Sitka Black-Tailed Deer Winter Range in the Kadashan Bay Area, Southeast Alaska

Abstract

Late winter use of mature forest ecosystems by deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) in the Kadashan Bay area of southeast Alaska was evaluated. Use, measured by track observations, was highest in ecosystems under 50-meter elevation which supported heavily stocked old-growth timber stands. These sites had the least snow accumulation during the critical late winter period. It was concluded that if large blocks of low elevation timber in the study area were clearcut the carrying capacity of the winter range would not be maintained.