Consequently, waterfowl numbers were lower than normal during a large part of the year .
The 4 1/2 month drought ended with May bringing 10 .34 inches of rainfall . Between May 24-28, 6 .35 inches of rainfall left water in many impoundments which previously were completely dry . Dry weather returned quickly and dominated climatic conditions during the remainder of the summer . To make matters even worse, the first week of August brought scorching temperatures . Temperatures ranged from 100 0 - 109°F . with a heat index reaching the 120°F . mark!
For the second consecutive year, over nine inches of rainfall was recorded for October, usually a dry month . November turned out to be a wet month also . Over nine inches of rain were recorded with over 50% of the total falling between November 22-23 . The water left standing was the most seen on the refuge in three years . Table I presents a summary of weather data- for 1986 .
D . PLANNING
2 . Management Plan
Considerable effort was put forth during the year in writing, rewriting, and retyping various plans that detailed management activities of one kind or another . The Yazoo Hunt Plan and Environmental Accessment was revised as requested, then revised again later in the year to follow the new format developed by Washington . The Water Management Plan, the Moist Soil Management Plan, and the Remedial Action Plan for contaminants were completed for Yazoo . Also, an ATV Plan for Panther Swamp NWR was completed by Yazoo personnel and submitted to Region for approval .
5 . Research and Investigations
MVP Canada Goose Study
The refuge continued to cooperate in this long-term effort coordinated by the Co-op Unit at the University of Wisconsin .
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U .S . DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION MID-SOUTH AGRICULTURAL WEATHER SERVICE CENTER STONEVILLE, MISSISSIPPI (25 miles north of refuge)
Table I . SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS - 1986
JAN FEB " MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC' ANNUAL
Air Temperature Average Maximum 56 60 68 77 83 90 94 91 89 75 62 50 74 .6 Average Minimum 29 39 42 54 63 71 74 68 66 53 46 37 53 .5 Departure of Mean 0 +3 .5 +1 .5 +1 .5 +1 .0 +1 .0 +2 .5 -1 .5 +2 .5 0 +1 .0 -2 .0 + .88 from Normal Highest 72 82 88 88 92 98 104 104 95 94 78 69 104 Lowest 29 19 22 38 50 65 68 52 54 41 26 28 19 Precipitation (inches) Yazoo NWR 1986 .45 1 .50 2 .82 2 .07 10 .34 5 .44 1 .02 2 .71 2 .37 7 .54 9 .63 5 .21 51 .10 Stoneville 1986 .74 1 .72 1 .97 1 .92 5 .47 3 .45 2 .06 .91 .72 5 .03 12 .98 4 .22 41 .19 Departure from 30 Year -4 .35 -3 .06 -3 .70 -3 .56 + .38 - .27 -1 .99 -1 .46 2 .82 +2 .57 +8 .16 - .74 -10 .84 Normal from Stoneville's records Last Spring Freeze - March 23 First Fall Freeze Nov . 13 Growing Season 235 Days, Norm . 225 Days
No Snow Recorded This study has the following objectives :
(1) To document the variation in numbers, movements, harvest, 0 and survival of neck collared Canada geese .
(2) To relate variation in these demographic parameters to number and distribution of geese, habitat management practices, weather, and food supplies .
During 1986, approximately 95 collars were read on Yazoo and reported to the Co-op Unit . Although this number was not very impressive, it represents substantial effort put forth by the staff . It is very difficult to read collars at Yazoo due to a combination of factors but primarily because the number of geese present at this station are usually rather low .
Efforts to trap geese for marking as part of this study are detailed under Section G . 16 . a Wood Duck Nest Cavity Yazoo NWR was again included in a research project being conducted by Mississippi State University (MSU) .on utilization of artifcial cavities versus natural cavities by wood ducks . Mr . Martin Lowney, graduate student, began trapping ducks in February . Mr. Lowney was able to mark 18 ducks by equipping them with transmitters . Of the total, he was successful in collecting data on .15 of the birds . This work, when completed, should provide some interesting data on cavity utilization .
In addition to the above efforts on wood ducks, the refuge staff met with Dr . Ed Hill, leader of the Co-op Unit at MSU to discuss the feasibility of developing a research project on wood duck egg hatchability rates and pesticide related problems . Hatching rates of eggs actually laid in nest boxes at Yazoo remain low possibly due to pesticide contamination .
Muzzleloader Wounding Mortality Study
Yazoo NWR was selected as the location to conduct a deer wounding mortality study for muzzleloader hunts . The staff at Felsenthal NWR drafted the study proposal after consultation with the Research Division of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and with Wildlife Department staff at the University of Arkansas at Monticello .
Following the conclusion of the five day, limited permit muzzleloader hunt on Yazoo, Service personnel from various refuges in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, personnel from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, and several volunteers conducted a systematic search of approximately 700-900 acres of forestland, agricultural land, and reforested areas looking for deer carcasses . A total of five carcasses were found that could be attributed to the recently completed muzzleloader hunt . The staff at Felsenthal '%WR will prepare the final report .
3ottomland Hardwoods
The Waterways Experiment Station continued its study on bottomland hardwoods . Forest types at various transitional stages and elevations were evaluated . Louisiana State University had the lead in this effort and continued . t o monitor some 13 stations for changes in water fluctuations, soil moisture, siltation, etc . airing the year .
Pesticide Research
Green-backed Herons
Keren Ensor, graduate student at Auburn University, began to analyze the data collected at Yazoo in 1985 . A total of 76 heron nests were monitored during the 1985 nesting season with growth data and food samples collected at specified intervals . In addition, pesticide contamination levels will be determined from 41 eggs collected for analysis at Patuxent Research Center . To date, the final report on this effort has not been completed . E . ADMINISTRATION
0 1 . Personnel
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1 . Timothy M . Wilkins, Complex Manager, GS-12, PFT, EOD 12/28/80 . 2 . Jim C . Johnson, Primary Assistant (Complex), GS-11, PFT, EOD 11/09/86 . 3 . Larry U . Moore, Jr ., Forester, GS-11, PFT, Transferred to Tensas River NWR 04/27/86 . 4 . John T . Fulton, Assistant Manager (Yazoo), GS-9, PFT, Transferred to Bon Secour NWR 10/15/86 . 5 . Harold W . Beierman, Jr ., Assistant Manager (Hillside), GS-9, PFT, EOD 03/30/86 . 6 . David M . Ellis, Assistant Manager (Panther Swamp), GS-7, PFT, EOD 12/21/86 . 7 . Anita L . Bowman, Assistant Manager (Yazoo), GS-7, PFT, EOD 01/10/84 . 8 . Charla I . Yelverton, Secretary (Complex), GS-5, PFT, EOD 03/24/82 . 9 . Lucian A . Newton, Bio . Tech . (Panther Swamp), GS-7, PFT, EOD 01/12/81 . 10 . Valeria J . Rollins, Bio . Tech . (Hillside), GS-5, PFT, EOD 03/23/80 . 11 . Hubert W . Clegg, Eng . Equipment Operator (Complex), WG-10, PFT, EOD 02/10/60 . 12 . Claude W . Carnathan, Maintenance Mechanic (Hillside), WG-1U, PFT, EOD 02/24/80 . 13 . Melvin Horne, Maintenanceman (Yazoo), WG-8, PFT, EOD 07/08/84 . 14 . Richard C . Shoops, Eng . Equipment Operator (Hillside), WG-10, EOD 01/19/77 - Resigned 01/03/87 . 15 . Lamar C . Dorris, Jr ., Bio . Aid (Yazoo), GS-1, INT, EOU 09/01/85 . 16 . Lewis W . Henry, Jr ., Bio . Aid (Hillside), GS-1, INT, EOD 07/20/86 . 17 . Lewis L . Pearson, Bio . Aid (Yazoo), GS-1, INT, EDO 07/20/86 . 18 . Julia A . Harris, Clerk Typist, GS-2, INT, 05/27/86 - 06/26/86 . Table II . Permanent Total Full-Time Part-Time Temporary FTE Allotted
FY-86 12 0 4 13 FY-85 11 0 3 17 FY-B4 12 0 3 15 FY-83 14 1 1 15 FY-B2 9 3 0 13
A classification specialist from the Regional Office met with all staff members to discuss present classification and position descriptions . In addition, four positions at Hillside NWR were audited on March 3 .
Harold Beierman, Assistant Manager, transferred from Brazoria NWR Complex in Angleton, Texas, and reported for duty at Hillside NWR on April 2 .
0 Larry Moore, Forester at Hillside NWR transferred to Tensas River NWR on April 27 .
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#4 Julie Harris was hired as a temporary Clerk-Typist . 6/86 JF 0
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Julie Harris worked from May 27 through June 26 as temporary secretary . She was filling in while the refuge secretary, Charla Yelverton, was i on maternity leave . John T . Fulton, Assistant Manager, was selected for the Assistant Manager's job at Bon Secour NWR in Alabama . He began work on October 15 .
Lucian A . Newton, Bio . Tech ., was transferred to Panther Swamp NWR on October 1 .
Jim C . Johnson, Primary Assistant, transferred from White River NWR and reported for duty on November 12 .
Lamar Dorris, Lewis Pearson, intermittent Bio . Aid's at Yazoo NWR, and Lewis Henry, Jr ., intermittent Bio . Aid at Hillside NWR, assisted with beaver and duck trapping, gathering hunt information, habitat maintenance and during the YCC program .
A special staff meeting was called and the staff received a welcomed surprise! Nine special achievement awards were given, eight for 0 efforts in banding over 5,000 ducks in 1986 and Lucian A . Newton received one for serving as Acting Assistant Manager at Hillside NWR from December through March .
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#5 Special Achievement Awards 1/87 TW
(1) Bowman (5) Fulton (Not pictured) (2) Carnathan (6) Horne (3) Clegg (7) Newton (4) Dorris - not pictured (8) Yelverton
2 . Youth Programs
Our YCC program began June 9 and ended August 8 . The enrollees were given a break the week of July 4th . Ten enrollees were randomly selected, and Cicero Hall was again selected as youth leader for the seventh year . An orientation meeting was given on April 12 with topics such as safety, work performance and conduct discussed in detail . The meeting ended with a slide program of last years' YCC enrollees "in action" .
The refuge was fortunate to have hard workers this year who displayed enthusiasm to do a good job, to take responsibility, and to be dependable . Three of the enrollees were 18 years old which allowed them to operate some equipment . These three were very mature and attentive which attributed greatly to the expediency of project completion . 0
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#6 YCC enrollees and WISSCA workers (June 9 - August 8) 7/86 JF
1 . Richard L . Charles 8 . Willie J . Smith 2 . James L . Cornelius 9 . Joseph S . Tobia 3 . Shirley A . Johnson 10 . Denise M . Washington 4 . Doris A . McClure 11 . Cicero Hall 5 . Angela D . Pennington 12 . Charles Edwards (WISSCA) 6 . Michael G . Perry 13 . Alex Johnson (WISSCA) 7 . Dale T . Roberts 10
Various noteworthy projects were completed . Vegetation along road- sides, around boundary posts and signs, on nature trails and on Indian mounds was cut back ; 50 wood duck boxes were constructed and 67 were relocated ; concrete was poured for a sidewalk in front of the head- quarters office, around a Kiosk and in the throats of our walk-in trap ; and cypress wood was stained at Q-122, the water pump storage shed, kiosk, and at headquarters . The enrollees assited with many other projects including trapping and banding Canada geese at the Isola catfish ponds, stacking lumber, placing slides in the new slide cabinet, painting and greasing water control structures, clearing a boneyard site, marking the right-of-way boundary for the Corps of Engineers Steele Bayou Project, posting boundaries and aiding in the construction of two ATV bridges at Panther Swamp NWR . Aside from the above projects, time was made to keep the lawn mowed, trucks cleaned, and the office tidy .
#7 YCC's helped pour concrete for sidewalk at headquarters . 7/86 JF
For the second year, the "Most Outstanding Employee of the Week" award was given each Friday . The crew leaders selected the top three workers and the YCC enrollees chose the winner . Because there were many excellent workers the entire eight weeks, the selection was difficult . Each week, a different enrollee was selected which speaks well for the work ethic of the entire crew . No accidents occurred during the program even after many intense work projects .
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Two summer youth workers from the Washington, Issaquena, Sharkey County Community Action (WISCCA) program began work on June 23 . They worked three days a week and WISSCA paid their salaries . These employees worked well with the YCC crew and helped with many of the projects listed in Section E-2 .
4 . Volunteer Programs
Volunteers assisted with the muzzleloader crippling loss study which took place on December 15-16 . See Section D-5 .
There was considerable interest from many local residents in the waterfowl banding operations January - March . Different individuals provided assistance in the record breaking banding season . (See Section G-16 .)
5 . Funding
Base funding (1260) for the Complex was decreased by $63,500 in 1986 . Although the administrative action creating the Complex did result in some lowered operating costs the budget levels experienced during 1986 were simply not sufficient to accomplish some of the needed development projects . The reader must remember that most of the refuges in the Complex are new and in the development phase . Low base funding levels will postpone moving these new stations into full productivity . Funding for the Complex in 1986 was as follows :
Table III . 1210 2821 122U 1921 YEAR TOTAL BLHP 1240 RPRP 1260 ARMM 1994 REFORESTATION OTHER
Yazoo (prior to complexing) 1979 146 .0 5 .0 126 .0 ---- 14 .0 1980 129 .5 ---- 129 .5 1981 169 .2 33 .2 136 .0 0 1982 207 .6 25 .0 140 .0 ---- 1 .5 31 .1 1983 206 .3 ---- 150 .0 ---- 8 .2 36 .0 12 .1 1984 214 .8 ----- 158 .0 27 .0 2 .0 17 .0 10 .8
Yazoo Complex 1985 526 .95 ------441 .8 44 .2 2 .0 17,0 21 .95 1986 566 .70 ------81 .0 378 .3 55 .0 9 .0 17 .0 26 .40
The ARMM program allowed for the purchase of a truck tractor/lowboy trailer and headquarters water well . An accountability report was required at year's end for small ARMM related projects .
6 . Safety
Safety meetings were held as part of each monthly staff meeting . Films and pertinent seasonal safety topics were discussed . Much effort went toward developing the proper safety attitude and 0 awareness in all employees . Minor scratches to vehicles and the replacement of windshields due to cracks took place this year .
Some of the accidents that occurred during the year included insect bites, stings, and poison ivy contact . Although much attention has been given to these types of accidents, each summer someone suffers from one or all of these mishaps . One YCC enrollee was allergic to poison ivy and required shots prior to working in the woods . There were no reportable lost-time accidents during the year .
On June 23, Assistant Manager Fulton presented the National Safety Council's defensive driving course to the YCC crew and the staff members who did not receive the course during 1985 .
Joe Markwitz presented a truck-tractor safety and maintenance session to Beierman, Carnathan, Clegg, Horne, and Shoops on September 9 - 10 .
8 . Other Items
Manager Wilkins attended the three week advanced Refuge Manager's Academy in Washington from March 9 through March 28 .
The refuge inspection, conducted by Sam Drake, Refuge Supervisor, was held in April . Much time was spent at Hillside and Panther Swamp NWR's discussing the various projects planned for the year .
F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1 . General
Overall habitat conditions were assessed as fair for the year . Moist soil areas produced fair to good yields, agricultural crops good to poor and mast crops were only fair . The wide range of habitat conditions was due directly to the lack of rainfall . The good yields of corn and moist-soil foods enhanced waterfowl activity .
2 . Wetlands
Wetlands were drylands for much of the year! This was one of, if not the, driest year on record . Many areas which historically held water for wintering waterfowl were dry 'all winter . As a result of the dry conditions, waterfowl developed some rather unusual use patterns . These patterns included constant use of dry cornfields even during warm weather, higher average and peak waterfowl numbers during a relative mild winter and 20 to 30,000 mallards using single cornfields . Giant dust clouds were stirred as ducks fed in the dry corn fields .
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Moist soil areas produced fair to good yields of millet and smartweed . Utilization of the areas which contained water was good and waterfowl were observed in these areas most of the winter . Water conditions finally improved in November and December .
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#8 Good yield of millet await waterfowl use . 9/86 AB
A contract was issued to Coppage Drilling Company for three moist soil irrigation wells . By years end, no wells were in and the contractor had defaulted .
The U .S . Army Corps of Engineers issued a contract to continue channelizing Steele Bayou . The continuation (66A) will extend channel work from the upper end of 55A to Black Bayou and will require 535 acres of refuge land for construction . Mitigation for the work includes cross dikes and water control structures r which will allow water level manipulation in Swan Lake on some 4,000 acres . No work on the 66A Project was performed during 1986 .
Deer Lake was sprayed with Rodeo to reduce American lotus . An airplane was used with only the center portion of the spray boom open . This spray method strip kills the heavy lotus cover . The resulting open water/heavy cover of habitat conditions seems to offer the right combination for brood rearing by wood ducks, geese, common moorhens, and other waterbirds . The chemical application remains effective for two years .
The deep well pump at Deer Lake was run for a week during October to bring water up to a level attractive to waterfowl .
A water management map was completed during the year showing acreage flooded by 35 water control structures . These areas range in size from one half to 200+ acres .
3 . Forests
Efforts continued in 1986 to reforest field areas on the refuge that were considered unessential for Canada goose or waterfowl hot foods production . The various modifications made to the equipment used in this activity (see section 1 .2 .) have simplified this effort immensely . During 1986, approximately 75 acres were planted with red oak seedlings . Many of the seedlings were 4-5 feet tall .
Undesirable stems within several reforested areas were injected with Tordon using hypo-hatchets . Sycamore, cottonwood, and several other less desirable species had overtopped the more desirable hardwood mast producing red oaks . Approximately 80 acres were treated .
Anderson-River Oak Industries, Inc . of Yazoo City was awarded the contract for removal of 67,466 board feet of mixed sawlogs from the right-of-way along Steele Bayou . The Corps of Engineers are channel- a izing the bayou and as a result, all trees have to be removed from the right-of-way (ROW) to facilitate construction activities . Work began on the sale in September and was completed in October . Firewood permits were issued throughout the fall for cutting up tops and any standing trees within the ROW .
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#9 Planting acorns on Swan Island . 3/86 TW
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#10 This picture depicts one of the reforested areas on Yazoo . These red oaks are about 5-6 years old . 10/86 TW
4 . Croplands
The drought of 1986 had a devastating impact on most refuge crops as it did on crops in most of the Mississippi Delta . This was the first time in many years that cotton planted adjacent to the refuge dried up and died . Refuge soybeans averaged only 8 .9 bushels/acre, certainly a far cry from the needed average of 25 bushels/acre . With beans bringing only $4 .50 to $5 .00 a bushel, all farmers lost money . If soybeans continue to bring low prices, 0 the refuge will lose even the best co-op farmers . All cooperative farmers operated under the 75-25% sharecropping system with farmers supplying labor, equipment, seed, fertilizer, and chemicals . They also harvest bait (corn & milo) for trapping purposes . The 75-25% sharecropping plan may require adjusting in 1987 to offset the high cost of corn production and low price of soybeans .
Crop acreage during 1986 were : rice 220 acres, corn 438 acres, millet 268 acres, soybeans 2230 acres, milo 436 acres, sunflower 21 acres, and wheat 507 acres . Some 313 acres were double cropped with wheat/soybean or wheat/milo .
As usual, corn planted in late March and early April did well . Rains came at critical times to sustain the crop . Early corn not only had the benefit of early rains, but no pesticides were required . Ducks utilized the 1985 corn crop well into March and
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#11 Ducks utilizing dryland corn . 1/d2 TW
Several refuges and the Mississippi Department of Conservation requested wheat for planting and baiting for trapping purposes . The following list details the grains provided to the various stations : corn - 350 bushels to White River, 20 bushels to Felsenthal, 50 bushels to D'Arbonne, and 100 bushels to the State ; milo - 20 bushels to Felsenthal and 100 bushels to the State ; wheat - 15U bushels to Noxubee and 250 bushels to Cross Creeks . Other refuges and the State Conservation Department requested over 3,000 bushels of wheat but none was available .
Rice did well again this year with an average harvest of 130 bushels/acre . Duck and goose utilization of flooded rice fields continued, with 20 to 3U thousand ducks and up to 1,500 geese being observed at one time .
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#12 Flooded rice fields were very attractive to refuge waterfowl . 12/86 TW
The federal farm program has undergone numerous changes over the last three years . The refuge needs a fulltime position to track these changes and coordinate Yazoo Complex's 7,000+ acre farmland program with 14 cooperative farmers, each with various degrees of farming ability and cooperation . Due to farm program changes and easier tracking to determine compliance, Yazoo was broken into six (6) farm units . Each unit has crop bases that must be planted to receive benefits . Without the income from the federal program, most refuge farmers could not farm . This would severely hamstring 0 the ability of the refuge to produce wildlife foods . Crop bases on all farms are milo/corn 499 .3 acres, rice 282 .5 acres, and wheat 953 acres . Crops planted for the refuge are not considered part of the program . The program requires that all bases be planted or they will be lost .
The fall planting of wheat met with varying degrees of success . Wheat planted in late September or early October has done well . Planting conditions were far from optimum for later wheat plantings . Some 2U0 to 25U acres of wheat will most likely be considered a failure and be plowed under .
5 . Grasslands
Grassland habitat on Yazoo consists of ecotone strips, archeological sites and erosion control areas .
Farming practices prior to 1980 involved disking to the woods line . In many cases, farmers disked under overhanging branches . Ecotone strips,i .e ., transition zones from open fields to open woods, were established in 1981 in an effort to diversify habitat .
#13 Ecotone strips were established several years ago between field borders and forestland . These strips provide "edge" type habitat valuable to many species of wildlife . 1/81 TW
Since establishment of these strips, various wildlife species have responded positively . Small birds, turkeys, deer, rabbits, rats, predators (owls, hawks, bobcats, coyotes) and other wildlife use these areas for feeding, nesting, cover, hunting and as travel 0 corridors . Ecotone strips are maintained by mowing or disking every three to five years .
The refuge maintains three archeological sites totalling 104 acres . By request of the Regional Office, these areas have been maintained in a grass state using haying contracts .
Several erosion prone areas in agricultural fields have been maintained in grass . This practice along with the utilization of overfall pipes has reduced the loss of topsoil substantially .
8 . Haying
The haying of archeological sites began in June . A total of 2U0 large round bales of hay was removed the first cutting . Dry weather during mid-summer caused grasses to almost die . By September the sites were ready to cut again, but the refuge hay contractor already had all the hay he needed . The final outcome was to have the contractor bushhog strips, leaving grassed areas for small mammals . The open strips made rodents, etc . available to raptors . These areas were utilized by marsh, red-tailed and Cooper's hawks as well as kestrels .
9 . Fire Management
There has been little need for fire management on Yazoo NWR . Almost all refuge lands are bottomland hardwoods, swamp or cultivated fields . Areas with a grass fire potential are ecotone strips and reforestation sites . Because these areas are located where a grass fire potential exists, primarily from a careless smoker, the refuge staff will continue to disk the outer edges of the reforested area .
There were two small grass fires on the refuge this year along roadsides . These were probably caused by cigarettes tossed from passing vehicles . No damage was recorded .
1U . Pest Control
Animal pest control is discussed under Animal Control .
The primary pest control on Yazoo NWR pertains to the refuge farm program. Many different pesticides are used to control weed and grass problems . These pesticides are approved by the Regional Office and must be applied according to the manufacturer's directions and refuge restrictions . As most know, the delta is plagued with Johnson grass . The grass has got to be the cause of many a farmer's demise . You can deal this grass a blow with chemicals but it always comes back . Most other problems with weeds such as cocklebur, morning glory, redvine, tea weed, etc . are solvable .
Other farm pests include army worms, corn ear worms, etc . that can destroy a crop - pronto! New chemicals now being developed offer much better safeguards to wildlife and the environment . Hopefully 0 this trend will continue . 11 . Water Rights
The State of Mississippi began . issuing permits for water rights during 1986 . The right to draw water was based on past usage- history . An application was required for each existing well over four inches . The refuge has nine deep wells and seven surface water pumps . These facilities were utilized to fill waterfowl use areas and irrigate rice . Each future well requires an application and legal notice in a local newspaper before a permit to install the well can be issued . Plans were to install two new wells on Yazoo this past year . A contract was issued but the contractor went bankrupt before work began on the irrigation wells . We are hoping the contract will be reissued and enough money will be available to install the same number of wells as first contracted . G . WILDLIFE
1 . Wildlife Diversity
Yazoo Refuge attracts and supports a highly diversified fauna due to the myriad of habitat types present . Mature hardwood forests, substantial acreages of reforested areas in various successional stages, ecotone strips, several different wetland types, and agricultural fields represent some of the habitat types present . These types are distributed throughout the refuge which greatly increase overall habitat productivity . As a result, most vertebrates indigenous to the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley have been seen on Yazoo. The species lists for refuge wildlife currently includes 250 species of birds, 23 amphibians, 16 fish, 45 reptiles, and 43 mammals . It seems that at least one or more new species are added each year .
2 . Endanger ed and/or Threatened Species
The only resident endangered species present on Yazoo is the American alligator . 'Gators are common throughout the various permanent water wetland types and are observed regularly by refuge staff and visitors . Nine animals were observed during the annual spotlight count conducted on June 2 . Conducting this survey is difficult at Yazoo since its virtually impossible to utilize a boat in most refuge wetland areas at summer water levels .
Bald eagle use on Yazoo is restricted to the winter months when the birds utilize the various wetland areas receiving heavy waterfowl use . The eagle numbers present at any given time varies drastically depending upon refuge waterfowl population levels . In general, the overall trend seems to be one of slowly increasing numbers of birds observed each year . In 1986, the mid-winter eagle survey identified only two immature bald eagles but observations later in January and in February suggested that 8-10 birds consistantly used the area for a large part of both months . An adult bald eagle observed in mid-November marked the arrival of eagles for the winter of '86-'87 . By the end of December, at least three balds were present on the refuge .
3 . Waterfowl
Swans
The 1985 narrative reported that a small flock of tundra swans were observed along the east boundary of the refuge in mid-December of 1984 through early February in 1985 . Tundra swans were once again recorded in this area in 1986 when a flock of seven birds were observed about 15 miles northeast of the refuge in February . Geese
Canada goose population levels for the year peaked in early January at approximately 3,000 birds . Population levels remained constant through most of January and began to decrease by early February . Large influxes of other goose species at this time resulted in the peak population (all species) being recorded on February 9 when 7,000 geese were observed . This total included 4,000 blue and snow geese, 2,000 Canada geese, and 1,000 white-front geese . These numbers decreased rapidly as the birds accelerated their movement north . By February 20, almost all migrant geese were gone, leaving about 150 resident Canada geese .
Canada geese began arriving in late fall when the first flock of 50 birds were observed on November 4 . Population levels remained around 150-30U throughout November and finally began to increase in early December . Unseasonably warm weather may have delayed normal southward movement patterns . As the year ended, approximately 2,000 Canadas and 800 white-fronts were present . Table IV presents the average goose use days for 1977-1987 .
On February 16, four Ross' geese were observed on the refuge . These birds remained in the area through the 19th . To our knowledge, this was the first sighting of this species in the state .
Ducks
As with geese, the peak duck population for the year occurred in early January when slightly in excess of 110,000 birds were recorded . As usual, over 90 percent of this total were dabblers with mallards comprising the majority of these figures . Duck numbers remained constant through most of January with the birds moving to the flooded agricultural fields and moist soil units early each morning and late each afternoon . The majority of ducks present utilized Swan Lake as a resting/roosting area . By mid- February most birds had departed .
Wintering waterfowl began arriving in mid-October with numbers increasing very slowly through early November . When a major cold front, accompanied by substantial rainfall, brought the first taste of winter weather conditions to this area, duck numbers increased rapidly . By the end of November, approximately 30,000 birds were present . Population levels continued to build through December, howbeit slowly, as an occassional cool front provided relief from unseasonably mild weather . By the end of December, roughly 50,000 ducks were utilizing the refuge on a daily basis . Table IV presents the duck use days for Yazoo from 1977-1986 .
-21- Table IV . Duck . and Canada Goose Use Days for Yazoo NWR (1977-1986) .
Year Ducks Canada Geese
1986 4,936,264 150,585 1985 4,023,888 107,580 1984 3,778,224 230,136 1983 4,385,172 103,920 1982 4,481,028 270,096 1981 6,057,264 55,527 1980 4,057,236 82,596 1979 5,309,244 365,916 1978 5,987,676 114,000 1977 5,132,688 218,004
Waterfowl production at Yazoo is primarily limited to wood ducks, hooded mergansers, resident Canada geese, and an occassional mallard that also utilizes the area for nesting . The final data for the 1986 wood duck nest box program is presented below . Some generalized observations from this data include a major decrease in the total number of eggs laid compared to prior years, i .e ., 6,100 eggs laid in 1986 compared to the four year average for 1982- 1985 of 8,892 . Perhaps one of the reasons for this decrease was that the severe drought conditions present during the summer of 1986 drastically decreased the available habitat . This may have resulted in fewer birds being present . Similiar drought conditions occurred during the summer of 1982 when 5,652 eggs were recorded . The heat during July and August could also have been a factor .
On a brighter side, the percent hatchability increased by 13 percent from 1985 to 26 .98 percent in 1986 . In addition, the predation rate on nests by raccoons decreased substantially primarily due to the staff greasing each pole on which a nest box was erected . The number of eggs pecked by woodpeckers remained high, however, with all efforts to reduce this predation rate being unsuccessful .
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Table V . 1986 WOOD DUCK NEST BOX DATA
1986 1985 1984 1983 1982
Boxes available 387 363 423 51) 418 Boxes used X83 321 356 386 295 Percent boxes usec 73~ 88 84 7t 71 Boxes used once 168 175 259 192 219 Boxes used twice 93 126 82 134 69 Boxes used three times 22 20 13 54 7 Boxes used four times 0 0 2 8 0 Total number nesting attempts 420 487 464 622 378 Total number successful nests 121 114 215 Percent successfu" nest 28 .81 23 .41 46 .34 Total eggs laid 6100 9820 8578 11519 5652 Total eggs hatchec 1646 1441 1491 3208 3642 Total eggs unhatcred 1141 1150 981 708 Percent hatching - rom 59 .06 55 .61 60 .31 81 .92 successful nests -Percent hatchabil-ty (from 26 .98 14 .67 17 .38 27 .85 64 .43 total no . eggs laid) Eggs removed 1794 5096 3873 5118 614 Eggs actually biro pecked 726 674 **1134 Eggs that disappe=_red 688 588 557 Eggs predatorized ':)y raccoons 78 517 427 Eggs predatorizea by snakes 32 101 12 Eggs left in nest after 34 0 0 1162 final check Dead young 43 53 103 83 40
* 1340 eggs predatorized by raccoons, birds, and snakes in 1983 . ** Eggs bird petted and those removed with bird pecked e s .
#14 Nest __ :es erected at almost any location will receive use b, good ducks on Yazoo . These boxes located in Manage Wilkins' front yard, are used at least once every .ear . 4/86 TW
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ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT FORM 0 WOOD DUCK BOX PROGRAM INFORMATION
REFUGE : Yazoo NWR
NESTING YEAR : 1986
NUMBER PERCENT
Total usuable boxes 387
Nest attempts 420
Estimated boxes used by wood ducks 271 70 .03
Estimated boxes used by other ducks 7 1 .81
Estimated boxes used by other wildlife 108
Estimated wood duck broods produced 121
Estimated total wood ducks hatched 1646
Estimated wood ducks surviving to flight stage* 823 50%
0 Plans for next year (indicated number) : more
fewer boxes
X no change
Remarks :
'V ii survival rate is otner than bU,,, pleas- ;, xplain rationale in remarks section . 4 . Marsh and Water Birds
Bird numbers present in 1986 at the rookery on Alligator Pond were considerably below levels of prior years . Perhaps the extended drought experienced during the summer months contributed to lower numbers present . Species present at the rookery were similiar to prior years but numbers of birds and thus numbers of nests declined . Dominant species at the site included cattle egrets, little blue herons, anhingas, snowy egrets, green- backed herons, and great egrets .
Nesting activity began in early May . By the 10th, approximately 60 green-backed heron nests were observed (most nests had eggs in them) . In addition, 40 adult and 60 immature little blue herons were seen but no little blue heron nests observed . By the 31st, approximately 200 little blue heron nests were present with roughly 25% of these having eggs . Also, by the end of the month, about 1/3 of the green-backed heron nests contained young birds . Cattle egret numbers were extremely low compared to previous years . The '83 and '84 narratives reported 500 and 400 cattle 0 egret nests, respectively, in the rookery . The peak number of nests observed in 1986 was roughly 75 .
5 . Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species
Spring migrations of these species began on schedule in March . Species diversity levels present this year were generally similiar to previous years . However, bird numbers seemed to increase as flocks of shorebirds ranging from 30-75 became common not only on Yazoo but on all the stations within the Complex . Perhaps the dry conditions present over large parts of the Mississippi Delta forced larger numbers of birds to use moist soil areas where water was still present . Noteworthy observations made during the year included large numbers (up to 1,000) of the locally scarce ring-billed gulls in January, large concentrations of snipe in refuge moist soil units, five Bonapartes'gulls on March 21, and roughly 200 white pelicans in October .
6 . Raptors
Eagle use and numbers of birds present were discussed above under Endangered and/or Threatened Species .
Raptor numbers present through the year were generally good and represents a continued slow but steady increase in the numbers of birds using the refuge . By February, red-tails, kestrels, sharp- shinned hawks, barred owls, and harriers were at peak population levels . The staff estimated that red-tails alone peaked at roughly 150-175 birds . By mid-March, most of the raptors had departed except for those species that nest locally . Substantial numbers of raptors began arriving by late September and as winter approached, numbers were again building toward excellent levels .
Other noteworthy sightings made during the year included merlins, red-shouldered hawks, Mississippi kites, great horned owls, and Cooper's hawk .
7 . Other Migratory Birds
The habitat diversity present at Yazoo coupled with a location within the heart of migration patterns for most species using the Mississippi Flyway results in a very diverse avifauna . During spring migrations of shorebirds and warblers, observing 100-125 species of birds is not unusual . Substantial acreage of fields are planted to trees which provide highly desirable early successional stage habitat . This, coupled with large quantities of maintained ecotonal strips, wetland areas and mature hardwood forests, provides the heterogeneous mix of habitat types that result in heavy bird utilization .
Noteworthy observations made during the year included vermillion flycatchers, a rose-breasted grosbeak, large numbers of dickcissels and bobolinks, painted buntings, and many species of warblers . The 0 Christmas Bird Count, conducted the first week of January, identified over 100 species of birds . a
Finally, the new bird list for the Complex was received during the year . The list contains 250 species of birds that have been identified on the various refuges .
8. Game Mammals
In the minds of many local residents, the status of the refuge deer herd is of primary importance . Yazoo has long had the reputation of producing trophy white-tail bucks and, as a result, interest in the refuge deer hunts has been extremely high . Demand for deer hunting has exceeded the ability of the refuge to supply hunting opportunity for a number of years . Therefore, all the gun hunts are by limited permits only .
In an effort to gather information on the refuge deer herd, the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study Group collected and necropsied five deer on September 12 . General health of these five animals was classed as good with an average APC of 644 . This APC level is normally considered at or slightly below nutritional carrying capacity . The health check did reveal moderate to high levels of lungworms (Dictyocaulus viviparus) present . This parasite can be particularly bothersome in that it may cause some animal loss to verminous pneumonia, especially in the' fawn age class . Also, serologic studies revealed one deer with antibodies present to epizootic hemorrhagic disease . Based upon the findings of this work, the study team recommended that the herd be maintained at present levels . They cautioned that any substantial growth in herd numbers would result in a high probability of increased mortality rates by disease/parasite agents .
#15 The Southeastern Disease Study Group collected and necropsied five deer at Yazoo NWR while conducting a deer health check . 9/86 AB
The 1986 deer hunts developed into a very productive season as to deer removal rates . Tables VII, VIII, and IX presents the kill data for all hunts . Hunter success rates for the gun hunts were acceptable, i .e ., 2U percent, when one considers the fact that two of the hunts (the youth and muzzleloader hunts) traditionally have lower hunter success levels than regular gun hunting . Sex class compositions were good, 54% :46% buck :doe, especially considering that a large part of the refuge hunters were specifically trophy buck 9 hunting . The six month age class made up 23 percent of the total kill . This percentage is slightly down from the five year average of 26 percent but not sufficiently skewed to indicate a problem . The refuge staff will pay particular attention to this parameter over the next few years in light of the health check findings presented above . The other parameters generated by the hunt data did not reveal any significant deviations from long term averages .
0
Table VII . Hunter Success Rates and Deer Kill By Age & Sex Classes, Yazoo NWR 1980-1986
Hunter Success(%)
Number All- Gun 2 22 32 4 ,1, 52 5z+ Unknowns Deer Harvested Year Hunters Hunts Hunts B B D B D B D B D B D B D Buck Doe Total
1986 2815 7 20 221 23 39122 14; 12 9 19 1 1 3 ; 15 103 90 193
1985 1643 7 11 111 19 201 15 81. 9 81 10 0 4 1 ; 2 0 ; 3 1 48 62 110
1984 1677 10 16 17 9 331 14 . 201 10 221 15 3 1 11 1 ' 0 1 4 96 70 166
1983 1108 13 27 14 25 26114 101.10 6114 0 i 4 1 1 7 0 1 0 1 57 74 131 ! 1 1 1 I I
1982 894 9 12 7 9 21110 51 8 41 5 0 1 2 0 15 0 10 1 37 39 76
1981 1447 8 12 28 24 161 15 8 14 31 12 0 ' 7 0 ; 5 0 1 3 1 55 80 135
1980 1295 7 9 14111 151 8 19 81 5 1 ' ' 1 58 36 94
Table VIII . AverageDeerField DressedWeights(Pounds), ByAge&Sex Classes'forYazooNWR .
BUCKS DOES Year 2 1 2 2 2 31,2 42 52 Avv . 2 1 2 2,12 3,12 41,2 5-1, 52+ Avg.
1986 50 111 140 179 189 0 134 46 94 103 105 0 103 101 92 1985 41 114 146 176 0 184 132 39 85 104 99 99 112 112 93
1984 47 114 139 177 152 192 137 39 96 102 • 99 110 106 99 93
1983 42 111 160 181 0 0 124 41 89 105 110 114 130 119 101
1982 45 112 169 164 0 0 123 38 87 101 108 108 112 116 96
1981 57 110 149 150 0 0 117 53 91 106 103 115 117 98 98
1980 41 112 129 157 0 0 108 38 87 92 123 101 106 110 95
Table IX . Antler Points of 1 1/2 Aqe Class Bucks 1980-1986 . Yazoo NWR .
Number of Points Total Average Year 2* 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sample Points
1986 19 2 3 3 1U 1 U 38 3 .84 1985 6 1 6 1 3 2 1 20 4 .20 1984 15 4 6 2 3 1 2 33 3 .55 1983 8 4 5 1 5 U 1 24 3 .79 1982 10 2 3 2 4 1 0 22 3 .59 1981 13 0 1 1 1 2 0 18 3 .06 1980 8 2 2 3 1 1 0 17 3 .41
* This number represents the actual number of 1 1/2 year old bucks killed that had antlers .
Table X . Year and Number of Days by Type of Hunt, Yazoo NWR . 0 Type Hunt .1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986
Archery 15. 53 4U 49 42 49 64 Youth Gun 0 3 3 3 3 3 3 Muzzleloader 11 8 1** 2** 6 5 5 General Gun 3* 0 0 0** 1 1 1
* Bucks only ** Remainder of season closed due to flooding .
It was interesting to note that a total of 19 bucks (or 10 percent of the total refuge deer kill in 1986) exceeded 175 pounds, field dressed . Also, a 308 pound buck (whole weight) was checked during the youth hunt . This deer was perhaps the largest (in weight) removed from Yazoo . One other point of interest that should be mentioned here is 0 the new state record Pope and Young buck that was taken during the October archery season . The buck was an 8 point with a 20 1/2" inside spread, 6 1/2" beam circumference, 26" beam length, and scored 159 6/8 . The old adage of beginner's luck certainly was true for this hunter since this deer was his first archery kill .
Squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon populations remained stable throughout the year with no significant population changes . Generalized health of these species appeared good with reproduction levels constant with previous years . Kill data for these species are presented in Section H .
Opossums, beaver, coyotes, bobcat, and nutria were occassionally taken during other refuge hunts . The numbers taken during the 1986 hunts were low indicating little hunter effort toward harvest instead of low population levels . Observations by the refuge staff throughout the
-30-
year indicate that population levels of these species were certainly viable and in the case of beaver, nutria and coyote, probably expanding .
#16 This bow killed deer scored 159 6/8, Pope and Young, and established a new state record . 10/86 TW
10 . Other Resident Wildlife
Turkey experienced another excellent reproduction year in 1986, the second in a row . The staff estimated the mid-year population to be around 300-350 birds, up considerably from levels in 1982 through 1984 . Observations of turkeys became common, refuge wide, and stimulated considerable hunter interest . Efforts to trap turkeys for restocking efforts at D'Arbonne NWR in Louisiana proved unsuccessful . The birds refused to take bait .
14 . Scientific Collections
In March, three cormorants were collected and submitted to personnel at the Regional Office as part of a food habits study being conducted . The advent of large scale, commercial catfish farming operations in the delta regions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana have apparently created ideal feeding conditions for these birds . Literally thousands of cormorants can be observed within the immediate vicinity of the refuges in the Complex . Large numbers of these birds foraging daily in catfish ponds have made many fish farmers extremely nervous . Hooded merganser eggs were collected during the spring and sent to Patuxent . These eggs will be examined for pesticide levels as 0 part of an ongoing study . 15 . Animal Control
Animal control activities at Yazoo primarily consists of removing problem animals by shooting . Feral dogs are continuously a problem due to the proximity of residences all along the refuge boundary . Beaver and nutria also present continued problems at slough crossings, around water control structures, and along primary drains . Most problem areas at Yazoo are access~ble which greatly simplifies control efforts . The staff estimates that during the year, roughly 50-60 beaver and 125-150 nutria were removed .
16 . Marking and Banding
Intense and dedicated efforts on the part of all Complex employees resulted in a record breaking banding year . A total of 5,128 ducks were banded during post-season efforts in January and February on the various stations within the Complex . The totals for individual stations are given in the appropriate section of the narratives for a particular refuge .
At Yazoo, most of the post-season trapping success came by cannon netting birds . However, walk-in traps did contribute several hundred ducks toward the total . The numbers presented below represent many hours of staff time, many cold feet and hands, and last but certainly not least, a sense of satisfaction in a job well done .
Efforts to trap Canada geese met with almost total failure even though numerous sites, both on and off the refuge, were baited . It seemed that geese never used the same location on two consecutive days . The efforts of the staff were finally rewarded in a small way on February 13th when 13 geese were captured by rocket net on private land at Isola (60 miles from Yazoo headquarters) . All other efforts during the normal banding season were unsuccessful . However, 32 geese were caught and banded from a resident flock east of the refuge . All birds banded were young of the year and will remain free to fly .
Preseason wood duck banding efforts began in April . The staff experienced little success with netting the birds so nest box traps and walk-in traps were erected . These activities finally concluded in September with a total of 214 birds banded . Even though this figure falls short of the 400 bird quota established for Yazoo Refuge, the staff felt this was an excellent total in light of the low numbers of birds present due to the severe drought conditions present . 0
The breakdown of banding activities on Yazoo NWR in 1986 is as follows :
Males Females
Mallards (Banded with standard & reward bands) 1,227 1,308 Quota 800 Mallards (Banded with standard bands only) 1,035 122 Quota 900
Mallard subtotals 2,262 1,430 Total 3,692
Miscellaneous species banded incidental to mallard quotas
Wigeon 301 188 Wood Ducks 42 27 Black Ducks 9 14 Mallard X Black Duck Hydrid 1 2 Pintail 3 1 Gadwall 4 0
Miscellaneous subtotals 360 232 Total 592
Preseason Wood Duck subtotals 105 109 Quota 400 Total 214
Canada Geese(banded and neck collared) subtotals 16 29 Qutoa 50 Total 45
Grand Total 4543
1
#17 Assistant Manager Bownan \works ,p one of the mallards banded during a record breaking banding year . 1/86 LD
-33-
V
#18 Most of the ducks captured in postseason banding activities were by cannon net . 1/86 TW
H . PUBLIC USE
1 . General
Hunting and related scouting efforts contributed most of the public use in 1986 . The staff estimated that 3,000 public inquiries were received in November, mainly inquiries about the hunts . Wildlife observation and outdoor classroom activities seem to 0 increase yearly as more individuals become aware of the various wildlife species which can be seen on the refuge throughout the year .
There was neither demand nor facilites for non-wildlife activities such as swimming, camping, waterskiing, and picnicking . The-few requests for such activities were referred to nearby State Parks .
2 . Outdoor Classrooms - Students
Eleven 4th-6th graders from a local church visited the refuge January 19, and was given a tour by Assistant Manager Bowman . The students saw various species of waterfowl, an 8 point buck and other wildlife species .
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The Auburn University waterfowl class visited the refuge on January 25 . Bowman explained some of the month's activities . Dr . Rick Kamenski of Mississippi State University was also with the 9rou p
A group of Brownies brought 80 pounds of acorns, mostly Shummard oak, to the refuge for planting . Unfortunately, most of the acorns were not viable, but the effort was there . A tour was given by Bowman along with a slide presentation .
Dr . Rick Kimenski's graduate level waterfowl ecology class from Mississippi State University scheduled a field trip to the refuge during the year. Bowman spoke to the class about on-going refuge programs such as banding operations, reforestation, and moist soil management . Thirteen people were present .
0
#19 A waterfowl ecology class from Mississippi State University was one of the groups that visited the refuge during the year . 10/86 AB
-35- 7 . Other Interpretive Programs
Public relations can be very important in gaining the support from various groups for the National Wildlife Refuge System . No one person has been assigned the responsibility of conducting the public use program on the Complex . As time allows, different staff members give presentations about the refuge and wildlife conservation when requested .
Manager Wilkins gave slide presentations to a Kiwanis' Club in Greenville, Lion's Club in Indianola and to 400 Junior and High School students at Greenville Christian School . He spoke to the Tchula Garden Club in Yazoo City about wildlife conservation and presented a gun safety program to Mississippi Power and Light employees .
Yazoo headquarters hosted the Soil Conservation Service's (SCS) training session March 20 . Different biologists explained various wildlife management techniques in use on the refuge . Twenty individuals toured the refuge . A slide presentation was given by Assistant Manger Fulton and all present enjoyed a steak dinner 0 provided by the SCS .
Assistant Manager Bowman conducted refuge tours for a Brownie and a Cub Scout troop . A film, "Wild Babies" was shown to 36 first and 38 fourth graders and a talk was given on the National Wildlife Refuge System . Bowman also gave a tour for a couple from Holland . It was their first experience on a National Wildlife Refuge .
8 . Hunting
It seems that every year the hunts at Yazoo gain popularity . This year was no exception . An estimated 4,000 people applied for all the permitted hunts on the various stations within the Complex . The 1986 hunting season began with the raccoon hunt in January, followed by the rabbit with dog hunt in February, turkey hunt in April, and deer hunts from October t o December including a second archery season January 1-15, 1987 . The fall squirrel/rabbit hunt began in mid-October and continued until November 21 . A dove hunt was held during the second state season .
Approximately 130 raccoon hunters harvested 240 raccoons . The hunt took place January 15-18 with approximately 700 activity hours expended.
The rabbit hunt with dogs began February 14th and continued until the end of the month . The first weekend of the hunt generated the most interest as approximately 100 hunters harvested 500 rabbits February 14-16 . After the 16th, interest in the hunt tapered off . For the remainder of the season, an estimated 50 hunters harvested 100 rabbits . A total of 750 activity hours were recorded . The turkey hunt was held on each Friday and Saturday of April and was considered successful . Twenty people attended the drawing for turkey hunt permits which was held March 2 . This year 25 applications were drawn for each two day weekend . Out of the 100 permits issued, 97 p,ermittees hunted approximately 509 hours and harvested 17 turkeys . The largest turkey taken weighed 19 pounds and had a 9 1/2 inch beard . A good number of jakes were seen by hunters which indicated a good hatch in 1985 . Several hunters passed up opportunities to take a jake .
The hunt brochure for the 1986-87 hunting season was received on August 28 . Trying to collate rules and regulations for five refuges into one hunt brochure was a major task . Throughout the various hunts, hunter complaints were received on the difficulty of understanding the regulations . Hopefully brochure problems will be resolved before the 87/88 season .
Before the start of fall hunting season, information stations where hunters could check game and pick up hunt brochures were constructed on all the refuges . Maps and other information were also made available for the public at these stations .
For the second year, no doves were taken during the refuge dove hunt held October 18 - November 16 .
The fall squirrel and rabbit hunt was held October 18 - November 21 . An estimated 350 hunters took 623 squirrels (around 85% fox squirrels) and 10 rabbits expending 1,050 activity hours . With the advent of mandatory checking of all game at information stations ; the refuge staff had a better idea of hunter numbers participating in hunts and the hunting success .
The fall archery hunt began October 4 with approximately 250 hunters the 1st day . This number was down from previous first day participations but the temperature reached 35° and was definitely a factor . An estimated 1500 hunters hunted 7,400 hours and harvested 31 deer .
The drawing for the youth, muzzleloader, and general gun hunts took place on October 28 . About 20 people attended . The refuge rented an IBM computer to alphabetize the 3,500+ applications . The program utilized for this task aborted any duplicate applications .
The youth hunt was the first refuge gun hunt held . It was again held during the Thanksgiving holiday . Only youths 11-15 years old could participate . This year, the Regional Office placed a minimum age for youth deer gun hunts for safety reasons . A hunter safety certificate was required . Out of 180 youths drawn, 155 individuals hunted 775 hours and harvested 62 deer, a 40% hunter success rate .
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0
#20 The youth hunt always brings about big smiles . 11/86 JF
Yazoo's muzzleloader hunt was held December 9-13 with 496 of the 500 permitted hunters participating . A total of 4,689 activity hours were recorded, and 69 deer (36 bucks) were taken .
Fifty hunters of 60 drawn participated in the general gun hunt held December 20 . Activity hours for the hunt totalled 425 hours and 11 deer were checked .
The second archery season took place January 1-15, 1987 . Data from this hunt has been included with the 1986 deer hunt season . Approximately 600 hunters hunted 2,400 hours and harvested 20 deer . The January season was scheduled after a four year absence to offer archery hunters the opportunity to hunt during cold weather . The hunt does not conflict with other refuge objectives . These hunters were very dedicated as indicated by the average 120 hours it took to bag a deer .
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Statistics on deer hunts and other information on health of deer herd can be found in Section G-8 .
11 . Wildlife Observation
Usually, the most active months for observing wildlife are in the fall and winter when deer and waterfowl can be readily observed . Bird enthusiasts visit the refuge year-round but can observe the highest numbers of bird species including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds in the winter .
17 . Law Enforcement
At the start of hunting season in October, there were six law enforcement personnel trying to cover five refuges with 54,000 acres open to hunting . We received two additional L .E . personnel in November and December when Jim Johnson and Dave Ellis were selected for Assistant Manager positions in the Complex . The L .E . officers worked on the refuges with the greatest potential for violations . Some of the deer hunts on different refuges overlapped which made it difficult to cover the areas sufficiently .
Most staff time during November and December was spent on law enforcement . Because of new regulations for the Complex and new hunt brochures, considerable time was spent answering questions and encouraging the hunter to read the entire brochure . Many who failed to read the brochure were cited for various regulatory infractions .
The following is a list of the citations issued on Yazoo NWR for the year . Most of these were recommended as minimum fines . Yazoo NWR's hunting program has been well established for a number of years and most hunters were aware of the rules and regulations . There were many more violations made on Panther Swamp and Hillside NWR's because of the infamiliarity of rules and regulations established for the particular refuge .
Table XI .
Offense N . f Persons Cited
Vehicle Trespass 3 Hunting without valid license(s) 3 Hunting from motorized vehicle 2 Driving 3-wheeler without a permit 2 Possessing firearm on a NWR without 1 meeting specific provision in CFR Contributing to the deliquency of a minor 1
Total 12 0
All law enforcement personnel attended the annual refresher training held at Quincy, Florida . The semi-annual re-qualification was held October 18 at the Miss . Highway Safety Patrol Training Academy .
I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1 . New Construction
Construction of the new state aid road from Highway 1 to the Bear Garden road was finally completed June 30 when the centerline was painted . This project caused many headaches and inconveniences . Work began on the project in July of 1985, 10 months later than the projected beginning date . Delays during the winter of 1985-86 set the completion date even further back . Irregardless, the refuge is grateful to the county road supervisor for allocating the necessary funds for project completion .
On July 31, the county completed retopping the remainder of the unpaved interior road loop at Yazoo with an asphalt base covered with crushed rock .
#21 The primary entrance road to the headquarters was completed June 30 . 5/86 AB Construction of the new pump house was completed in March . The large walk-in cooler used to store acorns and seedlings for reforestation was moved into the new pump house . This turned into quite a chore since the cooler had to be completely disassembled for the move . After several days of frustrating work, the move was finally completed . The finishing touches were then completed on the well house .
A new concrete walkway was constructed along the front of the office . At the same time, a concrete walkway was built around the kiosk at the office to facilitate visitor use .
A contract was issued to Coppage Drilling Company of Greenville, MS, for drilling four new wells (one at the office ; two, 100 foot irrigation wells for moist-soil units at Yazoo ; and one, 100 foot irrigation well at Hillside) . This was one of the 1986 ARMM projects on the Complex . The company began working on the headquarters well November 10 . By mid-December after several delays, the company reached 960 feet . Based upon water samples, the decision was made to set the well screen at 860 feet . Well 9 casings were put into place and pumping initiated . Much to the dismay of the contractor and refuge staff, the well would not seal off . After several days of effort, the contractor concluded that either the screen was ruptured or the PVC casing had collapsed . By the end of the year, the contractor had stopped all work and removed most of his equipment . The refuge was informed that the contractor had defaulted on the contract and filed bankruptcy . Since the Government did not require a bid bond, the refuge is stuck with a useless 960 foot hole and a considerable amount of drill tailings on the headquarters lawn . Hopefully, C&GS will issue new bid invitations for completion of the work in 1987 . However, since the original bid amount by Coppage was obligated in 1986, this amount of money is all that's available to complete the job . The end result may be that at least one of the irrigation wells will not be drilled .
2 . Rehabilitation
A 12 foot implement toolbar and two old cotton planter units were redesigned to make an acorn planter for use on Panther Swamp . A 3-point hitch was modified by making and installing "side guides" to reduce the amount of play in the hitch of the planter . This modification, simplifying the .safe operation of the planter, was completed by the refuge staff .
A contract was issued to H .H . Peterman Sand and Gravel in Yazoo City for hauling 2,500 cu . yards of sand clay gravel . The contractor completed hauling 1,900 yards during 1986 and will finish the contract in 1987 as soon as the weather permits . This material was used to gravel 3 1/2 - 4 miles of the nature trail and access roads leading to the walk-in duck trap . The undelivered gravel, when hauled, should be enough to gravel the remainder of the nature trail . This also was a 1986 ARMM project .
#22 Peterman Sand and Gravel Company of Yazoo City was the successful bidder for hauling 2,500 yards of gravel to the refuge . As the year ended, 1,900 yards had been received . 6/86 TW
One of the existing open rooms at the headquarters office was remodeled and enclosed . The room was redone in cypress (board and batten) and will serve as the Project Leader's office . Assistant Manager Johnson waited anxiously for this job to be completed since he will move into Refuge Manager Wilkins' old office . Felsenthal's Maintenance Worker Bill Parker was responsible for completing the work . Hopefully, Bill will be able to return early in 1987 to complete the remodeling work on the remainder of the building .
Installation of a new central air/heating unit at headquarters was completed in January . This unit was a welcome addition to the office and provides year-round comfort when the refuge can afford to pay the electric bill!
3 . Major Maintenance
Considerable effort was made during the year to remove woody vegetation that had encroached onto road and levee shoulders . The Caterpillar D-4 was used to remove most of this vegetation and then all road, levees, storage areas, etc . received periodic mowing by the "side winder" bushhog . These efforts eliminated several blind corners and provided a maintained firebreak between the road and adjacent field/forest border . Also, the D-4 was used to remove vegetation from several field drains and around water control structures . Other road maintenance activities performed included removing debris and fallen trees from refuge roads with the D-8, grading roads, and pulling ditches . The refuge staff expresses many thanks to the county for coming to our assistance during late summer and fall when they graded the gravel roads . Yazoo's grader was being used at Hillside NWR on the Turkey Point project during most of the summer, and as a result, was unavailable for use in maintaining the roads .
As with most stations in .the South, mowing grass around the headquarters area, refuge houses, equipment sheds, and grain bins required continual effort from early spring through late fall . The severe drought conditions experienced during the summer of 1986 did result in one large plus - the grass didn't grow very fast! Even so, it seemed that this chore required considerable staff time and effort .
During late fall, the refuge corn picker was put to good use when approximately 100-125 bushels of ear corn was gathered for use in 0 waterfowl trapping operations . The picker, purchased in used condition in 1985, required considerable greasing and adjusting before completion of this task . Even so, it was still well worth the effort since the picker greatly reduces the time necessary to acquire ear corn .
In late summer, all grain bins were cleaned and minor repairs made in preparation for filling with shelled corn . Vent pipes were fabricated and installed on the elevated bin built in 1985 . Various cooperative farmers combined and delivered roughly 1,400 bushels of shelled corn to the refuge in late fall for use in waterfowl trapping efforts .
Tornado damage to one section of the new shop roof was repaired . Also, a water leak around the wood heater flue in Q-122 was repaired .
Other major maintenance performed during the year included (but certainly was not limited to) pulling routine service schedules on all tractors, heavy equipment, and vehicles ; installing a carburator kit, wiring harness, ignation-kit and repairing hydralic cylinders on the front-end loader/backhoe ; installing new brakes on the front-end loader ; installing two transmissions, a muffler, several U-joints, a thermostat, radiator repair, and a windshield wiper motor on Service vehicles ; mower and bushhog service and repair ; 3-wheeler maintenance and repair ; outboard motor repair ; maintenance and operation of 35 water control structures ; and boundary painting and signing . A myriad of other maintenance activites were completed during the year but for brevity's sake were not discussed here .
4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement
The big event of the year in this category occurred in August when the new White truck tractor arrived . This truck was a vital addition to refuge equipment, particularly when one considers that in a Complex, equipment must continuously be moved from one station to another to complete work projects . The new truck was put into service immediately by hauling excess pipe from Sabine NWR in Louisiana . A flatbed trailer was rented for use in this effort .
The arrival of the truck tractor was followed by the arrival of a new 35 ton lowboy trailer in September . The trailer, with hydraulically operated grader ramps, and the truck tractor finally gives the Complex the ability to function without the headaches of having to depend on borrowing trucks and trailers from other stations . The refuge expresses gratitude to the many stations that have granted Yazoo the use of their equipment .
#23 The Complex received a new truck-tractor in August . The truck was immediately put to use hauling excess pipe . 3/36 AB
#24 The Complex also received a new 35 ton lowboy trailer . Equipment can finally be moved from station to station within the Complex to expedite work project completion . 9/86 AB
Several additional pieces of equipment were picked up during the year . A 3/4 yard Lorain dragline was transferred from White River NWR to the Complex ; a front-end loader was picked up from excess at Lake Charles, Louisiana ; and a fork lift was obtained from Gunter Air Force Station in Montgomery, Alabama .
Completion of work projects on the Complex required moving equipment many times during the year with borrowed trucks and trailers and finally with the refuge's new truck-tractor and trailer . Some of these moves were as follows : the D-4 was moved from Hillside to Yazoo for road maintenance, then to Panther Swamp for beaver dam removal, levee construction, and road rehab and to Hillside for work at Turkey Point ; the grader and D-8 dozer_were moved from Yazoo t o Hillside for work on Turkey Point ; the Lorin dragline was moved from White River to Hillside for use at Turkey Point ; Sabine's truck-tractor and 16 yard dump bed trailer along with Felsenthal's 12 yard dump truck were used to haul gravel for road rehab work at Hillside and Panther Swamp and for parking areas at Panther ; and the Caterpillar 12 grader was moved to Panther for road rehab and maintenance .
Two new model 2UUE Yamaha 3-wheelers were purchased during the year . One 3-wheeler was placed at Panther and the other at Yazoo .
A Jeep 6x4 and Chevy Luv pickup were excessed during the year . White River NWR picked up four pieces of 20"x40' steel pipe .
5 . Communication Systems
On July 24, the U .S . Corps of Engineers and their contractor began work on erecting a new 300 foot radio tower at the refuge headquarters site . The permit authorizing construction of this tower was issued based upon agreement that the refuge could use the tower for our antenna and their radio storage house for our base unit . The tower was completed in mid-August with the refuge antenna set at 225 feet . This arrangement enabled the office to have radio contact with all stations within the Complex for the first time . In addition, the Corps provided the refuge office with an FTS line, FREE OF CHARGE . As a result, the station phone bill has decreased drastically, a welcome occurrence given existing funding levels .
#25 The Corps of Engineers were issued a special use permit for construction of a communication tower at the head- quarters . The refuge antenna is set at 225' on the tower . 10/d7 TW
J . OTHER ITEMS
1 . Cooperative Programs
Cooperative farmers farmed 4,120 acres of soybeans, rice, corn, milo, wheat, sunflower and millet on a 75-25 percent share-cropping basis . Reducing farmland on Yazoo and converting it to hardwood forest has been a major goal . A special use permit was issued to Joe Ott for the purpose of placing bee hives on the refuge . Mr . Ott worked 550 hives at 11 locations on the refuge . Along with the 10 cents per hive fee, the refuge receives the beneficial effects of pollination .
The revenue sharing check in the amount of $37,414 .00 was given to the county on June 4 .
2 . Items of Interest
The Mississippi Flyway Council meeting was held in Greenville the week of February 10th . A group of 57 participants toured the refuge and were able to see our banding program in action . Some even parti ci pated .
Assistant Manager Bowman participated in the Mississippi Flyway "Wingbee" held at Carbondale, Illinois in February . She gained valuable experience aging and sexing various species of waterfowl wings .
0 Assistant Manager Bowman attended the goose banding workshop held at the Air Park In,n near Reelfoot NWR in September . Approximately 30 people from State and Federal agencies attended from six states . The importance of making collar observations and banding geese were discussed .
Manager Wilkins and Assistant Manager Fulton attended a meeting at Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR and discussed the coining year's hunt program on all five refuges . Mississippi Department of Conservation personnel attended the meeting to concur with dates set for the various hunts . Also attending was District Supervisor Sam Drake .
Manager Wilkins attended the Bottomland Hardwood Symposium held at Mississippi State University . Presentations were made at the Symposium discussing state-of-the-art hardwood management techniques 0 currently utilized on refuges in the Region and management options for select wildlife species .
Kate King and a CNN news team arrived May 27 to film Martin Lowney"s telemetry work on wood ducks . (Also see Section D . 5 .) . They were able to film the trapping, handing, and telemetry - procedures . The tape was shown nationally o.n June 17-22 . The refuge acquired a VCR tape of the segment .
Assistant Manager Fulton attended the Mississippi Wildlife Society meeting in Jackson, MS and the A .O .U . and Mississippi Ornithological Society meetings at Starkville, MS .
Charla Yelverton, our secretary, became the proud mother of Michael Justin, born on May 13 . 0
The refuge had many noteworthy visitors for the year including : Sam Drake, Refuge Supervisor ; Raymond McMaster, former Refuge Manager ; Ray Aycock, District Biologist ; Ed Orgon, Regional Office Engineer ; Jim Johnson, Assistant Manager-White River ; Jim Pilgreen, Special Agent ; Keren Ensor, Researcher ; and Otis Pauley, Reyional Office Construction Representative .
3 . Credits
This narrative was completed with the help of the following :
Anita Bowman Sections A ; B ; E . 2,3,4,6&7 ; H ; and J .2 . Jim Johnson Sections D ; F .3 ; G ; and I . Tim Wilkins Sections E .5 ; F .2,4,5,B,9,10,&11 ; J .1 ; and K . Charla Yelverton - Sections E .1 ; J .3 ; and L .
Typing and organizing accomplished by Charla Yelverton . 0 K . FEEDBACK
Another year has gone by! The year was one with many rewards along with some disappointments . On the resource side, major strides were taken toward improving overall habitat conditions . Some of these accomplishments include the following : development of moist soil areas ; reforestation of excess agricultural acreage ; implementation of forest habitat management on Panther Swamp with its first timber sale ; banding a record number of ducks (5,000+) on the Complex, many of these banded with both reward and standard bands for a special study ; harvesting a record number of deer on three of the Complex refuges, including a new state record for archery ; initiating a study to enhance wood duck nesting and to determine if pesticides play a negative roll ; and the completion of many other smaller projects that enhanced habitat for wildlife .
Waterfowl came once again to utilize the fruits of our labors . This, above all, makes the struggles with administrative duties, congressional inquiries, negative public reaction to various changes, cooperative farmers going broke, Corps of Engineers projects and the 0 myriad of other demands on refuge staffs worthwhile!
The complex even received some new equipment this year! Several pieces of good excess equipment were also acquired . This equipment certainly enhanced our ability to maintain levees, structures, roads, bridges, buildings, and all the other items requiring maintenance or rehab .
The satisfaction and any rewards that come with a job well done are deserved by a staff willing to give of themselves beyond that required . Many thanks also go to Refuge Supervisor, Sam Drake, for his efforts during the year to improve the refuge Complex operation and functions .
7
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HILLSIDE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Lexington, Mississippi
0
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1986
9
U .S . Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System
0
INTRODUCTION
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge occupies 15,406 acres in the Mississippi/Yazoo River alluvial plain thirteen miles north of Yazoo City, Mississippi . The refuge is situated at the foot of the loess bluff between the hills and the U .S . Army Corps of Engineers Hillside Floodway Levee in Holmes and Yazoo Counties .
0
#1 Hillside NWR is bordered on the east by loess hills and west by state Highway 49E . 12/85 LN
Refuge lands were purchased by the U .S . Army Corps of Engineers under their Hillside Floodway, Yazoo Basin Project and transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service in 1975 for operation as a National Wildlife Refuge . The refuge serves as a silt collection sump via a cutoff levee containing the altered channels of Black and Fannegusha Creeks .
Refuge habitat types are dominated by bottomland hardwoods interspersed with bald cypress/tupelo sloughs and "brakes" in the wetter areas and buttonbush, water elm, swamp privet, and willow in the more shallow depressions . Prior to Fish and Wildlife Service ownership of Hillside Refuge, 3,573 acres of bottomland hardwood timber were cleared and placed in agricultural production . Land use types includes 1U,7U9 acres of bottomland hardwoods, 374 acres of rivers and streams, 2,951 acres of croplands, 534 acres of grasslands, and 838 acres of administrative lands .
In years past, refuge wetlands were noted for large wintering waterfowl populations . Mallards are the dominant waterfowl species with wigeon, pintail, green-winged teal, and wood ducks being common .
i Approximately 200 species of shorebirds and other migratory and resident birds utilize the refuge .
Some of the mammals present on the refuge are white-tailed deer, gray and fox squirrel, swamp aid cottontail rabbit, coyote and armadillo . Furbearing species are nutria, muskrat, beaver, bobcat, spotted and striped skunk, raccoon, mink, otter, and weasel . Small animals present are common mole, shrew, eastern chipmunk, bat, cotton rat, eastern wood rat, meadow souse, and house mouse .
The endangered American alligator occurs naturally on the refuge and the bald eagle is an occasional winter visitor . Sloughs, streams, and marsh areas support a number of warm-water fishes .
Most species of reptiles and amphibians indigenous to the area are present on the refuge .
a
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
A . HIGHLIGHTS 1
B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1
C . LAND ACQUISITION
1 . Fee Title 2 2 . Easements Nothing to Report 3 . Other Nothing to Report
D . PLANNING
1 . Master Plan Nothing to Report 2 . Management Plan Nothing to Report 3 . Public Participation Nothing to Report 4 . Compliance with Environmental Mandates . . . . Nothing to Report 5 . Research and Investigations 2
E . ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel Nothing to Report 2 . Youth Programs 2 3 . Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report 4 . Volunteer Programs 3 5 . Funding Nothing to Report 6 . Safety 3 7 . Technical Assistance Nothing to Report 0 B . Other Items 4
F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1 . General Nothing to Report 2 . Wetlands 4 3 . Forests 5 4 . Croplands 5 5 . Grasslands • • • • • 6 . Other Habitats . • Nothing to Report5 7 . Grazing Nothing t o Report H . Haying 6 9 . Fire Management • 10 . Pest Control 6 11 . Water Rights • • • 6 12 . Wilderness and Special Areas Nothing to. Report 13 . WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to Report
iii Page G . 'WILDLIFE
1 . Wildlife Diversity 6 2 . Endangered and/or Threatened Species 8 3 . Waterfowl 8 4 . Marsh and Water Birds 10 5 . Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species 10 6 . Raptors 10 7 . Other Migratory Birds 11 8 . Game Mammals 12 9 . Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10 . Other Resident Wildlife 13 11 . Fisheries Resources 13 12 . Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13 . Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14 . Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15 . Animal Control 13 • 16 . Marking and Banding 14 17 . Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report
H . PUBLIC USE
1 . General 15 2 . Outdoor Classrooms - Students Nothing to Report 3 . Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report 4 . Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to Report 5 . Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6 . Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations Nothing to Report 7 . Other Interpretive Programs 15 8 . Hunting 16 9 . Fishing 16 10 . Trapping Nothing to Report • 11 . Wildlife Observation 16 12 . Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 13 . Camping Nothing to Report 14 . Picnicking Nothing to Report 15 . Off-Road Vehi cl i ng 17 16 . Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation . . . . Nothing to Report 17 . Law Enforcement 17 18 . Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19 . Concessions • Nothing to Report
I . EQUIPMENT ANO'FACILITIES
1 . New Construction 18 2 . Rehabilitation 20 3 . Major Maintenance 22 4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement 22 5 . Communications Systems Nothing to Report Energy Conservation 22 40 7 . Other Nothing to Report
iv
Page 0 J . OTHER ITEMS 1 . Cooperative Programs 23 2 . Items of Interest 23 3 . Credits 23
K . FEEDBACK 24
L . INFORMATION PACK --- (inside back cover)
40
v
A . HIGHLIGHTS
Drought and flooding conditions characterized the years events on Hillside . (See Section B .)
Harold Beierman arrived in March to assume the duties of Assistant Refuge Manager for Hillside NWR .
B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Weather patterns for Hillside this past year were of extremes . The year started out with January being the driest on record since 1915 . No measurable precipitation was recorded . February saw temperatures range from -1U ° F . wind chills to 82° F . Some tornadic activity was spawned but little rainfall occurred . March, usually a rainy month, continued dry until five inches of rain fell during the period of March 10-19 . This alleviated the dry conditions somewhat but not before a 100 acre wildfire had occurred in Hillside forestland on March 6 . The drought experienced by the Southeastern U .S . began to 0 establish its grip as April continued dry with less than two inches of rainfall . Conditions were getting critical in May when nearly three inches of rain fell to break this prolonged drought . We ended the month with nearly seven inches of rain and wet conditions . Even some minor flooding occurred .
Conditions were now taking a 180° turn as heavy rains continued into June and three weeks of almost continuous rainfall made May and June the wettest on record for many years . Hot weather was the norm in July with little rain which, coupled with the dry winter and spring, aggravated drought conditions . August continued hot with little rain . In fact, the first week of August was one of scorching temperatures, up to 109°F . Unseasonably hot weather continued throughout September and little rain fell except in localized spots . The staff was able to complete much of the contruction work planned for the year due to the dry conditions .
Cooler weather finally arrived in October along with over six inches of rain . October is usually a dry month but with the unpredictable pattern of the past year, this rainfall was taken in stride and certainly welcomed . November was very wet with almost 13 inches of rain falling . As a result, the refuge flooded and remained in this condition for four days . Considerable road damage occurred during this event . The year ended with cool weather and three inches of precipitation for December . Rainfall for the year was recorded at 48 .48 inches . This total was not necessarily indicative of large parts,of the refuge as heavy rains often fall in localized areas with the headquarters area receiving rain while the rest of the refuge went without . The year in a few words was dry-wet-hot and dry and then wet and cool . 0
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C . LANDACQUISITION
1 . Fee Title
Several tracts of land adjacent to the refuge were looked at and proposed for purchase . These areas would extend the refuge boundary out to the county road and end the confusion of eratic boundary lines now present along the east boundary .
D . PLANNING
Research and Investigations
The study on the Mississippi Valley Population Canada geese continued during the year . No geese were observed again this year on Hillside .
A special use permit was issued to the U .S . Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a sedimentation study on Hillside . The 0 Corps was running survey lines that corresponded with those established in 1962 . This project was implemented to compute the amount and rate of siltation over the past 25 years .
E . ADMINISTRATION
2 . Youth Programs
#2 The YCC crew for 1986 . 7/86 Shaff Photo
1 . Chris L . Allen 4 . Hampton D . Jones 2 . Richard D . Hammett, Jr . 5 . William M . Keith 3 . Craig S . Harrison 6 . Robert S . Thornton
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Hills - :e NWR's YCC program consisted of six enrollees and one crew '=ader . The program began June 9 and ended August 8 . One retur - : ng enrollee was assigned as youth leader . All YCC personnel had t - = week of July 4 off .
Enrol - :es performed a great deal of work including general cleanup, bound=-y posting, erecting hunter permit stations, assisting with the b, = ldiny of a kiosk information station, relocating wood duck nest : :xes, trail maintenance, and beaver trapping . Although much M)rk was accomplished, it was not without problems . The crew leade - was terminated in July for Government equipment abuse, time -: .-use, and for failure to provide supervisory skills .
4 . Volun_=er Programs
Sonny :rock volunteered 140 hours assisting with duck banding opera - . ons . Brian Henry also donated a couple of days to help : - eck beaver traps . 0 6 . Safety Hills - :e experienced three property damage accidents this past year . An Ass'stant Manager, driving the vehicle assigned to the Project Leade - , hit a turkey vulture and shattered the windshield . In addit' :n to the cost of replacing the windshield, several jokes circu' :ted among ° the staff pertaining to this accident . The YCC Crew Leader improperly loaded a fence post into a surburban van with a portion of the post sticking out of a side window . As he drove through the maintenance compound entrance gate, the post hit the fence, shattered the window, and bent the door . This safety violation along with numerous other infractions resulted in the termination of this individual .
On Friday, June 13, just prior to quitting time, a YCC enrollee washed a refuge vehicle . As the vehicle was backed away from the wash rack, the driver managed to collide with the bumper of a parked, heavy-duty World War II vintage jeep . The jeep sustained no damage whatsoever but the right rear fender of the pickup had damages of almost $5U0 .
B . Other
Training received this year included the following : Richard Shoops, Equipment Operator, attended a one day tractor-trailer session at Hatchie NWR ; Shoops, Maintenance Mechanic Claude Carnathan, and Assistant Manager Beierman attended a one day a truck-tractor session conducted by Regional Equipment Coordinator Joe Markwitz at Yazoo NWR ; Beierman, Carnathan, and Shoops attended refresher law enforcement training in May at the Law Enforcement Training Center in Quincy, Florida ; Beierman and Carnathan attended firearms requalifications at the Mississippi Highway Patrol Training Center in Jackson ; and YCC crew and Beierman attended Defensive Drivers Training .
F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
2 . Wetlands
Water levels in the various categories of wetlands on Hillside were rapidly diminishing at the beginning of the year due to the near drought conditions occurring . By the end of summer, many ponds and sloughs had completely dried up with only the deepest impoundments providing wetland habitat . However, late fall rains were adequate to fill all areas leaving the refuge in good shape for waterfowl use .
Because of extreme dry conditions, the staff was able to disk a heavy stand of Sesbania s pp . i n the #1 Impoundment . This project turned out to be a very rough and dusty job . The hard, dried-up soil made staying on the tractor uncomfortable, to say the least . Earlier in the summer, this unit had an excellent stand of millet and other associated riparian species present . The extreme heat and lack of rain caused the millet to die before any production occurred .
Considerable effort was put forth during the year attempting to remove water from beaver impoundments . The dry conditions present aided this effort by reducing the amount of time necessary to 0 accomplish this task . Also, approximately three weeks were devoted to trapping beaver in problem areas . Eighteen animals were removed by this control method .
3 . forests
Staff members from Hillside participated in gathering 4,000 Nuttall oak seedlings from Delta National Forest .
Approximately 1,800 lbs . of acorns, mainly willow oak, were purchased from private individuals at $ .50 cent per lb . for the reforestation program . Nuttall acorns were nonexistent this fall .
A new planter was built to plant acorns in clay type soils . This planter compliments the other planter on the Complex which is designed for sandy or loamy soils .
4 . Croplands
In 1986, 2,303 acres were included in the cooperative farming program . Crop acreages were 1,700 soybeans, 338 milo, 141 millet, a 124 corn, and 404 wheat . The wheat planted was double cropped with soybeans .
Crop yields'were dismal because of the drought conditions . Milo averaged around 55 bushels per acre, wheat averaged 26 bushels per acre and soybeans 16-17 bushels per acre . A significant amount of the soybean acreage had to be replanted before a stand was obtained . Almost without exception, areas replanted did not produce enough to justify harvesting .
Problems currently exist with the refuge's largest cooperative farmer . This gentleman puts forth only the absolute minimum effort necessary to qualify for Government disaster payments . As a result, the refuge has not received any useable crops from him in three years . Late in the year, a letter terminating his contract was sent by the Project Leader . As of this date, the farmer's 0 lawyer wishes to meet with the refuge staff to "discuss" the situation . The wheat crop on Hillside was almost destroyed by a hailstorm during spring . Little did the farmers and refuge staff know that this was simply the beginning of a terrible farming year .
Approximately 30U bushels of wheat were transferred to Cross Creeks NWR .
5 . Grasslands
Sage fields in the A .P . Slough area were mowed in a strip pattern to enhance the habitat conditions present in the area . Raptor use of these fields was especially high in the fall as the birds took advantage of the high small mammal populations present along these mowed strips . a
- 5 - H . Haying
About 120 large bales of millet hay were harvested by Cooperative Farmer Henry from the dove field in August .
9 . Fire Management
Several wildfires occurred on the refuge this past year . The largest burned approximately 100 acres of woodlands . The initial damage to the stand appears low but in the long-term, the staff expects the burned area to exhibit severe levels of defect caused by scaring associated with the fire . The others were rather small but all destroyed saplings in reforested areas . One of these fires was caused by a downed powerline and another by a cooperative farmer buring wheat stubble . The farmer failed to provide an adequate fireline as instructed . The farmer was billed for the cost of the trees destroyed .
10 . Pest Control
Pest control is limited to the use of approved herbicides and pesticides for weed, insect, and nematode control on the fields of the refuge .
11 . Water Rights
A permit was granted by the Mississippi Department of Natural Resources for an irrgation pump and well on Turkey Point . This well is needed to provide the capability of flooding moist soil impoundments .
G . WILDLIFE
1 . Wildlife Diversity
The diverse land use types on Hillside, including bottomland hardwoods, grasslands, marshes, sloughs, and streams provide excellent habitat conditions for all kinds of wildlife . Large areas of the refuge are beginning to achieve their potential in terms of habitat productivity due to the management efforts of recent years . Approximately 200 species of birds, 40 species of, mammals, 50 species of reptiles, and 25 species of amphibians have been identified on the refuge utilizing the various habitat types .
#3 [he turkey Point Agricultural Unit, pictured above, provides several different habitat types considered important to wintering waterfowl . 1/85 Staff Photo
#4 This moist soil area is one of five such units located at Turkey Point . 9/86 Staff Photo
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2 . Endangered and/or Threatened Species
The annual alligator survey was conducted June 11 . Approximately 11 miles of wetland areas were surveyed .
Hillside Alli ator Surve Results For 1986 .
LengthIn Feet
1 2 3 4 5 6 8 #observed U U U 1 2 2 1
No bald eagles were sighted on or off the refuge this year . Fish ponds south of the refuge have been a noted wintering area for eagles the past several years .
3 . Waterfowl
Waterfowl populations present on Hillside in 1986 were slightly better than those experienced in 1985 but far the five year average ( See Table II . below) . Obviously, many conditions beyond the ability of the refuge to control, affect population levels present in any given year . However, it still concerns the staff when duck numbers present remain below normal in spite of the extensive efforts made to improve habitat conditions .
Perhaps one of the key reasons for low duck numbers present in this area in 1986 pertains to the weather conditions . Unusually mild temperatures coupled with severe drought conditions over much of the area may have resulted in the birds remaining further north than normal . These conditions typified the year up until early December when several cold fronts resulted in substantial rainfall amounts . Most wetland areas, including structure controlled impoundments, finally reached normal pool levels during December . Although duck numbers did increase following these rain events, population levels remained far below normal as the year ended .
Table II . Annual Duck and Goose Use Days for Hillside NWR, 1980 through 1986 .
Year Ducks Geese
1986 1,014,140 0 1985 866,940 0 1984 1,484,787 9475 1983 1,444,808 1705 1982 849,270 8305 1981 667,782 2781 1980 1,604,340 1478
Table III . ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT FORM 0 WOOD DUCK BOX PROGRAM INFORMATION
REFUGE : Hillside
NESTING YEAR : 1986
NUMBER PERCENT
Total Usable boxes 8U
Estimated boxes used by wood ducks 7 9%
Estimated boxes used by other ducks 0 0%
Estimated boxes 0 used by other wildlife 12 15% Estimated wood duck broods produced 3 27%
Estimated total wood ducks hatched 24
Estimated wood ducks surviving to flight stage* 12 50%*
Plans for next year (indicated number) :
more boxes
X fewer boxes
no change
Remarks : Thirty-two boxes were removed fromHillcidp_ Twenty-six
boxes were placed at Morqan Brake .
*If survival rate is other than 50%, please explain rationale in remarks section .
The wood duck nest box program ran into snags again this year . Local habitat seems to be ideal for wood ducks but nesting activity indicates quite the opposite to be true . There is just not the box use that should occur . Hillside floods frequently and the entire area is subjected to severe water currents . Perhaps the floor of the sloughs, steams, and forest is swept clean of vegetation matter or invertebrates beneficial to ducks .
Nest boxes were rehabilitated and provided with new nest material . Vegetation around the boxes was removed to help alleviate problems with predators such as snakes and raccoons . These efforts proved to be unfruitful as nesting activity by ducks remained extremely low .
4 . Marsh and Water Birds
The colonial bird rookery found in 1985 was inactive in 1986 .
Several white ibis were seen on the refuge during the spring and summer months . Two were observed off the "dead-end" levee during November .
A sandhill crane was seen in January in a wet Japanese millet stand on the Hillside Shop Agricultural Unit .
There were numerous marsh birds present in the spring and summer with cattle egrets, great blue herons and great egrets topping the list in terms of abundance . There were approximately 1,000 great blues and egrets on the borrow pits along the north levee in August .
An anhinga was seen in wetland areas along the south levee from March 23-June 30 .
5 . Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species
Shorebird use, in general, increased dramatically in 1986 over the levels of use experienced within recent memory . The staff theorized that the unusually dry conditions present throughout the area forced abnormally high numbers of birds to utilize the wetland areas present on Hillside . Even these wetland areas dwindled rapidly as the year progressed due to drought conditions .
Killdeer were noted in unusually high numbers around field - impoundment edges . Killdeer were found year-round on or near refuge impoundments . Other species observed during the year were solitary sandpipers, yellowlegs, plovers, and snipe .
6 . Raptors
Raptor use has increased approximately 25% over the past three years . This level of increase has approximated the increases experienced on the other stations within the Complex and perhaps reflects a general improvement in raptor population levels in recent years . In addition, many species seem to be staying in the area longer than in prior years .
Strips were mowed in large grassland areas, particularly in the A .P . Slough Unit, to enhance small mammal availability for hawks and other predators .
#4 Strips were mowed in several "sage" fields to enhance habitat diversity . 11/86 CC
Raptors most commonly seen during the year were red-tailed hawks, kestrels, red-shouldered hawks, broad-winged hawks, and Northern harriers . Harriers were much more common during the spring and summer .
Mississippi kites were plentiful again this year . There were approximately 450 observed over a harvested bean field in a lU s minute interval . 7 . Other Migratory Birds
The spring and fall migration patterns bring a diverse number of songbirds through refuge boundaries . Some of these include blackburnian and cerulean warblers, yellow-throated warbler, tanagers, and buntings .
Mourning dove populations fluctuated from 3,000 birds just prior to dove season down t o 500 birds following opening day . As the season wore on and hunters decreased, dove populations increased in harvested fields on the refuge .
8 . Game Mammals
Deer hunting remained the most popular hunt on the refuge in 1986 . Historically, there has generally been more interest in deer than any other game animal . There were 55 and 36 deer harvested during the muzzleloader and gun hunts, respectively . The herd appears to be basically healthy but a September health check by the Southeastern Wildlife Disease Center cited the need to remove more animals . Based upon the results of the animals sampled in the check, the herd is at or slightly above carrying capacity in terms of food supply and other habitat parameters .
Table IV .
Hunter Success Rates and Deer Kill By Age and Sex Class Comp'os'it'ions',' Hi'1'1 si de NWR .
Total Hunter Fawns 1 1/2 2 1/2 3 1/2 4 1/2 5 1/2+ Deer Harvested Year # Hunters Success B 0 B 0 B D B D B D B D B 0 Total
1985 421 11% 4 6 20 5 6 3 2 1 - 1 32 16 48 1986 783 12% 8 17 19 13 9 6 1 9 1 3 0 1 42 49 91
Table V .
Average Deer Field Dressed Weights (lbs .) by Age and Sex Class, Hillside NWR .
Bucks Does 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Year 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 Avg . 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 112 Avu .
1985 52 101 134 144 108 51 69 90 124 - 105 88 1986 53 101 125 170 170 123 51 94 93 92 97 101 88 Avg . 52 101 129 157 165 115 51 81 92 108 97 103 88
Table VI .
Antler Points of 1 1/2 Age Class Bu .cks,,Hillside NWR .
Year 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Average
1985 3 4 5 2 4 1 1 - 2U 4 .5 1986 4 2 1 4 4 2 1 1 - 19 4 .9 Small game, especially rabbit and quail, were seen numerous times throughout the spring and summer . Based upon observations by the staff, these populations were up compared to last year . Although quail pairs were observed countless times during the summer months, coveys were scarce by the fall when hunting season started . Squirrel populations appeared to be up also, probably due to a good mast crop i n 1965 .
10 . Other Resident Wildlife
Bobcats were sighted throughout the refuge and vicinity during the summer and fall .
Snake populations appeared to increase this year . Those species most often included copperheads, cottonmouths, and rat snakes .
11 . Fisheries Resources
In June, a local commerical fisherman was issued a permit to remove rough fish from the borrow pits along the west levee . The fisherman was very successful in this effort netting 2,200 pounds of carp and buffalo . Commercial removal of rough fish will be encouraged in an attempt to reduce the extremely high populations of rough fish present . Population sampling has indicated that those fish generally classed as rough species, i .e ., carp, buffalo, bullhead, bowfin, etc ., dominate the species compositions within these waters . The staff will evaluate this removal method as an alternative to complete eradication by chemicals such as rotenone . If population levels of the rough fishies can be reduced, renovation by restocking the more desirable game species can be initiated .
The other water bodies present on Hillside (Bear Lake, Black Creek, Tipton Bayou) are considered unmanagable due to the fact that they are frequently subjected to flooding . Such a water regimen provides a continual source of restocking by undesirable 0 species rendering most population management efforts useless . 15 . Animal Control
As generally the case in most bottomland hardwood areas in the lower Mississippi Valley, Hillside has its share of problems with beavers . Although the beaver has and will continue to provide a valuable habitat type for many wildlife species, uncontrolled beaver populations at Hillside have the potential to almost totally eradicate the extremely valuable hardwood forest . Control efforts at Hillside and at the other stations within the Complex are designed to simply reduce the populations to acceptable levels, not to eradicate the animal from the area . These efforts consists of trapping in localized problem areas and removal by shooting .
- 1 3-
During the year, a total of 20 animals were removed by these control methods . In addition, explosives were used to dewater beaver impoundments prohibiting drainage along major waterways and field drains . It will be necessary to continue these efforts in future years since suitable habitat areas are continuously restocked from sources outside the refuge .
16 . Marking and Banding
The 1986 trapping season represented the culmination of several years of effort in fine tuning the banding operation at Hillside . Considerable time and money had been expended in planning and constructing new "walk-in" traps and net sites . As a result of this action coupled with considerable effort on the part of several employees, the station was successful in banding 668 mallards and five black ducks . Even though not impressive by standards set by some stations in the Region, the staff is justifiably proud of this accomplishment . Perhaps this indicates that Hillside is finally beginning to "come-of-age" in contributing significantly toward meeting established Service objectives .
=E~ Maintenance Mechanic Cl aude Carnathan weighing a reward banded mallard . 2/86 JF
- 14 -
The sex and age structure of the birds banded are presented below . All mallards were banded with both reward and standard bands .
Mallards Black Ducks
Male Female Male Female
116 - SY 147 - SY 2 - AHY 3 - AHY 230 - AHY 175 - AHY Subtotal 346 322
Total 668
H . PUBLIC USE
1 . General
Public use on Hillside Refuge is comprised of hunting and fishing with these two activities accounting for 95% of all use . 0 7 . Other Interpretive Programs Assistant Manager Harold Beierman gave a slide presentation to 35 members of the Lexington Rotary Club i n July .
Maintenance Mechanic Claude Carnathan gave a presentation on refuge hunting opportunities and generally assisted with the Hunter Safety Training Course held at Cruger/Tchula Academy in September .
Carnathan also assisted the local State Conservation Officer in presenting a program on hunting regulations and safety to approximately 25 employees of Mississippi Power and Light Co . in Lexington during October . i
A T' 4P
#7 Students at Cruyer/Tchula School enjoyed the change of pace while taking a hunter safety course . 11/86 CC -15- H . Hunting
Hunting season on Hillside Refuge is a six month affair starting with dove hunting in September and ending with February rabbit hunting .
A change was made this year in the dove hunt . Previously hunters were restricted to one large dove field the first two weekends of the season and then the entire refuge was open to hunting thereafter . This year hunting was allowed on the entire refuge from day one . Hunter numbers were down considerably for the opener . Dove hunters were scarce county- wide for some unexplained reason other than birds were even more scare . The majority of refuge dove hunters did quite well during the second split of the season averaging 10-12 birds each .
Opening day dove hunters numbered 60-75 and averaged one bird/hunter . Last year around 300 hunters utilized the refuge opening day .
7 Archery hunting was about average with 60 hunters afield opening weekend . The number of hunters dropped drastically after the first weekend . An estimated 10 deer were reported taken by bow hunters .
Squirrel hunters turned out in similar numbers as in previous years . An estimated 60 hunters were observed opening weekend, averaging 3-4 squirrels per hunter . Approximately 700 squirrels were harvested on Hillside .
Primitive Weapons and rifle hunts for deer are two extremely popular hunts on Hillside and were discussed in Section G . In addition there are six hunting clubs adjacent to Hillside which create considerable hunting activity in the area throughout the 10 week state gun season .
Waterfowl hunting was a great disappointment this year . A large influx of ducks did not materialize and 225 hunters only averaged a bird each .
9 . Fishing
Fishing is open year around on Hillside . Fishing visitors were present nearly every day except on those days when the weather was unfavorable . Fishing reports indicate good . catches of bass, crappie, and catfish . Fishermen numbers range from two to 25 per day .
11 . Wildlife Observation
Other than hunter scouting trips for deer and ducks, there was little wildlife observation by visitors save for an occasional Sunday afternoon drive by a local family . 15 . Off-Road Vehicling
All-terrain vehicles (ATV's) were limited to hunters using them to gain access to hunting spots or to retrieve killed deer . Special permits were required for ATV use . Approximately 200 permits were issued surpassing the number of ATV users that were thought to be on the refuge . The permit system has given the refuge information on total use, along with where and when the use was occurring . An ATV Plan will be developed in 1987 .
17 . Law Enforcement
The 1985/86 hunting season was a busy one for the two officers stationed at Hillside . In addition to the duties at Hillside, these officers were required on occassion to work at three other refuges in the Complex .
Sixty-four citations were issued for 15 different categories of violations .
Road hunting violators paid fines of $101 .00 plus $53 .50 court cost each, baiting cases were $100 .00 fine + $47 .50 court cost, license violations were $125 .00 fine + $30 .50 court cost . ,All others paid fines of $25 .00 + $19 .50 court cost each .
Citations were :
Failure to comply with refuge regulations 5 (check i'n/check out) Hunting during closed season 15 Hunting from public road 10 Hunting in closed area 5 Vehicle trespass 5 No hunting license 4 Spotlighting deer 1 Hunting over bait 1 Distributing bait 1 Non-resident hunting on a resident license 4 Hunting without permit 9 Unplugged gun 1 Killing protected non-game bird (Grebe) 1 Loaded gun in vheicle 1 No hunter orange 1
0
I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1 . NewConstruction
A new check station with a large parking area was constructed at Hillside NWR this year . The small structure and parking lot was built to better accommodate refuge visitors during refuge hunts . The check station construction was completed by refuge maintenance staff with the help of the YCC enrollees .
#8 The new check station, constructed on Thornton Road during 1986, provides the refuge staff some protection from inclement weather during refuge deer hunts . 10/86 TW
Five small unmanned hunter information/ check stations were installed at the major refuge entrances . These small check stations can be used by the public to obtain hunt brochures and other refuge information without visiting the office . These stations are also used as check-out stations by the hunters- where they filled out game data cards . This has saved the refuge many man-hours plus acquired valuable data needed to manage refuge hunts .
A new acorn planter was built by the refuge maintenance staff this year . The planter was designed to plant in heavier soil conditions than the 7100 JD planter built last year . The modified 7100 JD planter, built in 1985, planted good in fairly dry sandy soils but the new planter can be operated even under the wettest clay conditions . The new planter was built from scrap parts using an old model cotton planter .
-18-
Construction on a planned water control structure, utilizing sheet piling, began in November . Pile driving operations were haulted after four days due to adverse weather conditions . The completion of the structure will be a priority project in the spring . The Lorain dragline received from White River NWR was used for driving the piling. When completed, the structure will create a 125 acre moist soil unit .
#9 Work on a major water control structure began late in the year . When completed, this structure will create a 125 acre moist soil area on the Turkey Point unit . 11/86 TW
Dozer work was started for a new access road into an agricultural field on the north end of the refuge . The new access road will require a 36" culvert with an earth fill . In the past, it has been necessary to cross private property to enter this field . The new road will solve this problem and also enable hunters to gain access into the northeast end of the refuge without using a boat .
Gates were built and installed on either end of the Turkey Point road and also on the road into "22U acre" field . These gates will be opened during dry weather for vehicle traffic . During wet weather, when roads would be damaged from vehicle traffic, the gates will remain closed .
A shower was installed at the subheadquarters during the year . The shower will serve as an emergency wash station and allow the staff to improve their appearance after being in the field .
2 . Rehabilitation
0
#10 The levees of Moist Soil Units 1 and 2 received a "face-lift" during the summer as repairs of flood damage were completed . 6/86 TW
The levees on Moist Soil Units #1 and #2 were raised during FY'86 . This work was necessary because of damage that had ocurred during seasonal flooding in past years . A low water spillway was also 0 added in the #1 Impoundment Levee . The spillway, built from Army surplus bridge spans, allowed water to exit the impoundment without erosion damage to the levee during high water conditions .
0
0 #11 Hopefully the repaired levees will survive future floods a little better since emergency spillways were constructed as part of the rehab work . 11/86 CC
A new net site was built this year in the #1 Impoundment . This site is lower in elevation than the existing site so it can be used during low water levels . A four foot slope on the original net site was also added .
0
#12 The entire three miles of refuge roads through Turkey Point was reconstructed in 1Y35 . The roadbed was built up, pipes installed and gravel added . 10/86 TW
-21- Extensive work was done on the road through Turkey Point on the south end of the refuge . The entire road had to be built up because of seasonal flooding . Three pipes were installed to relieve water from the north side of the road . Gravel hauling was contracted out to a local bidder . Dirt work and gravel spreading was completed by the Complex maintenance staff .
3 . Major Maintenance
The clutch, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, and power-take-off unit had to be replaced on the John Deere 301-A farm tractor . The job required splitting the tractor in half to get to the clutch . Tractor stands and a large hydraulic jack had to be borrowed from a local implement dealer to do the job .
The complete drive train on the Argo (an 8-wheel drive, all- terrain vehicle) had to be replaced this year . The parts for this repair ran $1,200 .00 . Even considering the expensive repairs that have been made to this vehicle in the past two years, the Argo is a vital piece of equipment to the Complex becuase of it's 0 versatility .
Extensive engine repair was completed on the Dodge 4x4 . Since repairs were made, the 4x4 has given the Refuge many miles of good, dependable service .
The transmission throw-out bearing had to be replaced in the 19UU-S International heavy equipment truck . Parts for this job were just under $300 .00 and the assistance of other Complex maintenance staff was required .
4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement
A 3/4 yard Lorain dragline was transferred to the Complex from White River NWR . The machine was put to good use this fall on Hillside driving sheet piling . The dragline is sure to be a valuable piece of equipment in the future for Complex work projects .
Many pieces of equipment, as well as operators, were sent from refuge to refuge within the Complex . Utilizing equipment and personnel in this way is the advantage of a Complex .
6 . Energy Conservation
A wood heater was used to heat the shop building again in 1986 . Conservatively, a savings of approximately $3,000 .00 in heating costs was realized .
0
-22-
J . OTHER ITEMS
1 . Cooperative Programs
A refuge revenue sharing check in the amount of $58,633 .00 was delivered t o Holmes County . County officials are always anxious to receive this check . A written request was made to the county for some road maintenance in the vicinity of the refuge . There has been no direct response other than some of the area county roads have been graded more frequently and some ditch maintenance was performed .
2 . Items of Interest
Claude Carnathan, Maintenance Mechanic, was selected as Lion of the Year by the Lexington Lions Club .
3 . Credits 0 This narrative was completed with the help of the following : Harold Beierman A ; B ; C ; D-5 ; E-2,4,6&8 ; F-2,3,4,5,8,9,1U&11 ; H-1,7,8,9,11,15&17 ; J ; and K . Claude Carnathan - I . Val Rollins - G .
The Complex staff edited and proofed the report except for K . Feedback . Charla Yelverton typed and organized the report .
S K . FEEDBACK
Managing the refuge resources to provide healthy populations and quality hunting can be frustrating . Hillside NWR, because of its location, has unique problems . The refuge is bottomland hardwoods, located in the Delta, at the foot of loess bluffs . The refuge also serves as a floodway, with water levels rising several feet in a matter of hours after a rain . A rural gravel road divides the refuge and the hills . The opposite boundary side of the refuge is leveed .
The main problem is illegal hunting with several factors serving as an attractant . These factors include : high water levels which drive deer from the refuge into the hills and adjacent areas, rural roads, and high unemployment . But the biggest contributing factor most likely, is Mississippi law in regard to loaded guns in vehicles . One is deemed not hunting unless the gun or the hunter with the gun is outside the vehicle . Shooting from a vehicle is unlawful .
Hillside with its plentiful game, rural setting, etc . attracts "hunters" who do not have, or are unwilling to lease land for hunting . 0 These people literally line the road day after day, waiting for an opportunity for a deer to cross, so they may get a shot . The majority of these people are the same crowd day after day, who sit from dawn to dusk through the extended state deer season . Although it is illegal to shoot from, on, or across the road it is only by chance that a law enforcement officer would actually see the violation . This too is thwarted by the warning system - a network of CB radios . Dogs are used and also run frequently through the refuge . It is difficult to make a case unless the dogs are actually observed being released on the refuge . It is unreal the total number of dogs encountered during the season, rarely are the same dogs seen twice on the refuge . They, the hunters, are trying to "comply" by not making it a practice to allow their dogs on the refuge . They simply have a large supply of dogs among various owners and a different owner runs dogs each day .
This practice of road hunting also has carried over to rabbit hunting 0 to some extent . These individuals usually are not challenged by law enforcement officers because the standard reply when they are is : "I'm not hunting, just listening for dogs" . As stated before, as long as they do not have the loaded gun out of the vehicle, technically they are not hunti-ng . For them to admit to hunting, and the subsequent . necessity of producing a hunting license, would be tantamount to confessing they are road-hunting . It is sometimes questioned whether they have a license because they are aware it is an unlawful act if they take a shot . The chance of being apprehended for this, is nil with the penalty for this offense much greater than no license .
As we work harder to manage and improve the resource, this situation is going to become more difficult, because it will become more attractive to this type of hunter . 0
-24- The present situation detracts from other refuge objectives, as it is necessary to maintain a constant presence to prevent the practice from getting completely out of hand . We have noted when we reduce patrols, these hunters move onto refuge roads . We check all stopped vehicles on refuge roads for loaded firearms and this sometimes proves to be a deterrent for them to remain . However, this is time consuming and requires more effort on the part of the officer . On the other hand, if it is not performed, the hunters are present in full force .
As stated earlier, this situation will only deteriorate unless present laws are changed which is doubtful .
The 60 day hunting season requires a 12 hour tour of duty, seven days a week, for the present staff of two officers to maintain surveillance .
We can allow no courtesies whatsoever, give citations to owners of all dogs we catch and dispatch those animals we cannot . In the past, we have been considerate, taking the attitude that anybody's dogs will 0 trespass at one time or another . However, we run the risk of winning the battle and losing the war if we strictly enforce particular regulations . There is no way we have enough personnel and time to apprehend the hunters who are willing to violate the law . Many of the road-hunting types we encounter have as much as told us after we have chided them for certain hunting practices, "you have to catch us first before you have a case for illegal activity" . These individuals not only road-hunt, many are suspected of headlighting at night also .
However, some arrests last year together with substantial penalties has either reduced this problem, or the individuals have gone to greater lengths to avoid detection . Perhaps the daily high visibility presence, and preseason night surveillance, when early reports of this activity were recieved paid dividends in this regard . PANTHER SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Yazoo City, Mississippi
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1986
0
U .S . Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System
0 INTRODUCTION
Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located in west central Mississippi within the Mississippi/Yazoo River alluvial plain . The refuge was established in 1978 with the initial purchase of the 12,022 acre Curran tract from The Nature Conservancy . The refuge is four miles east of Holly Bluff, Mississippi and about four miles southwest of Yazoo City, Mississippi .
0
#1 Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge 2/85 JTF
The refuge occupies approximately 23,000 acres in the Yazoo Backwater Area along the Will M . Whittington Auxiliary channel in Yazoo County between Lake George and the Yazoo River . Refuge habitat types are dominated by bottomland hardwood forest interspersed with sloughs, intermittent drains and shallow depressions characterized by cypress, tupelo gum, buttonbush, water elm, swamp privet, and willow . The major forest species include cottonwood, willow, and sycamore along stream banks ; sweetgum, green ash, sugarberry, American elm, and Nuttall oak on the intermediate flats ; willow oak and water oak on the ridges, and overcup oak and bitter pecan on the low lying flats . A breakdown of land types includes 4,381 acres of wetlands, 812 acres of croplands, 403 acres of grasslands, 16,889 acres of hardwood forests and 152 acres of administrative areas . 9
i Refuge wetlands are known for large numbers of wintering waterfowl . Mallard, wood duck, wigeon, pintail, green-winged teal and gadwall are the most common species of migratory waterfowl present . Many species of songbirds, raptors, and marsh shorebirds are also present on the refuge .
The principal mammalian species on the refuge are white-tailed deer, fox and gray squirrel, swamp and cottontail rabbit, Eastern red fox, gray fox, flying squirrel, coyote, beaver, nutria, spotted and striped skunk, mink, otter, weasel, raccoon, opossum and bobcat . Some small mammals present are common mole, shrew, Eastern chipmunk, bat, cotton rat, Eastern wood rat, meadow mouse and house mouse .
The American alligator exists on the refuge along with other reptilian species . The refuge is noted for its many cottonmouths .
Sloughs, streams, beaver impoundments and the other refuge wetlands provide a limited amount of fish habitat except during high water periods when concentrations of fish may be high in flooded areas . Species of fish present include those common to the Mississippi or Yazoo Rivers .
11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
A . HIGHLIGHTS 1
B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1
C . LAND ACQUISITION
1 . Fee Title 1 2 . Easements Nothing to Report 3 . Other 2
D . PLANNING
1 . Master Plan Nothing to Report 0 2 . Management Plan 2 3 . Public Participation 2 4 . Compliance with Environmental Mandates 3 5 . Research and Investigations 3
E . ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel 3 2 . Youth Programs 3 3 . Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report 4 . Volunteer Programs 3 5 . Funding 4 6 . Safety Nothing to Report 7 . Technical Assistance Nothing to Report 8 . Other Items Nothing to Report
F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1 . General .. . 4 2 . Wetlands . . 4 3 . Forests . . 5 4 . Croplands . 7 5 . Grasslands Nothing to Report 6 . Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7 . Grazing Nothing to Report 8 . Haying Nothing to Report 9 . Fire Management Nothing to Report 10 . Pest Control Nothing to Report 11 . Water Rights Nothing to Report 12 . Wilderness and Special Areas Nothing to Report 13 . WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to Report
iii
Page 0 G . WILDLIFE 1 . Wildlife Diversity Nothing to Report 2 . Endangered and/or Threatened Species 7 3 . Waterfowl 7 4 . Marsh and Water Birds 7 5 . Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species . . Nothing to Report 6 . Raptors 3 7 . Other Migratory Birds 8 3 . Game Mammals 8 9 . Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10 . Other Resident Wildlife 9 11 . Fisheries Resources 10 12 . Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13 . Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14 . Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15 . Animal Control 10 • 16 . Marking and Banding 11 17 . Disease Prevention and Control 11
H . PUBLIC USE
1 . General IYothi ng to Report 2 . Outdoor Classrooms - Students Nothing to Report 3 . Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report 4 . Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing t o Report 5 . Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6 . Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations Nothing to Report 7 . Other Interpretive Programs 11 3 . Hunting 11 9 . Fishing Nothing to Report 10 . Trapping 12 11 . Wildlife Observation Nothing to Report . 12 . Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 13 . Camping Nothing to Report 14 . Picnicking Nothing to Report 15 . Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16 . Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation . . . . Nothing to Report 17 . Law Enforcement 12 18 . Cooperating Associations * Nothing *to Report 19 . Concessions Nothing to Report
I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1 . New Construction 13 2 . Rehabilitation 16 3 . Major Maintenance 16 4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement Nothing to Report 5 . Communications Systems Nothing to Report 6 . Energy Conservation Nothing to Report 7 . Other Nothing to Report
iv Page J . OTHERITEMS
1 . Cooperative Programs Nothing to Report 2 . Items of Interest Nothing to Report 3 . Credits 17
K . FEEDBACK Nothing to Report
L . INFORMATION PACK --- (inside back cover)
v
A . HIGHLIGHTS
During the year, the first two permanent refuge staff positions were assigned to Panther Swamp NWR .
Three moist soil units were constructed in Little Twist Field .
The 160 acre Ables Tract was acquired in 1986 . This acquisition greatly improved public access to the refuge and the house purchased with the tract was established as the refuge subheadquarters .
B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
The most notable weather events of the year were the heavy May and June rains followed by extreme drought conditions the rest of the growing season . No weather data recording capability exists on Panther Swarm NWR but conditions and rainfall data would closely approximate Hillside NWR .
0 C . LAND ACQUISITION
1 . FeeTitle
In September, the refuge acquired the 160 acre Ables Tract (Gumbo Acres) located along the east boundary of the refuge . This tract, almost totally cleared farmland, has excellent moist soil management and reforestation potential . An existing brick house on the site will serve as the refuge subheadquarters and as a crew quarters . The site also improves public access to the east side of the refuge .
#2 This house, purchased with the Ables Tract, will serve as the refuge subheadquarters . 6/b6 LN
-1-
3 . Other
The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved purchase of the 3,500 acre Big Twist Tract in July . Unfortunately, the necessary followup action to acquire this land has been postponed indefinitely . Currently held by the Federal Land Bank, this tract of farmland (cleared bottomland hardwoods) has significant waterfowl and Canada goose management potential . It also would help alleviate critical public access problems and would consolidate nine miles of refuge boundary (See 1965 Feedback) .
0 . PLANNING
2 . Management Plan
The All-terrain Vehicle Use Plan was revised and submitted to the Regional Office twice during the year . This plan was approved early in 1967 .
9 3 . PublicParticipation
A public meeting to discuss changes in hunt regulations and access was held June 24 at Yazoo City . Sixty-five people attended and local newspapers and television stations also covered the meeting .
#3 Discussing changes in hunt regulations, ATV trails, etc . with the public . 6/24 JF 4 . Compliance with Environmental Mandates
Following identification of the proposed work project in Little Twist, the Permit Section of the Corps of Engineers was requested to evaluate the project for necessary environmental prerequisites . The Corps responded with a letter of permission stating that no permits were necessary .
5 . Research and Investigations
Panther Swamp NWR '86-"Direct Seeding Nuttall Acorns"
Dr. Robert Johnson, Principal Silviculturist, of the USDA, Forest Service Stoneville Hardwood Lab ., continued his research through 1986 . The basic objectives of the study were to determine planting periods and planting rates for adequate germination of seedlings from Nuttall acorns . The study consisted of planting once a month throughout the year to determine if extended planting periods could be used and still maintain adequate germination . Most of the data collected to date shows that Nuttall acorns can be direct seeded 12 months a year at various depths . One unexpected but encouraging preliminary finding was that a portion of the acorns planted during the high stress summer months will actually remain dormant but viable and germinate the following spring . Discovery of this characteristic has many management implications in enhancing reforestation efforts being made by the Complex . The study is ongoing and further results will be reported in future publications .
E . ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel
Panther Swamp received the first full-time appointment of personnel this year in October when Biological Techician Lucain Newton was assigned to the refuge . Then, in December, Assistant Manager David Ellis transferred from Holla Bend NWR t o Panther Swamp and assumed the duties of Assistant Manager for the refuge . With these assignments, active management of Panther as a unit of the refuge system has finally begun, some nine years after the entire purchase of land .
2 . Youth Programs
YCC enrollees were detailed from Hillside NWR to assist with a variety of projects . These included ATV bridge construction and ATV trail marking and signing . The help of these enrollees was greatly needed and appreciated .
4 . Volunteer Program
The refuge does not have an organized volunteer program but volunteers still manage to be around when needed . They made a difference this year with assistance on ATV bridge construction, levee construction, road rehab, duck banding and operating deer check stations .
-3- 5 . Funding
See this section in narrative for Yazoo NWR .
F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1 . General
Management efforts on Panther Swamp NWR over the past 7 to 8 years have been primarily related to water level manipulation to preserve the 17,000 acres of valuable bottomland hardwood habitat on the refuge . Poor drainage due to extensive beaver activity and Corps of Engineers water control structures has killed or severely damaged timber in many areas on the refuge and threatens considerably more .
2 . Wetlands
Removal of beaver dams on Panther Swamp NWR was accomplished by 0 use of explosives and our high flotation D-4 dozer . Unlike 1985 when water levels remained low, much of the early effort to remove dams in May this year had to be repeated in July because of heavy rains in late May and early June . Efforts to manipulate water levels through dam removal are aggravated by commercial catfish ponds adjacent to the refuge . When the ponds are drained to catch fish, all the water must go through the refuge . This creates a beaver paradise . Areas dry one week may be flooded the next and no rainfall recorded .
During the summer, levees were constructed in the Little Twist field and culverts, risers and screwgates installed to create two moist-soil units totalling 125 acres and a 125 acre greentree reservoir (See section I .1 .) . At years end, these areas were flooded and receiving use by as many as 1,500 waterfowl . Unfortunately, a perpetual easement access road to an inholding by a private duck club bisects the two moist-soil units and this disturbance will substantially reduce the value of these areas to the ducks . During drawdown periods, these areas should be attractive to shorebirds .
a
.y
0 #4 The moist soil units developed during 1986 in the Little Twist field received good waterfowl use in spite of low duck numbers in the area . 11/86 TW
3 . Forests
An additional 35 acres of agricultural land in the Little Twist field were direct seeded with Nuttall, water and willow oak acorns on March 26 . This is consistent with refuge plans to convert most of the Little Twist Field to forest over a five year period . A total of about 150 acres have now been planted to trees at Panther Swamp with generally good results .
A timber sale contract was issued to Anderson - River Oak 9 Industries, Inc . of Yazoo City for removal of 430,409 board feet, Scribner-scale, of mixed hardwoods (poles and sawlogs) in Compartment 1 . This treatment represents is the first sale made on Panther since acquisition after years of effort to complete the necessary prerequisites for forest habitat management activities . The sale consisted of establishing 11 small regeneration areas, totalling 157 acres, and brought $24,000 . A large part of the stems marked for removal were cull which lowered the total sale price drastically . The contractor chipped the logs which allowed for some utilization regardless of condition . This work was 95 percent complete by the end of the logging season .
An additional 326 acres were marked late in the year in Compartment 1 for cutting in 1987 . The area was marked for selective cutting of cull material to reduce a very high overstory basal area . In all probability, this material will be chipped also .
-5-
#5 Compartment #1 regeneration cut - the first forest habitat management effort on Panther Swamp since acquisition . 12/86 TM
#6 Compartment #1 logging operation . 9/86/J F
4 . Croplands
a Seven hundred fifty acres were planted under cooperative farming contracts in 1986 . The crops planted were as follows :
Soybeans 600 acres Milo 150 acres
Crop yields in 1986 were severely cut by mid and late season drought conditions . Only 300 bushels of soybeans were harvested with another 15UU - 2000 bushels left unharvested for wildlife use . Milo yields were almost as bad with only 3000 bushels harvested from 150 acres . Whether these lands can be contracted with a farmer in 1987 remains to be seen .
About 5U acres of wheat were force account seeded on Little Twist fields in November to provide winter browse as well as cover for wildlife .
0 G . WILDLIFE
2 . Endangered and Threatened Species
Sightings of bald eagles during the winter were common at catfish farms immediately adjacent to the refuge . At least four bald eagles and two golden eagles were sighted in the area .
Alligators occur on the refuge but population level estimates have not been made .
3 . Waterfowl
Waterfowl numbers improved in 1986 over the poor showing in 1985 . The peak waterfowl population for the year occurred in January when a total of 48,000 birds were present, including 18,000 mallards and 0 7,000 wood ducks . This compares to a January 1985 total of 29,000 . Numbers were building slowly as the year ended with 12,500 ducks present in December . January is generally the peak month with waterfowl population levels influenced heavily by weather and water conditions in the major wintering areas of east Arkansas and west Tennessee located further north in the flyway .
4 . Marsh and Water Birds
Great blue herons appear in large numbers on and near bodies of water throughout the refuge, particularly in the Campbell Brake area . The long term trend seems to be one of increasing population levels . Little blue herons, yellow-crowned night herons, green- backed herons, and great egret numbers appear to be on the increase also .
Double-crested cormorants and anhingas are increasing to the extent that they are posing problems to catfish farmers in the a area . These birds congregate in large flocks along the Yazoo
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River cutoffs and lakes in close proximity to the refuge . Flights of cormorants were seen with regularity going to local roosts which, in some locations, contained up to 6,000 birds .
6 . Raptors
Kestrels, red-tailed hawks and northern harriers are common throughout the fall and winter . Other species sighted include red-shouldered, rough-legged and sharp-shinned hawks .
7 . Other Migratory Birds
Songbirds which utilized the refuge during the spring and summer included such species as prothonotary warbler, Carolina chickadee indigo bunting, blue-gray gnatcatcher, yellow-breasted chat, ruby-throated hummingbird, great crested flycatcher, common yellowthroat, red-eyed vireo, and Northern oriole . The hardwood bottoms, sloughs, lakes, powerline and pipeline right-of-ways provide excellent habitat for these and many other species of 0 migrant and resident birds . Dove populations were extremely high in field areas and along levees during the fall .
8 . Game Mammals
The deer population on Panther is estimated between 1,000 and 1,200 . The population is generally healthy and near the desired level (see Section G .17) . However, an undesirable ratio of bucks to does may be present resulting from years of heavy hunting pressure on bucks . This could be adversely affecting the reproductive capability of the herd . Measures are being taken to correct this problem by adjusting the structure of the deer hunt (see Section H .8 .) .
Table I . Antler Points of 1 1/2 Age Class Bucks 1986, Panther Swamp NWR . 0 Number of Points Total Average Year 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sample Points
1986 26 11 8 5 6 2 2 61 3 .44
Table II . Average Deer Field Dressed Weights (Pounds) by Age & Sex Class, Panther' Swamp NWR .
Year 1/2 1 1/2 2 1/2 3 1/2 4 1/2 5 1/2 5 1/2+ Average
1986 Does 42 .6 84 .1 97 .7 96 .4 99 .7 110 .2 85 .1 Bucks 48 .6 1U2 .4 135 .3 151 .0 162 .5 119 .9 0 Table III . Deer Kill By Age & Sex Class, Panther Swamp NWR, 1986 .
Age Class Bucks Does Total
6 mo . 31 30 61 20 .20 1 1/2 62 44 106 35 .10 2 1/2 16 45 61 20 .20 3 1/2 9 25 34 11 .26 4 1/2 3 8 11 3 .64 5 1/2 0 5 5 1 .66 5 1/2+ 0 1 1 .33 Unknowns 12 11 23 7 .62
Total 133 169 302 44 .04 55 .96
This was the first year to gather data from deer harvested on Panther . 0 Due to hunt structures, most data came from deer taken during the four days of either sex gun hunting .
No formal squirrel surveys were conducted this year but with 17,000 acres of bottomland hardwood habitat, squirrel populations are generally good . Hunter use and success in the fall indicated an above average population in 1986 . The extremely dry summer substantially reduced the mast crop, and will likely result in fewer squirrels next year .
10 . Other Resident Wildlife
Other wildlife commonly observed on the refuge were armadillo, bobcat, striped skunk, and the ever increasing coyote . Other species known to exist but not commonly seen include gray fox, otter, flying squirrel, and Eastern chipmunk .
0 Many bird species reside year-round on the refuge and include Eastern bluebird, Northern cardinal, house sparrow, Eastern meadowlark, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, American crow, pileated woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, common flicker, downy woodpecker, and red-headed woodpecker . Cavity nesters such as the woodpeckers, chickadees and bluebirds find more than adequate habitat present in the many dead or deteriorating trees present on Panther .
Reptiles and amphibians present at Panther include the American alligator, red-eared turtle, Mississippi mud turtle, snapping turtle, numerous species of skinks and lizards, Southern leopard frog, bullfrog, green tree frog, and a dozen or more species of newts and salamanders . 11 . Fishery Resources
Fish species available within the waters at Panther Swamp NWR include channel and blue catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, several other species of sunfish, crappie, buffalo, carp, bowfin, shad and gar.
15 . Animal Control
An intensive beaver control program continued to be a refuge priority in 1986 . The program has been deemed necessary to offer some relief and protection to bottomland hardwoods . In addition to blowing or pushing dams to release water during the summer, the refuge staff trapped 36 beavers in February and temporary Bio . Aid Lewis Henry trapped 102 animals during the heat of the summer . Not an easy job! The purpose of the control program is not to eradicate the beaver but to reduce the population to levels consistent with refuge objectives .
Several years of trapping have now begun to show results with a noticeable decline in beaver activity in some areas . Still, this trapping effort must be maintained each year if past gains and future resource potential are to be maintained .
#7 Trapping beaver in specific problem areas has proved to be an effective control method . Biological Aid Henry, pictured above, succeeded in removing 102 animals during the summer of 1986 . 6/86 LN
-10- 16 . Marking and' Banding
A total of 167 mallards and four black ducks were banded during post-season efforts this year . Banding for the mallards included both the standard band and the reward band . Trapping was done in Campbell Brake using three swim-in traps . Access to these traps was by use of an Argo 8-wheel all-terrain vehicle and, to put it mildly, was time consuming and sometimes difficult or impossible depending on water levels, ice and the Argo .
17 . Disease Prevention and' Control
Six deer (females) were taken in September for a periodic herd health check by the Southeastern Co-op Wildlife Disease Center . No serious problems were encountered and recommendations were to maintain the herd near its present level .
H . PUBLIC USE
7 . Other Interpretive Programs
In September, Bio . Tech . Lucian Newton gave a presentation on wildlife laws and refuge regulations to 45 persons at a Hunter Safety Course in Yazoo City .
8 . Hunting
Waterfowl hunting pressure and success was up only slightly over the poor season in 1985 . Approximately 240 hunter visits were recorded with an estimated total kill of 625 ducks . Mallards were the predominant species taken .
Three deer hunts were held on Panther Swamp this year ; archery, muzzleloader and modern gun . A total of 302 deer were checked for all hunts . When estimates of crippling loss ., unchecked deer (including deer taken during hunts without manned check stations) and deer taken from the perimeter of the refuge were included, a total kill of just over 400 was probably achieved . This was a record harvest for the refuge and exceeded the removal goal of 300 .
Major changes were initiated this year in structuring gun hunts to increase the harvest of does while decreasing the harvest of bucks . Past seasons had closely followed state regulations which heavily favored the harvest of bucks (1985 - 86% bucks, 14% does) . Many years of similiar hunting had resulted in a population with an undesirable sex ratio . Because of this, there was a strong possibility that some does were not being successfully bred . This year, four either-sex days were included in the gun hunt which roughly achieved the desired results of greater hunter interest and greater doe harvest . The final harvest for the gun hunt'included 45% bucks and 55% does . A tragic accident occurred on November 22, the first day of the gun hunt, when a 27 year old man was accidentally shot and killed . The man was wearing hunter orange and standing just inside the refuge boundary . An investigation revealed that two off-refuge hunters were shooting at a running deer as the deer ran between them and the man that was killed . The men were in the same hunting party .
Other hunting seasons that occurred on the refuge included the very popular squirrel season as well as seasons for raccoon, rabbit and turkey . As usual, each season had its own hardcase fanatics who cared nothing about the other seasons . Nothing wrong with this ; it was just interesting to talk to the different groups .
10 . Trapping
Nine special use permits were issued for trapping this year . Approximately 200 raccoons were taken . Other incidental species taken in small numbers are beaver and mink . The staff tries to encourage these trappers to take more beaver but, because of low pelt prices and the extra effort required, they are just not interested .
17 . Law Enforcement
Panther Swamp is still a relatively new refuge (established in 1978) . The progression from leased private hunting lands to state seasons and, most recently, to more restrictive refuge regu- lations has caused more than a little confusion and concern from the public . Part of the education process has been an active law enforcement program, particularly during refuge deer hunts . Most people, of course, try to understand and follow the regulations, but there were those who persisted in doing things the way they always had . These people were encouraged to pay more attention to refuge regulations by issuance of the following violation notices during 1986 : 0 No hunting license 3 Vehicle trespass 11 Hunting from motorized vehicle 3 Hunting in closed area 1 Lighting - no gun 4 No hunter orange 6 No refuge permit 12 Loaded gun on ATV 15 Hunting from public road 2 Failure to check game 7 Toxic shot/non-toxic zone 2 State shot size violation (night) 1 Over bag limit 1 Camping 2 ATV violation (improper equipment & operation) 2 Drug paraphernalia during bow season 1 Hunting during closed season 3
Total 72
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I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1 . New Construction
Levees with attendant features (risers, gates and culverts) were constructed in Little Twist field creating two moist-soil units totalling 125 acres and a greentree reservoir of approximately 125 acres . In addition to the force account work, a substantial amount of donated manpower and equipment was used to complete this project . A private duck club, with an inholding of 1440 acres, exchanged contracted equipment and operators to work on these levees for the privledge of constucting a ditch across the refuge . This ditch will provide them and the refuge with much needed relief from water problems (beavers and flooded timber) and provide the refuge with 250 acres of good waterfowl habitat that otherwise may not have been constructed . The Soil Conservation Service also assisted by shooting elevations and supplying specifi- cations for the size and location of the structures .
#8 Levee and water control structure construction in Little Twist field - - - - 8/86 TW
#9 - - - - resulted in creating 125 acres of moist soil habitat and 125 acres of green-tree reservoir habitat . 8/86 TW
The low wet topography that characterizes Panther Swamp NWR also makes travel in the refuge difficult at best . All-terrain vehicles are a must for refuge staff and the user public . Even so, large areas of the refuge still remain virtually inaccessible because of impassable sloughs or bayous . During the summer, two 100 foot wooden 3-wheeler bridges were constructed over Deep Bayou and Cocklebur Slough . These bridges required over 5U mandays of staff and YCC labor to construct but are essential in providing 0 needed access . In addition to the above construction, an excess Corps of Engineers "Bailey" bridge was installed across the land side ditch at Cotton's Camp for ATV access . The old wooden bridge collapsed eliminating all vehicle access to this section of the refuge . Five bridge sections, totalling 80 feet, were placed together and pulled across by crawler tractors . Side rails were welded in place for safety and a quick, safe and cheap replacement bridge was in place in time for the hunting seasons .
In conjunction with bridge construction activities, four parking areas were constructed and gravelled . Construction required removing the existing vegetation with dozers, leveling with dozers and graders, and hauling and spreading 100 yards of sand clay gravel on each area . These parking areas, located at Cottons' Camp access, Colemans' Camp access, Stricklin's Bridge access,
and the Gumbo Acres access, provide a valuable addition to the effective implementation of a public use program .
#10 The bridge across the landside ditch at Cotton's Camp access became unsafe and had to be replaced . 9/86 TM
#11 Excess metal bridge sections were attached together and pushed across the ditch . Metal guardrails were welded in place completing the project . 9/86 TW
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Two miles of road in the Little Twist field were upgraded or reconstructed by raising and gravelling . Gravel was donated by a local contractor and dump trucks, loaned from Sabine and Felsenthal NWR's, were used to haul 2,700 cubic yards .
#12 Sand clay gravel was hauled and spread on roads in the Little Twist field by the refuge staff . 9/86 LN
Six "Hunter Permit Stations" were constructed and installed at designated access points around the refuge . These stations provided a means of getting information, permits, maps and regulations to the public . Unfortunately, vandalism has already been a problem with five of the six being damaged .
2 . Rehabilitation
The one story brick house acquired with the Ables Tract will serve as the subheadquarters and crew quarters for Panther Swamp . Work performed during the summer to upgrade the facility for these functions included repair of gaslines, installation of a fireplace insert (surplus from Piedmont NWR), insulation of the well pump house and grouting the shower tiles .
3 . Major Maintenance
Throughout the year, maintenance on the ATV fleet (3-wheelers, 3- wheeler trailers, the 8-wheel Argo ATV, etc .) was number one on the priority list . These vehicles are the only method of trans- portation that can be used on Panther Swamp . The Argo had a
particularly rough year requiring two major overhauls . i Considerable time and effort were expended by the Complex staff in marking and signing designated ATV trails on Panther . These trails serve as the primary source of access on the refuge and, by limiting ATV use to specified roads/trails, will do much to minimize problems with disturbance caused by indiscriminate use . After being marked, all trails were reworked with the D-4 by filling in ruts, pushing out fallen trees and bushes, and occassional rerouting around impassable sloughs .
Several person-days of effort was expended in boundary painting and signing during the year .
A 50U gallon "skid" tank with hand pump was installed at the subheadquarters site in November . This installation gives the staff the luxury of being able to refuel on-station .
An entrance gate was constructed and installed at Stricklin's bridge access point . This gate will aid in reducing distrubance levels to waterfowl in the Little Twist moist-soil units when hunts are not being conducted .
J . OTHER ITEMS
3 . Credits
This narrative was completed with the help of the following :
Anita Bowman - Deer Data Tables Dave Ellis - A ; B ; C ; D ; E ; F ; G . 2,3,4,6,8,15,16, & 17 ; H ; & I . Lucian Newton - G .7,1O & 11 .
Typing and organizing was accomplished by Charla Yelverton . Editing 0 and proofreading were performed by the Yazoo staff . 0
MORGAN BRAKE NATIONAL WILDILFE REFUGE
Tchula, Mississippi
0 0
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 19d6
U .S . Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System
INTRODUCTION
Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge is located in west central Mississippi in the Yazoo River Basin of the Mississippi Delta . The refuge is 21 miles south of Greenwood and three miles north of Tchula in Holmes County . The refuge contains 2,088 acres of bottomland hardwood forests interspersed with sloughs and shallow depressions characterized by bald cypress, button bush, water elm, swamp privet, and willow .
#1 Morgan Brake National 'Wildlife Refuge 8/86 TW
Refuge wetlands are noted for large numbers of wintering waterfowl . Mallard, wood duck, wigeon, green-winged teal and gadwall are the most common waterfowl species . The wood duck is the only resident breeding species of waterfowl . Many species of songbirds, raptors, and marsh birds are present . The bald eagle and the peregrine falcon are winter migrants to the Yazoo Basin .
The major mammals present on the refuge are white-tailed deer, fox and gray squirrel, swamp and cottontail rabbit, Eastern red fox, gray fox, flying squirrel, coyote and armadillo . Furbearing species include beaver, muskrat, nutria, spotted and striped skunk, mink, otter, weasel, raccoon opossum and bobcat . Small mammals are the common mole, shrew, Eastern chipmunk, bat, cotton rat, Eastern wood rat, meadow mouse, and house mouse .
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
A . HIGHLIGHTS . . . . Nothing to Report
B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1
C . LAND ACQUISITION
Fee Title Nothing to Report Easements Nothing to Report Other 1
D . PLANNING
1 . Master Plan Nothing to Report 2 . Management Plan Nothing to Report 3 . Public Participation Nothing to Report 4 . Compliance with Environmental Mandates . . . . Nothing to Report 5 . Research and Investigations Nothing to Report
E . ADMINISTRATION
Personnel 1 Youth Programs Nothing to Report Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report Volunteer Programs Nothing to Report Funding Nothing to Report Safety Nothing to Report Technical Assistance Nothing to Report Other Items Nothing to Report
F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1 . General Nothing to Report 2 . Wetlands 1 3 . Forests 1 4 . Croplands Nothing to Report 5 . Grasslands Nothing to Report 6 . Other Habitats . . Nothing to Report 7 . Grazing Nothing to Report 8 . Haying Nothing to Report 9 . Fire Management Nothing to Report 1U . Pest Control Nothing to Report 11 . Water Rights Nothing to Report • 12 . Wilderness and Special Areas . . : : : . Nothing to Report 13 . WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to Report
ii
Page G . WILDLIFE
1 . Wildlife Diversity Nothing to Report 2 . Endangered and/or Threatened Species 2 3 . Waterfowl 2 4 . Marsh and Water Birds 3 5 . Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species . . Nothing to Report 6 . Raptors Nothing to Report 7 . Other Migratory Birds Nothing to Report 8 . Game Mammals , , 3 9 . Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 10 . Other Resident Wildlife 3 11 . Fisheries Resources Nothing to Report 12 . Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13 . Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14 . Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15 . Animal Control 3 • 16 . Marking and Banding : . . : . Nothing to Report 17 . Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report
H . PUBLICUSE
1 . General Nothing to Report 2 . Outdoor Classrooms - Students Nothing to Report 3 . Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report 4 . Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to Report 5 . Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6 . Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations Nothing to Report 7 . Other Interpretive Programs Nothing to Report 8 . Hunting 4 9 . Fishing 5 10 . Trapping Nothing to Report 11 . Wildlife Observation Nothing to Report • 1 2 . Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing t o Report 13 . Camping Nothing to Report 14 . Picnicking Nothing to Report 15 . Off-Road Vehicling ...... 5 16 . Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation . Nothing to Report 17 . Law Enforcement . . . . 5 18 . Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 1 9 . Concessions Nothing to Report
I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1 . New Construction 5 2 . Rehabilitation 5 3 . Major Maintenance Nothing to Report 4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement Nothing to Report 5 . Communications Systems Nothing to Report 6 . Energy Conservation Nothing to Report 7 . Other Nothing to Report
iii Page 0 J . OTHER ITEMS 1 . Cooperative Programs Nothing to Report 2 . Items of Interest Nothing to Report 3 . Credits 6
K . FEEDBACK Nothing to Report
L . INFORMATION PACK --- (inside back cover)
iv B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Daily weather observations and readings were not taken at this refuge . However, the refuge experiences similar weather conditions as the other refuges in the Complex .
C . LAND ACQUISITION
3 . Other
Negotiations and continued throughout the year in an effort to acquire the John Hancock Insurance property which borders the east boundary of the refuge . Some 3,000 acres are involved . Very little progress was made toward acquisition of the potentially high waterfowl area .
D . PLANNING
See Section D . - Yazoo NWR
E . ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel
No personnel are presently assigned to this refuge . Administrative, law enforcement and maintenance activities are provided by the staffs at Yazoo and Hillside Refuges .
F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
2 . Wetlands
Beaver dams were removed twice this summer by explosives in an effort to prevent timber kill . Efforts were only partially successful at best . The major drainage from Morgan Brake is through an adjacent drainage ditch . This ditch has silted in over the years and as a result, . total water removal from the forested areas of Morgan Brake is virtually impossible .
3 . Forests
Seventy-five acres were planted with water oak acorns as part of the on-going reforestation program in the Complex . The program involves direct seeding of acorns or planting seedlings . Acorn planting has resulted in germination success rate as high as 90 percent .
G . WILDLIFE
2 . Endangered and/or Threatened Species
Bald eagles occasionally utilize the refuge where they frequent high waterfowl use areas . No birds were observed during the mid- winter Eagle Survey .
Occasional sightings by the public and refuge staff confirm that a small population of American alligators are present at Morgan Brake . Current population status of this reptile on Morgan is unknown .
3 . Waterfowl
#2 Wood duck boxes were erected in 1986 in an attempt to increase nesting activity . 8/86 AB
-2- Waterfowl numbers in 1986 what they have been in the past . The mid-winter waterfowl survey tallied nearly 5,000 birds . Average monthly wintering waterfowl numbers were around 3,000 birds with peaks increasing to 5,000 birds . Squirrel and deer hunters hunting the remote backside of the refuge reported large numbers of wood ducks present, often 300 to 40U birds .
Thirty wood duck boxes were erected along Morgan Brake Slough by YCC staff this summer to increase wood duck nesting on the refuge . An estimated breeding population of 30 birds produced 125 wood ducks .
4 . Marsh and Water Birds
Great blue herons and great egrets were seen at various times in all wetland habitats . Great blues seemed to be particularly visible or numerous this year . A large rookery of cattle egrets was discovered on the refuge in August . Birds observed were estimated to number in excess of two thousand .
8 . Game Mammals
All game mammals indigenous to the surrounding area were observed on the refuge . This included white-tailed deer, swamp rabbit, cottontail rabbit, grey squirrel, fox squirrel, raccoon, and beaver . Bobcat, fox, coyote, and opossum were also present .
10 . Other Resident Wildlife
Many other species of wildlife are present on the refuge but the most noticeable or the more "looked out for" are the poisonous snakes, particularly the ever present cottonmouth . Population levels of this reptile are rather high at Morgan which requires a vigilant awareness on the part of refuge staff and visitors alike .
15 . Animal Control
Nine neutered male hogs, which were raised by an individual for hunting purposes, "escaped" from his pens and swam a bordering lake . The hogs apparently ended up on the refuge . Hopefully, a solution or plan to remove these animals can be implemented before any significant damage is done to the resource . Any hogs remaining on the refuge after a reasonable time are subject to feral animal regulations and can be dispatched by refuge personnel as they are encountered .
0
-3-
#3 The hardwood forest present at Morgan Brake NWR provides wildlife habitat second to none for indigeous and migratory species . This refuge has the potential to become one of the best in the system if future acquisitions occur . 8/86 Staff Photo
H . PUBLIC USE
8 . Hunting
Deer hunting is a popular activity on the refuge with archery and primitive weapon hunts open the entire state season .
Archery deer season (either-sex) was open October 4 through November 21, a season length of 49 days . An estimated 75 hunter days resulted in five deer harvested .
Muzzleloader season (either-sex) ran December 2 through December 15 . An estimated 100 hunter days were spent in harvesting 15 deer .
Squirrel hunters were observed in good numbers the first three weeks of the season . Hunter days and squirrels harvested were estimated to be 175 and 500, respectively . Approximately 60% of the squirrels harvested on Morgan Brake were grey squirrels . Squirrel season was open October 18, 1986, through January 15, 1987, for a total of 90 days .
Duck hunting activity is almost non-existant on Morgan Brake . Duck use in the hunting area remains low with wood ducks making up most of the birds present . Hunters apparently believe it takes too much effort to go to the woods, get a quick limit of two wood ducks, and be through shooting for the day .
Rabbit hunting is also popular with the locals . Approximately 50 hunter days were spent harvesting 100 rabbits . Rabbit season extended from mid-October through February . Most rabbits were harvested in February when hunting with dogs was permitted .
9 . Fishing
Fishing activity on the refuge was sporadic with most of this effort being done by locals . Apparently they have some success but many times they fish in less than ideal conditions .
15 . Off-Road Vehicling
In response to the Service policy of no ATV's on National Wildlife Refuges, ATV's were banned from Morgan Brake in 1986 . The only exception allowed was persons with obvious or medically certified handicaps . All ATV trail signs were removed and trails were closed . Minimal problems were encounterd in implementing this ban . 0 17 . Law Enforcement Because of insufficient staff, only minimal law enforcement efforts were provided . Even so, citations issued were doubled over 1985 . Six citations were issued in 1986 along with several written warnings for illegal ATV use . Violations were as follows :
# of Cases Violation Disposition
2 No Primitive Weapons License $50 .00 fine + $19 .50 court cost 1 ATV Trespass $25 .OU fine + $19 .50 court cost 2 No Refuge Permit Pending 1 No Hunting License Pending 0 I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 1 . New Construction
An information and hunter permit station was constructed and erected on the south end of the refuge along with a graveled parking area . Refuge staff and YCC personnel were involved in different phases of the construction and installation . . One day was spent in actual construction of the station . An additional day was spent in painting, attaching supports, erecting the structure, and placing informational maps, etc . After completing the station, a - turnaround area was cleared of vegetation and graveled .
2 . Rehabilitation
Boundary maintenance around the entire refuge was performed in 1986 . Also, brush was cleared around all refuge signs . Most maintenance was done during summer months with the aid of YCC . Refuge staff did the rest in early fall . 0 J . OTHER ITEMS 3 . Credits
This narrative was completed by Assistant Manager Beierman . The Yazoo staff edited and proofread the report . Typing and organization accomplished by Charla Yelverton . MATHEWS BRAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Sidon, Mississippi
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1986
U .S . Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System
INTRODUCTION
Mathews Brake NWR lies in the Yazoo River Basin on the eastern edge of the Mississippi River Valley . The refuge presently consists of over 300 acres of bottomland hardwood habitat, 157 acres of agricultural land and 1,300 acres of Mathews Brake, an old oxbow lake . Bald cypress, swamp tupelo, swamp cottonwood and buttonbush dominate the site located nine miles south of Greenwood, Mississippi, in Leflore County . Refuge acquisition began in 1980 with the purchase of 801 acres under authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act to provide wintering areas for waterfowl and a breeding ground for wood ducks .
#1 Mathews Brake, an old oxbow lake, is the dominant feature on Mathews Brake NWR . 8/86 TW
0
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
P a qe
A . HIGHLIGHTS 1
B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 1
C . LAND ACQUISITION
1 . Fee Title 1 2 . Easements Nothing to Report 3 . Other Nothing to Report
D . PLANNING
1 . Master Plan Nothing to Report 2 . Management Plan Nothing to Report 3 . Public Participation Nothing to Report 4 . Compliance with Environmental Mandates . . . . Nothing to Report 5 . Research and Investigations Nothing to Report
E . ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel 1 2 . Youth Programs Nothing to Report 3 . Other Manpower Programs Nothing to Report 4 . Volunteer Programs Nothing t o Report 5 . Funding Nothing to Report 6 . Safety Nothing to Report 7 . Technical Assistance Nothing to Report 8 . Other Items Nothing to Report
F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1 . General Nothing to Report 2 . Wetlands Nothing to Report 3 . Forests 2 4 . Croplands 2 5 . Grasslands Nothing to Report 6 . Other Habitats Nothing to Report 7 . Grazing Nothing to Report 8 . Haying Nothing to Report 9 . Fire Management Nothing t o Report 10 . Pest Control Nothing to Report 11 . Water Rights . Nothing to Report 12 . Wilderness and Special •Areas Nothing to Report 13 . WPA Easement Monitoring Nothing to Report
ii
Page 0 . WILDLIFE 1 . Wildlife Diversity Nothing to Report 2 . Endangered and/or Threatened Species Nothing to Report 3 . Waterfowl 3 4 . Marsh and Water Birds . . . . 4 5 . Shorebirds, Gulls, Terns and Allied Species . . Nothing to Report 6 . Raptors Nothing to Report 7 . Other Migratory Birds Nothing to Report 8 . Game Mammals 3 9 . Marine Mammals Nothing to Report 1 U . Other Resident Wildlife Nothing to Report 11 . Fisheries Resources 3 12 . Wildlife Propagation and Stocking Nothing to Report 13 . Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing to Report 14 . Scientific Collections Nothing to Report 15 . Animal Control Nothing to Report 16 . Marking and Banding Nothing to Report 1 7 . Disease Prevention and Control Nothing to Report
H .PUBLICUSE
1 . General Nothing to Report 2 . Outdoor Classrooms - Students Nothing to Report 3 . Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers Nothing to Report 4 . Interpretive Foot Trails Nothing to Report 5 . Interpretive Tour Routes Nothing to Report 6 . Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations Nothing to Report 7 . Other Interpretive Programs Nothing to Report 8 . Hunting 3 9 . Fishing 4 10 . Trapping 4 11 . Wildlife Observation Nothing to Report 12 . Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation Nothing to Report 13 . Camping Nothing to Report 14 . Picnicking Nothing to Report 15 . Off-Road Vehicling Nothing to Report 16 . Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation . . . . Nothing to Report 17 . Law Enforcement 4 18 . Cooperating Associations Nothing to Report 19 . Concessions Nothing to Report
I . EQUIPMENTANDFACILITIES
New Construction 5 Rehabilitation 5 Major Maintenance 5 Equipment Utilization and Replacement 5 Communications Systems Nothing to Report Energy Conservation Nothing to Report Other 5
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Page 0 J . OTHER ITEMS 1 . Cooperative Programs 7 2 . Items of Interest 7 3 . Credits 7
K . FEEDBACK . . . Nothing to Report
L . INFORMATIONPACK --- (inside back cover)
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iv A . HIGHLIGHTS
Acquisition activity more than doubled the size of the refuge (Section C-1) .
Former Assistant Secretary of Interior Ray Arnett and Mississippi Congressman Webb Franklin waterfowl hunted on Mathews Brake NWR and in the immediate vicinity (Section J-2) .
Duck opener was the most successful in three years according to locals (Section H-8) .
B . CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
There are no meteorological instruments at Mathews Brake . However, the refuge experiences weather conditions similar to the other refuges in the complex .
C . LAND ACQUISITION
1 . Fee Title
Mathews Brake NWR more than doubled in size with the acquisition of 960 acres from the Mathews Brake Hunting Club in May . The refuge now totals approximately 1,760 acres with almost 1,300 acres classified as lake or surface water .
Negotiations continued off and on throughout the year to acquire the 650 acre Caldwell property which lies adjacent to the south boundary of the property purchased in 1986 . No progress is evident in these negotiations .
D . PLANNING
See Section D . - Yazoo NWR
E . ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel
Mathews Brake does not have any assigned staff . All adminstrative, maintenance and law enforcement activities were conducted by personnel from Yazoo and Hillside Refuges .
0 F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
3 . Forests
The bottomland, hardwood forest community present at Mathews Brake is dominated by species such as red and white oaks, sweetgum, cypress, tupelo gum, willow and cottonwoods . Scattered cypress is present over most of the lake area . Individual stems in the lake are mostly cull or "chimney" trees that provide excellent habitat for cavity nesters such as wood ducks, hooded mergansers and various species of woodpeckers .
One special use permit was issued to allow a neighboring resident the opportunity to remove a large oak tree which had been struck by lightning . In addition, he was allowed to pick up other downed timber for firewood .
4 . Croplands
Fifty-five acres were planted to soybeans with the refuge receiving a one-fourth share from the cooperative farming program . Unfortunately, the severe drought conditions which plagued the entire lower Mississippi Delta destroyed crop production . Soybeans were replanted twice to obtain a stand . These efforts were to no avail . Dry conditions restricted growth, and soybeans did not attain a height much over four inches . Needless to say, the farmer did not harvest a crop .
An additional 102 acres of farmland will now be available for growing wildlife foods with the acquisition of the Mathews Brake Hunting Club property .
G . WILDLIFE
3 . Waterfowl
This refuge serves as a wintering area for many species of waterfowl, particularly mallards . As many as 25,000 birds have concentrated on the refuge . This past winter, ring necks were observed and harvested during refuge hunts . This species, was at best, a rare visitor to the area in the past .
The refuge also serves as breeding habitat for wood ducks and hooded mergansers . An estimated 1,000 wood ducks are produced annually on Mathews Brake . Wood ducks were frequently observed throughout the spring and summer months .
4 . Other Migratory Birds
An abundance of mourning doves was observed at various times on the refuge . Population levels appeared to increase during November and December . Planting of millet and sunflowers in the area 0 served as an attractant . 8 . Game Mammals
Squirrel population levels were high during the autumn months and fox squirrels were noted to be in excellent condition .
Although the refuge consists primarily of lake habitat, there are approximately 150 acres of agricultural land and approximately 300 acres of forestland present . This acreage, coupled with adjacent wooded habitat and croplands, makes the area attractive to white-tailed deer . One nice six point buck was observed ; many tracks were seen, and reports from locals indicate that a huntable population inhabits the refuge and surrounding area . Deer densities are estimated at one deer per 20 acres .
Observations by the refuge staff suggests that Mathews Brake has an excellent population of raccoons . Actual population estimates have not been determined for the area .
11 . Fisheries Resources
The refuge has a popular crappie fishery resource as fishermen were observed almost every day during the spring and summer months . Mathews Brake was once noted for its bream and bass populations . Population levels of these species, as evidenced by fishing success, has declined drastically in recent years . Agricultural herbicides and pesticides entering the lake have been blamed for this decline . The flood of 1973, which dumped excessive amounts of silt into the lake, has also been blamed . Undoubtedly, flooding during the mid-1970's had the potential to adversely impact the fishery resource . However, the staff suspects that heavy annual sediment loads, resulting from normal runoff during the last 8-10 years, have also played a major role in reducing productivity of the lake . There can be little doubt that the lake has silted in tremendously from its bass heyday .
H . PUBLIC USE
8 . Hunting
Duck hunting is one of the primary consumptive public use activities on this refuge . The recent acquisition of the Mathews Brake Hunting Club property fueled hunter interest for the season opener . The area was crowded opening morning with an estimated 75 hunters lauching boats at the new refuge access point . Most hunters limited out with three mallard drakes . According to locals, opening day was the best in three years . Hunting pressure and success dropped tremendously the next day and continued to dwindle as the season progressed . The pressure of opening day is believed responsible for lower hunter and bag numbers the following day . Low 0 hunter numbers for the remainder of the season were attributed to
low waterfowl populations . In fact, only 500 birds were counted during the mid-winter waterfowl survey on Mathews Brake . Ironically, the few hunters who were afield the next day had one of the better hunts of the season .
Squirrel hunting was popular in the area opening day . Hunters had good success, averaging an estimated four squirrels per hunter . Total season estimates were 25 hunter visits, 100 squirrels killed and 75 activity hours on the refuge . The local state conservation officer received a report that two individuals killed 38 squirrels during one hunt, only 22 squirrels over the limit .
Bow hunting was the only type deer hunting allowed in 1986 . The refuge bow season was open 107 days, with no deer reported harvested . Few hunters took advantage of this opportunity . An estimated 15 hunter visits occurred during the season .
9 . Fishing
Crappie fishing was extremely popular with an estimated 2,000 visits . Approximately 12,000 activity hours were expended .
10 . Trapping
No trapping was permitted on the refuge . Much trapping occurs around the perimeter of the refuge . The staff suspects that illegal trapping probably occurred on the refuge but no evidence of this activity was found . A duck hunter reportedly found a raccoon struggling in a trap near his blind .
17 . Law Enforcement
The Complex simply does not have enough law enforcement personnel to provide more than minimal efforts at Mathews Brake . Even so, law enforcement efforts were increased over those of prior years due to increased public use which resulted from the additional land purchased in 1986 . Six citations were issued and processed through state court .
Cases Violation Disposition
1 No Hunting License $25 .00 fine + $10 .00 court cost 3 No Refuge Permit Pending 1 Hunting from Public Road Pending 1 Gun Hunting During Archery Pending Only Season
0 I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1 . New Construction
A combination information and hunter permit station/kiosk was constructed this summer with the help of YCC personnel . A prefab wooden frame was erected on a concrete slab . Cypress boards were used for siding material, and wooden shake shingles were used for roofing . Varnish was sprayed on the entire structure to provide weather protection . A parking area adjacent to the kiosk was levelled and gravelled in conjuction with this project . Approximately 15 staff days were expended on the project .
# 2 A hunter permit station and kiosk was constructed at the major entrance point to Mathews Brake . 10/86 TW
2 . Rehabilitation
A boat landing on the newly acquired property was cut to grade and gravelled to provide boat access for hunters and fishermen . All the dirt work was done force account .
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#3 This boat ramp, constructed during 1986, provides all-weather access for refuge users . 10/86 TW
3 . Major Maintenance
Approximately three miles of boundary maintenance was performed this summer by refuge staff and YCC personnel . A survey of the newly acquired property is needed before the boundary lines can be marked .
4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement
All equipment and vehicles used on Mathews Brake were supplied by a Yazoo and Hillside NWR's . 7 . Other
The property acquired during 1986 has a building which served as camp headquarters for the Mathews Brake Hunting Club . No decision has been made for utilization of this structure . Several adjacent landowners have expressed an interest in buying it .
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#4 This structure, purchased with the property in 1986, served as the clubhouse for Mathews Brake Hunting Club . 10/86 TW
J . OTHER ITEMS
1 . Cooperative Programs
The refuge revenue sharing check of $2338 .00 was delivered to Leflore County officials . County maintenance on the refuge is limited to the county road which bisects a portion of the newly acquired property .
2 . Items of Interest
Former Assistant Secretary of the Interior Ray Arnett and Congressman Webb Franklin were contacted during a routine law enforcement patrol at Mathews Brake NWR during duck season . These gentlemen were visting the area as guests of the Lower 14 Duck Club . The club prepared a steak dinner for the Congressman and Mr . Arnett on December 12 . Refuge Manager Wilkins and Assistant Manager Johnson attended the dinner at the request of Congressman Franklin .
3 . Credits
This narrative was completed by Assistant Refuge Manager 6eierman . Editing and proofreading were performed by the Yazoo staff . Ir Typing and organization was accomplished by Charla Yelverton .