slope, aspect, position in the coulee system, and soil texture should be 

 measured at many sites in the coulee system, and a multivariate analysis should 

 be used to identify the major edaphic factors that contribute to the presence of 

 the tall shrub type. Researchers should attempt to determine the age, origin, 

 history, trend and reclamation potential of the coulee system in the study area. 



Mule Deer Studies 



A marking and radio-tracking study should be initiated to clarify mule deer 

 seasonal distribution patterns, abundance, movements, and habitat use. To 

 ensure consistency with ongoing deer studies elsewhere in Montana, the methods 

 used in this study should be developed in cooperation with the Montana 

 Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Montana State University. 



Roadside Wildlife Survev 



A new roadside survey route, the Waller Route (Figure 25), should be 

 surveyed along with the Dreyer Route in May, June, and July each year. The 

 other four routes should be surveyed in June each year, following standard 

 methods (DNRC 1978). 



Pronghorn Aerial Survey 



Present aerial survey routes should be expanded to include pronghorn winter 

 concentration areas southwest of the Mine Study Area. 



Great Horned Owl Census , 



Great horned owl populations should be studied in February using recorded 

 calls, as described by Youmans et al. (1981). 



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