59 

 Age Class of Game Species 



Primary game species were assigned to one of three age class categories: adult, subadult, and 

 young. These categories were based on visual examination of the carcass and on information provided 

 by hunters as strict age class definitions for these species have not been established for Mexico. In 

 general, individuals categorized as adults were defined on the basis of having a large body size; worn 

 fur, teeth, nails, and feathers; and having well-developed reproductive organs. Individuals categorized 

 as young generally were no more than a few months old and were defined on the basis of having a 

 small body size; unworn fur, teeth, nails, and feathers; and having poorly-developed reproductive 

 organs. Individuals categorized as subadults were defined on the basis of having intermediate 

 characteristics. The information provided by experienced hunters was especially helpful in assigning 

 the prey to an age class. 



Reproductive condition 



The reproductive condition of female birds and mammals was noted to identify when they were 

 gravid or caring for young. Gravid females were identified by a visual inspection of the reproductive 

 tract to locate eggs, embryos, and fetuses. Lactating mammals were determined by squeezing the teats. 

 Brooding birds were determined by having a brood patch. Reproductive tracts also were collected and 

 preserved in 15% formalin for microscopic studies, but they have yet to be analyzed. 



Distribution of Take bv Month and Time of Day 



Data were summarized by month and time of day in order to compare the take of game by 

 hunters. The monthly take of mammals was compared for 17 months, while the take of birds was 

 compared for only 7 months because of apparent reporting problems. At first, most hunters did not 

 want to report taking birds, and then it appeared that some hunters were shooting birds specifically to 

 participate in the study. The hourly take of game animals was compared for 24 h over these time 

 periods. Temporal differences in take between mammals and birds were compared for seven, two-hour 



