Range Management in Relation to Mule Deer Habitat and Herd Productivity in Utah

Abstract

atability to livestock but several of them are valuable to deer in winter (Julander, 1955). Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) has increased more than any other shrub in density and distribution on overgrazed livestock range. While not considered highly preferred by deer, it is their bread and butter plant and supplies a greater part of deer winter diet than any other species in Utah. It is especially important in midwinter. Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), another woody plant, has increased widely on overgrazed range in the southern half of Utah. In many areas, its spread has been detrimental to depleted deer winter range because it has crowded out more desirable shrubs. Nevertheless, its increase has resulted in large volumes of emergency feed and effective winter cover for deer. Juniper has primary value as emergency feed and cover in severe winters and during periods of extreme cold. Various species of rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.) have increased widely on overgrazed foothill ranges. The more abundant species are not considered choice forage, but some are eaten readily-all are used when more palatable plants are not available. Two species preferred by deer but generally avoided by livestock appear to have increased locally on overgrazed livestock range. These are curlleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) and cliffrose (Cowania stansburiana). Good deer forage species that have been reduced or weakened 278 PASSEY AND HUGIE