This study, conducted at Camp Pickett, Virginia, attempted to evaluate several rabbit management practices currently in use on this deactivated military reservation. The methods being applied by the Virginia Come mission of Game and Inland Fisheries consist of establishment of wildlife food plots, the seeding of fire lanes and mowing and burning as a means of retarding ecological succession. Results of these evaluations indicated that the annual mixture plot is the type most heavily utilized by rabbits during the fall. Next in importance was the clover-winter grain combination planting. These conclusions were determined by means of live trapping and these trapping data were substantiated by pellet counts. A total of 211 rabbits were handled in this phase of the study; 135 were marked and 76 were recaptured. Of the 135 animals marked, 40.8 per cent were marked in the annual mix plots.

This trapping demonstrated a sex ratio of 130 males to 100 females and an immature to adult female ratio of 2.3:1. A relationship between trapping success and temperature seemed to exist; a coefficient of correlation of -0.273 was calculated. A vegetative inventory inferred that both mowing and burning may be desirable rabbit management practices.

An attempt was made to test three population estimation formulae on a known, enclosed rabbit population. Results of trapping within the five acre enclosure gave a comparable population estimate fer the Lincoln index, the Krumholz formula and the Schumacher-Eschmeyer formula. This experiment was not carried to the refined point of supplying definite conclusions; further investigation is necessary before concrete recommendations may be made.

Records of the hunting season harvest were maintained. When these kill figures were combined with a rough estimate of the rabbit population on Camp Pickett, it was indicated that approximately 26 per cent of the cottontails were harvested. Hunting kill records maintained by the Game Commission over the past three years show a marked increase in hunter success, probably due te the effects of management.

All bot fly parasitism cases were noted; 155 infestations were observed among the 325 rabbits handled. The larvae demonstrated no preference as to sex of the host but immature cottontails were more heavily parasitized than were adults,

Records of tularemia incidence throughout Virginia have been maintained. Two areas of greater incidence occur; however, the Camp Pickett area appears to be average for the state.

Cost comparisons were made between annual mix plots and clover-winter grain plots. The annual mix type of food plot cost an estimated $7.30 per half acre te install; the clover plot cost $18.09 per half acre. Which type plot, annual or perennial, is used depends upon the budget and Labor available. The writer favors use of the clover plots for rabbits both from the economical and biological points of view.