Habitat Use, Food Habits, and Response to Bird Dog Field Trials of Bobwhite on Northeastern Oklahoma Tallgrass Prairie Rangeland

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reveal the manner in which bobwhite populations use habitat in tall grass prairie rangeland. Radiolocation telemetry was used to monitor movements of bobwhite coveys and to observe their utilization of habitat. Home range size, utilization of habitat and habitat preferrences were determined during fall, winter, and spring. Temporal trends in food habits and dynamics of weight of bobwhite were determined through the fall and winter. The behavioral response of coveys to bird dog field trials is also discussed. It was anticipated that information would be obtained to measure seasonal age and sex ratios, and rates and sources of mortality. However, only a limited amount of data on these parameters was obtained while accomp.lishing the primary objectives of the study. Further graduate studies are planned by the Oklahoma Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit to provide additional information regarding these parameters and the responses of coveys to several land management activit-' ies.