Back-pack unit for capturing waterfowl and upland game by night-lighting

Journal of Wildlife Management
By: , and 

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Abstract

A night-lighting unit, designed as a light weight back-pack, proved successful for capturing waterfowl pairs, pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), and cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) during the spring and summer when most breeding populations are widely dispersed. Eighty ducks of seven species were captured in 48 hours (1.7 ducks per hour) of night-lighting in marsh habitat. Similarly, 30 pheasants were trapped in 25 hours (1.2 birds per hour) and 63 cottontail rabbits were either observed at close range (6-12 ft) or captured during night-lighting operations in upland habitat. Catch per hour of effort increased for all species as their night habitat requirements and reaction to night-lights became known. The mobile unit proved well suited for intensive use on small areas where other methods of capture were unfeasible and where representative coverage of various habitat types was desired. Besides its utility for capturing animals, the unit provided a method for studying nocturnal movements, behavior, and habitat use of marked animals.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Back-pack unit for capturing waterfowl and upland game by night-lighting
Series title Journal of Wildlife Management
DOI 10.2307/3797983
Volume 31
Issue 4
Year Published 1967
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Description 6 p.
First page 778
Last page 783
Country United States
State South Dakota
County Day County, Sanborn County
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