[Author's Note:] Another strip census flight covering an 

 estimated seven square miles on the study area was flown on 24 

 February, 1948. Brown (1948) observed 40 mule deer (5.7/mi 2 

 observed) and estimated that "it is possible that not more 

 than 50% of deer in this area were observed." The estimate of 

 50% observability for that time of year from a fixed-wing 

 aircraft is reasonable, based on our more recent work. Again, 

 the area flown was what is presently high density habitat, and 

 we applied a correction factor that indicated a density of 

 eight mule deer/mi 2 (3.09/km 2 ). The September, 1947, and 

 February, 1948, estimates appear to be consistent with each 

 other, especially when considering autumn and overwinter 

 mortality. We believe that eight to 12 mule deer/mi 2 (3.1- 

 4.6/km 2 ) represents a reasonable minimum density estimate for 

 early winter, 1947-48. 



[Author's Note:] The first hunting season for bucks in 12 

 years within the CMRNWR was held during autumn 1948. The 

 season had been open for bucks since 1933 on areas off the 

 CMRNWR. Checking stations for hunters were established for 

 the first two days of the season on two roads leading to the 

 study area. The 36% hunter success rate recorded for the 

 opening two days compares favorably with opening day success 

 rates in 1960-64 (20-47%) and 1979-80 (23-26%), when deer 

 populations were at preseason levels of 10-13+/mi 2 . That 

 further substantiated a population estimate of 8-12 deer/mi 2 

 during February 1948. 



1949 - "All deer killed were in excellent condition and 

 almost every hunter had some comment on how fat his 

 buck was . " 



"Although we experienced one of the most severe 

 extended winters for many years, we have no evidence 

 to dispute our casual observations, and information 

 from local residents on and near the Game Range, to 

 the effect that our game animals came through the 

 winter in good condition and with very little loss." 

 "Practically no coyotes, or the effects of them, have 

 been noted on the Refuge. Nearly all local livestock 

 men and sportsmen speak highly of the progress made in 

 coyote eradication. 



"Jackrabbits and cottontails - Both are increasing 

 considerably, especially the cottontail which seem to 

 be almost everywhere." 



[Author's Note:) A sample of 144 mule deer classified during 

 early winter, 1949-50, indicated 96 fawns/100 females. That 

 high level of fawn production and survival indicated little 

 initial impact of the severe winter of 1948-49 on the 1949 

 fawn cohort. 



372 



