Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1973

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Abstract

Data were gathered on seasonal movements and habitat selection of 30 pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) cocks that were radio-equipped in eastern South Dakota from 1970 to 1972. Pheasant cocks stayed in an area of less than 100 acres from spring through hunting season. In winter, cocks used even smaller areas more intensively. Cocks moved about their home range by shifting their activity center rather than by adjustment in range of daily travel. Adult cocks seemed to have strong site attachments on a year-round basis. Immature cocks were more mobile, especially during the fall prior to hunting season. In spring, adult cocks were least mobile, but utilized the widest diversity of cover types. During summer, land retired under a 1-year program provided a preferred cover type when left undisturbed for the major part of the growing season. Cocks selectively utilized picked cornfields and woody cover during the winter. Apparently management areas of approximately JOO acres could attract and support pheasant cocks in an agricultural area. Areas managed for pheasants should have diverse cover types, especially during the breeding season. A later hunting season, when more corn is harvested, could possibly increase hunter success. Woody cover and residual cover could serve as a management tool for the cock segment of the population by: (1) affecting spring dispersal by providing preferred cover, (2) serving as a focal point of harvest by concentrating birds and hunter effort, and (3) providing preferred winter cover.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Pheasants
Pheasants -- South Dakota
Birds -- Migration

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 44-47)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

56

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/

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