Some Factors Affecting Survival of Desert Mule Deer Fawns

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Abstract
A strong association (n = 0.94) between aggregate rainfall on the Three Bar Wildlife Area during Oct.-April and forage yield from forbs and small shrubs as measured in April was found during a 9 yr study. Survival of mule deer fawns (O. h. crooki) as reflected in the ratio of fawns per 100 does during Jan. was also strongly associated with winter forb yield (r = 0.83) and Oct.-April rainfall (r = 0.64) of the winter-spring period preceding the fawning period. A small herd of deer within a 244 ha predator-proof enclosure on the same area had significantly higher average Jan. ratios of fawns:100 does than the herd ouside of the enclosure. The ratios (1972-1978) were not associated with forb production. Forage condition, except in years with extreme winter drought, is probably not the factor that is limiting fawn survival in the herd outside of the enclosure to its present low levels.

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