There were significant differences in the distribution of 

 deer relative to the number of different cover types (X 2 = 

 16.9, 5 df, P = 0.005) and the number of cover polygons (X 2 = 

 33.6, 7 df, P < 0.001) per block between the periods of low 

 and high density. Although deer, generally used the lowest 

 diversity classes more during the period of high density, much 

 of the chi-square value was contributed by seemingly random, 

 non-logical variation among higher diversity classes. To 

 determine if there was significantly less use of low diversity 

 blocks at low densities, the diversity classes were combined 

 into 2 categories; one included the 3 lowest classes, the 

 other all other classes. The difference in distribution with 

 respect to diversity was still significant for both number of 

 cover types (X 2 = 3.46, 1 df, P = 0.07) and number of cover 

 polygons (X 2 = 6.06, 1 df, P = 0.02) per block. Much lower 

 than expected use of low diversity areas by deer at low 

 densities (1976-1978) made the major contribution to the total 

 chi-square values. Based on the distribution of mapping 

 units, it appeared that most of the difference occurred 

 because of greater selection against large areas of sagebrush- 

 grassland dominated habitat away from and on the fringes of 

 timbered areas during the period of low deer numbers. This 

 difference was not apparent in the test for difference in the 

 kinds of cover types in blocks because deer had continued to 

 use blocks that included smaller patches of Sagebrush- 

 Grassland through the population low. 



No significant differences were detected in deer 

 distribution in relation to topographic relief classes between 

 high and low population densities (X 2 = 1.14, 3 df, P = 0.77). 



Seasonal Differences in Habitat Use Among Migratory Deer 



Migratory deer monitored during 1976-1984 generally moved 

 to one of 7 "wintering areas" within the study area. Because 

 most deer were "residents" and did not move long distances 

 between summer and winter ranges, we believed that comparison 

 of habitat characteristics of summer and winter ranges of 

 migratory deer would help explain winter habitat requirements 

 of mule deer with respect to environmental conditions that 

 prevailed during the study. 



There were significant differences in the vegetation 

 cover types characterizing summer and winter areas (X 2 = 

 3204.7, 19 df, P < 0.0005). Types prevalent on winter ranges 

 included: burned, open, and scattered density classes of 

 Douglas fir-juniper; open and scattered density pine- juniper- 

 shale; shale-longleaf sage; silver sagebrush; and river 

 riparian types (Table 9.6). Those prevalent on summer ranges 

 were open and moderately dense pine- juniper-grass , sagebrush- 

 grassland, and grassy bottom types. Winter areas also were 

 characterized by greater numbers of cover types and cover 



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