Abstract
A year-long drought in SE Arizona [USA] caused an apparent decline in a local mule (Odocoileus hemionus) and white-tailed deer (O. virginianus) population. With normal rainfall before the spring of 1970, deer fed primarily on preferred deciduous shrubs such as kidney-wood (Eysenhardtia polystachya), fairy-duster (Calliandra eriophylla) and range ratany (Krameria parvifolia). During the drought period deer utilized evergreen and drought-resistant species. The hot, dry season (April-June) appears to be the most critical period of the year for deer herds in the desert southwest.

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