An evaluation of Virginia's farm game program

Abstract

Interviews with the Farm Game Cooperators in Game Conservation Districts II, V and VI disclosed that individual landowners were interested in improving habitats for farm game species. In order of preference of wildlife planting materials cooperators chose annual seeds, L. bicolor seeds, L. bicolor plants and L. sericea. (Pp.25-35) The data on cultural practices indicate that the Farm Game Program cooperators need to follow instructions of the Virginia Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries for planting, fertilizing and cultivating wildlife materials in order to receive maximum benefits from the objectives of the Farm Game Program. (pp. 38-52) Cooperators considered the wildlife plantings of intrinsic value in that they were using the plantings for erosion control, food and cover for wildlife, field-woods borders and turn rows for farm machinery. (Pp. 55-56) It was observed that farm game species were utilizing wildlife food plantings established in 1950-51. The perennial plantings were immature yet in many instances they attracted quail, rabbits, turkey and deer. The data on food availability as determined by ground quadrant samples taken from wildlife food plantings on the three specific areas indicate that adequate food is be:ing produced on one-eighth acre plots, which have been maintained according to recommended cultural practices. A hundred percent increase was noted in quail populations on the Hawfield Game Demonstration Area during 1950. (Pp. 70-75)