Surveys help biologists monitor and manage wildlife populations

&Nbsp;           “They help biologists monitor non-game species, and effectively manage populations of the animals we hunt,” said David McChesney, federal aid program coordinator for the wildlife division of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “This ensures the overall well-being and responsible stewardship of Kentucky’s wildlife.”             In 1937, Congress passed the Federal Aid In Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly referred to as the Pittman-Robertson Act. This law established a pool of funds raised from a federal excise tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition (archery equipment was added in 1972). The funds are then allocated to state fish and wildlife agencies to assist them with wildlife research, restoration and management.             Kentucky Fish and Wildlife biologists spend tens of thousands of hours in the field each year collecting data for over 70 wildlife surveys. Biologists collect data on game and non-game species, including: deer, elk, furbearers, threatened and endangered species, black bears, migratory birds, upland game, raptors, reptiles, amphibians and wild turkeys.             Surveys conducted by biologists cover the full range of issues critical to species monitoring and management. The surveys include population counts, food availability, habitat evaluation, wildlife condition (health), parasite infestations, population densities, nesting, reproductive success, DNA, mortality factors (including hunter harvest) and wildlife damage to property and agricultural crops.             “For continued participation in the conservation snow goose season, hunters must fill out a survey,” said Rocky Pritchert, migratory bird program coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “That helps us monitor harvest and keep up with strategies they are using to hunt the birds.”             “It’s a species specific sample for either waterfowl, doves or woodcock,” said Pritchert. “The data gives biologists a clear picture of hunter success, and the level of participation (hours spent afield), what they’re seeing, and how many birds they’re taking.”             Wood duck brood counts are a measure of reproductive success on a particular stream, offering biologists valuable population trend data. “Just as our aerial census (conducted periodically throughout the late fall and winter) is not a complete count of ducks and geese in Kentucky,” said Pritchert, “It’s a snapshot of a point in time of how many birds are on a particular site at a particular time.”             Another example of a long running migratory bird survey is the banding of wood ducks and resident Canada geese. “Our target is to band 1,000 geese and about 2,000 wood ducks each year,” said Pritchert. “Band recovery provides us with data on annual survival and hunter harvest rates.” The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on the department, visit our website at fw.ky.gov .

Conservation News: Commissioner of the Kentucky Dept. of Fish ...

"During the last several years, my personal involvement with WNS has grown from watching its advance--moving southward and westward--to bearing responsibility in my own state upon confirming WNS in Kentucky this spring," said Gassett. "I am encouraged at the the amount of dedication and commitment by a community of individuals who care deeply about our bat resources. At the same time, I am concerned at the rate of spread, the high suspect ability of certain species and the lack of available treatment options.

Fisheries bulletin of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

The Kentucky encyclopedia

Owen County; built in 1958; owned by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; 149-acre seasonal pool. It is named for Elmer Davis, ...

Aquatic-life resources of the Ohio River, an inventory and evaluation of fish populations, limnological conditions, commercial fishing, and sport fishing, with historical notes

A Fishing Guide to Kentucky's Major Lakes

For information, write to Kentucky Afield, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, 1 Game Farm Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, or telephone (502) ...

Environmental guide to the Internet

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources URL: http://www.state.ky.us/ agencies/fw/kdfwr.htin Summary: As stewards of Kentucky's fish and wildlife ...