Habitat Relations of Mule Deer in the Texas Panhandle

Abstract

Telemetric observations of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) does were used to determine seasonal relationships between deer use and availability of habitats on two study areas in the Panhandle region of west Texas. Juniper breaks was the only type used in greater proportion than its availability on the Canadian River study area (CRSA). On the Clarendon study area (CSA) mule deer shifted seasonal preferences between riparian, cultivated fields, and juniper breaks. Annual and seasonal home ranges were considerably larger on the CSA. Larger home ranges and variability in seasonal use of the habitat types on the CSA were attributed largely to the presence of cultivated winter grain fields. Shifts in home ranges coincided with the season wher production in the cultivated fields was highest and native forage availability was lowest. Comparisons of indirect deer observations (pellet groups and bed sites) with random measurements within each habitat type characterized deer use sites as east and north facing slopes, located close to a canyon rim, and receiving light livestock and human use. The placement of cultivated grain fields could be used to influence overall range use and attract deer to or away from localized sites. Also, consideration should be given to directing heavy livestock and human traffic away from sites that are used by mule deer. Mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus, were nearly absent in the mid-1880's to the late 1940's from formerly inhabited regions in the Texas Panhandle. Severson (1981) discussed reasons for the decline. From the late 1940's to the late 1960's, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department released approximately 1,100 mule deer into the Texas Panhandle in an effort to restock the population. Mule deer now occur in isolated pockets throughout the region, although densities remain low (Wiggers, 1983). There is a paucity of information regarding habitat use by mule deer in this portion of its range. Because deer numbers are low, baseline knowledge of deer home range, habitat use, and habitat characteristics is essential before management guidelines can be proposed for improving habitat quality and increasing deer abundance. This paper discusses the seasonal and annual home ranges of adult mule deer does in relation to macro- vegetation types and also the micro-habitat features that influence mule deer