44 CONSERVATION OF CANADIAN WILD LIFE 



of being single as in the case of the white-tailed deer, are 

 bifurcated, and each branch is double-pronged. 



Distribution. — Their range extends from southern Mani- 

 toba on the east to northern Alberta in the north, and south- 

 ern British Columbia in the west. Embracing as they do 

 within their range such varied conditions, their habitat 

 varies somewhat according to the region they occupy. In 

 the eastern part of its range they frequent the low hUls, 

 especially where they are wooded and provide cover, and in 

 the wooded valleys of rivers and streams. In the west they 

 occur in the foot-hills and among the open growth of pine 

 in the mountains. On the whole, their favourite haunts are 

 different from those chosen by the white-tail, being more 

 open and exposed. 



Habits. — Their habits are, in general, not very different 

 from those of the white-tailed deer. During the winter the 

 mixed bands of all ages and sexes wander around together, 

 sometimes in large bands, several hundred having been re- 

 corded occurring in single bands when they have been plen- 

 tiful. When they run fast going down-hill their gait is a 

 peculiar bounding motion on all four feet; hence the name 

 "jumping deer." 



Abundance. — In Manitoba, Seton states that in 1882 to 

 1885 they were very scarce. Owing to the better protec- 

 tion that they have received since that time they have 

 greatly increased in numbers. Mr. Charles Barber, chief 

 game guardian for Manitoba, states that they are now to 

 be found in more or less abundance in every part of the 

 province, and are increasing in numbers. They are found 

 chiefly in the Pembina Hills and that part of the province 

 lying between Portage la Prairie and Brandon, through 

 which district the Assiniboine River flows. They also oc- 

 cur in fair numbers east of the Red River in that section of 

 the province through which flow the Brokenhead and White- 

 mouth Rivers. In Saskatchewan they are reported by Mr. 



