Thesis - Open Access
Master of Science (MS)
Wildlife and Fisheries Science
Thomas R. McCabe
Seasonal cover use of radio-tagged hen pheasants was analyzed and vegetative characteristics of nesting habitat identified in east-central South Dakota during 1983 and 1984. Radio telemetry locations were collected during the summer and fall of 1983 and winter of 1983- 1984 for cover use determinations. Chi-squared analysis of cover use revealed positive selection (P≤0.05) for the idle/roadside cover category in summer, wetlands in fall, and the shelterbelt/woodlot category in winter. Agricultural set aside areas in the 1-year 1983 Payment In Kind (PIK) program were avoided by pheasants in summer as were row crop fields in both summer and winter. Cover values were significantly different (P≤0.05) among seasons on selected potential pheasant nesting areas within the study area. However, nest site cover density was not different than at control sites. Canopy cover at known nest sites was comprised of 7-13 percent residual or new growth forbs. Establishment of lone-term land retirement areas that provide a mixed canopy with early growth or residual cover for nesting pheasants on private land is suggested. Preservation of wetlands and shelterbelts is also recommended to provide important winter cover for the ring-necked pheasant in South Dakota.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Ring-necked pheasant -- Habitat
Ring-necked pheasant -- Effect of habitat modification on
Wildlife habitat improvement -- South Dakota
Includes bibliographical references (pages 35-41)
Number of Pages
South Dakota State University
No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
Craft, Karen Peterson, "Ring-necked Pheasant Cover Use in Eastern South Dakota" (1986). Theses and Dissertations. 33.