Table 7.4. Relative distribution of female mule deer densities at low 

 (1976-1978) and high (1981-1983) density populations , Missouri 

 River Breaks, Montana. 



Type of area Size Female Density Female Density 



at low densities of area 1976-1978 1981-1983 



(Km 2 ) (No. /Km 2 ) (No. /Km 2 ) 



Female core blocks 52.1 4.17 3.86 



Scattered female blocks 15.0 4.48 3.86 



Blocks within 0.8 km of 79.2 0.15 3.40 

 female core blocks 



Blocks used by deer at 81.7 0.0 2.51 

 high densities 



Blocks never used by deer 4.6 0.0 0.0 



Entire Study Area 274.3 1.08 2.66 



We were able to collect information that increases the 

 knowledge about social organization of Rocky Mountain mule 

 deer and its relationship to population dynamics. 



Additionally, by use of marked deer, we were able to 

 determine the social relationships among maternally related 

 deer. 



Group Size and Composition 



Group size statistics were computed for 4 categories of 

 deer: total deer, adults only, adult females only, and adult 

 males only. Group composition data were tabulated for 3 sex- 

 age categories: yearling males, mature males, and adult 

 females. Within each of those categories, 5 types of social 

 groups were delineated. Using yearling males as an example, 

 the social groups were: 1) solitary yearling male, 2) 

 yearling male(s) with mature male(s), 3) multiple yearling 

 males, 4) yearling male(s) with adult female(s), and 5) 

 yearling male(s) in a mixed group containing at least 1 each 

 of yearling male, mature male, and adult female. 



Mean group size for total deer, adults, and females 

 increased from the fawning period through March (Table 7.5, 

 Fig. 7.4). Data from mature female groups (Fig. 7.4) 



185 



