Mule Deer and Elk Food Habits on the National Bison Range

Abstract

The reduction program of surplus elk and mule deer on the National Bison Range in western Montana in 1951 and 1952 provided an opportunity to determine the relative food habits of these two game species (Cervus canadensis and Odocoileus hemionus) on a range that is predominantly grassland. The Pauline pasture was selected as a source of animals. It is 5,566 acres in size. It contains the principal forage species and plant-cover types of the Bison Range and is accessible throughout the year. Fig. 1 illustrates the extent and distribution of the main cover types. The grassland consists largely of Palouse Prairie vegetation, with bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) as the principal species. The forested portion of the pasture is predominantly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [P. taxifolia]) on northern exposures and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) on the southern exposures. Swales and drainage courses contain snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) and hawthorn ( Crataegus douglasii). Rocky outcrops and stony areas give rise to scattered stands of chokecherry (Prunus demissa), serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), and mockorange (Philadelphus lewisii). Rocky Mountain maple (Acer glabrum) is commonly found as an understory species in the forest type. Ninebark (Physocarpus malvaceus) is abundant at the margins of the Douglas-fir type. Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of types relative to the topography of the pasture.