During the v/inter of 1976-1977, the majority (48%) of white-tailed deer 

 were observed in cultivated fields (figure 30). Low coulee shrub (18%) and 

 wild haylands (10%) were also used. The deer were observed feeding in low 

 coulee shrub, wild haylands, and cottonwood forests. Rolling terrain (40%) 

 and flat areas, including creek and river bottoms (49%), were the major top- 

 ography types used during this winter (figure 31). Feeding was observed in 

 creek bottoms and on flat areas. 



In spring of 1977, cultivated land remained the most important habitat 

 category, providing 54% of all observations and the majority of the feeding 

 observations. A variety of habitats, including low coulee shrub, wild hay- 

 lands, sagebrush and tree groves accounted for the remaining spring obser- 

 vations. Feeding was also observed in farm groves and wild haylands. White- 

 tailed deer were observed on rolling terrain (40%), flat areas (41%), and 

 coulees (16%) in spring. 



During summer of 1977, white-tailed deer continued to use cultivated 

 fields (36%). Shrubby habitats reached their highest use. Tall and low 

 coulee shrub and snowberry-rose and sagebrush accounted for one third of the 

 observations. The deer were seen feeding on stubble fields, cultivated land, 

 and in coulee shrub habitat. Summer topography use reflected habitat use, 

 with 38% of the observations occurring on flat and rolling terrain and 14% in 

 coulees. Feeding was observed on all three topography types. 



During fall of 1977, cultivated land received its lowest use (28%), while 

 grasslands reached a peak in use (37%). Tree groves and tall coulee shrub were 

 also important. White-tailed deer were observed feeding mainly on cultivated 

 fields and grasslands. As during previous seasons, rolling and flat topography 

 accounted for the majority of fall observations. Use of coulees declined. 

 Rolling terrain provided the most feeding observations, and creek and river 

 bottoms and hillsides were also used. 



During the winter of 1977-1978, use of cultivated land reached its peak, 

 with grasslands and shrubby habitats providing the bulk of the remaining ob- 

 servations. Most feeding white-tailed deer were seen on cultivated fields. 

 A group of 51 was observed feeding on grain piles and haystacks at a ranch. 

 Winter topography use was largely limited to rolling and flat terrain. Feeding 

 observations occurred mainly on rolling land and creek bottoms. 



The majority of white tailed deer occurred on terrain of 10% slope or less, 

 especially during spring and summer. There was a slight tendency for increased 

 observations on moderate slopes (10-35%) during fall and winter. 



The majority of white-tailed deer were observed between 5:00 A.M. and 9:00 

 A.M. during spring and summer. Throughout the fall and winter the deer became 

 increasingly observable during midday and afternoon hours. 



General food habits of white-tailed deer in eastern Montana have been 

 documented in several studies (Allen 1971, Dusek 1977, Mackie et al. 1977). The 

 seasonal diets of white-tailed deer in this study area should be comparable. 

 Browse comprises the bulk of white-tailed deer food during all seasons except 

 late spring and early summer when forbs become important. Cultivated crops 

 were important during all seasons except the winter of 1977-1978, when deep 

 snow accumulation reduced accessibility of browse in coulees and creek bottoms. 



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