Mule Deer Habitat Use Related to Succession in a Bunchgrass Community

Abstract
We investigated habitat use patterns of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in northeastern Oregon [USA] relative to the successional stages of the bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum)-Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) habitat type, and other vegetative types from June 1983 to June 1985. Stands approximating the composition of the climax community, which contained highest vegetative diversity, were preferred by deer. Communities most preferred in summer were on north- and east-facing slopes. Mule deer use of habitats in spring was related to early spring plant growth on steep south- and west-facing slopes.