USE OF CATCH-EFFORT TO ESTIMATE POPULATION-SIZE

We demonstrate practical field application of catch-per-unit-effort (C PUE) models, based on a new conceptual framework for CPUE developed by Bishir and Lancia (1996), to estimate (1) the antlered buck populatio n of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on Chesapeake Farms (f ormerly Remington Farms), Maryland, from harvest data collected by dee r hunters and (2) the high-elevation population of wild pigs (Sus scro fa) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) from pig removals b y Park employees. An advantage of CPUE estimates is that the required data can be collected by hunters. Compared to the reconstructed buck p opulation, CPUE estimates were negatively biased but correctly reveale d major increasing or decreasing trends; similar validation data were not available for the pig population. in cases of sustained-yield harv esting, CPUE estimates are probably sufficiently accurate because unde restimates would lead to conservative management decisions.