omitted from statistical analysis because fall flooding biased the data. Hunting seasons 1985-86 and 

 1986-87 were also omitted from analysis, since season lengths and bag limits were reduced. 



During the first three waterfowl seasons, the habitat management program at LPWMA was in 

 a developmental stage. Waterfowl harvests during this period were relatively low (Table 4). 

 Hunting success increased during the fourth season (1978-79) and peaked during the sixth season 

 (1980-81). A "T test" was used to compare waterfowl harvest results during the developmental 

 period (1975-76, 1976-77, 1977-78) to the management period (1978-79, 1979-80, 1980-81, 1981- 

 82, 1983-84). A significant difference (P<.05) between the two groups was detected. 



These data indicate the intensive marsh management program, excluding the 3-year development 

 period (1975-77) and the two fall flood years (1982 and 1984), provided optimum habitat for 

 wintering waterfowl and satisfactory hunter success. 



Effects of Drawdowns on Waterfowl Harvest 



Spring drawdowns were conducted in at least one semi-impoundment during 6 out of the 12 

 years LPWMA was intensively managed (Table 5). Waterfowl harvest data from 1978-79 to 1981- 

 82 have been used to compare the effects of drawdown to non-drawdown management (Figure 6). 

 The average number of birds harvested/hunter/day for each group was 7.0 and 5.6 during drawdown 

 years and 7.7 and 7.9 during non-drawdown years (Table 5). 



Spring drawdowns prior to the fall waterfowl season generally reduced hunter success and 

 waterfowl use. Ponds and open water areas were filled with dense stands of annual vegetation. 

 The vegetation fell after several freezes in January, creating open areas which ducks used after 

 ponds opened. Dense emergent vegetation produced during spring drawdowns made it necessary 

 to mechanically open hunting ponds prior to waterfowl season. 



Table 4. Waterfowl hunting season results for Little Pecan Wildlife Management Area. 



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