CHAPTER 2 



APPROACH AND METHODS 



Early Studies 



The data on which this report is based were derived 

 through a series of studies of broadly different objectives 

 and intensity, encompassing a variety of methods. In this 

 chapter, we present a general overview of our approach and the 

 methods employed in obtaining and analyzing the major data 

 sets. More detailed information is provided by references 

 cited or in presentation and analyses of specific data. 



Generally, the studies comprised 3 phases: (1) intensive 

 studies emphasizing range use and relationships of mule deer, 

 elk, and cattle during 1960-1964 (Mackie 1965, 1970); (2) 

 extensive studies focusing primarily on mule deer population 

 characteristics and trends in relation to range condition from 

 1964 through 1974 (Mackie 1973, 1976); and (3) intensive 

 studies of mule deer population ecology and habitat 

 relationships during 1975-1987. 



The early studies provided baseline data on habitat 

 characteristics of the study area, distribution, movements, 

 use of specific habitat/vegetation types and 

 topographic/physiographic sites, activity patterns, food 

 habits, and population characteristics and trends for mule 

 deer from 1960 through 1963. These studies were primarily 

 descriptive. Data on vegetation were obtained through 

 classification and measurement of vegetational 

 characteristics of habitat/vegetation types, and annual 

 measurement of utilization and condition trends for major 

 shrub species browsed by deer on permanent transects. Data on 

 deer were obtained by systematic observations along vehicle 

 routes throughout the area, recording plant species eaten at 

 feeding sites, analyses of ruminal contents of deer collected 

 and shot by hunters, and conducting checking stations and 

 field check of hunters to determine distribution, numbers, sex 

 and age composition, and condition of deer harvested (Mackie 

 1970) . 



Data on population size and characteristics were obtained 

 primarily through counts and classifications of deer observed 

 along the vehicle routes and from harvest information. Aerial 

 surveys and observations were limited and provided only 

 supplementary data on range use and population characteristics 

 until winter 1963-64 when the entire study area was surveyed 

 using a helicopter to count and classify deer and elk. Only 

 16 mule deer and 3 elk were marked, none with radio collars. 



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