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Abstract
Perceived changes in predator-prey dynamics along with documented declines of Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) have created a renewed interest about the role meso-mammals play in shaping bobwhite population trajectories. Therefore, I evaluated the efficacy of meso-mammal trap and removal (MMTR) at reducing meso-mammal activity and increasing bobwhite reproductive success. I evaluated bobwhite reproduction from data collected during 1999-2006 on 11 sites in 3 states across the southeastern United States. I evaluated the relationships between MMTR, predator activity, and bobwhite reproduction using 37 site-year combinations when MMTR occurred and 20 combinations when it did not occur. I then constructed a population model to evaluate the effects of MMTR on bobwhite population performance under different assumptions about density dependence, bobwhite vital rates, and harvest strategies. My results suggest that MMTR reduces meso-mammal activity, positively affects bobwhite reproduction, and increases bobwhite population performance.