Habitat Use and Seasonal Range Size of White-Tailed Deer in Northcentral Minnesota

Abstract
Seventeen radio-collared female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were monitored during 1968-74 in northcentral Minnesota to determine their use of plant communities. During January-October the Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)-Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides)-Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) Community was used by deer more than expected. It probably provided the best winter cover and was a floristically rich community that provided high quality food. Home-range size was largest in April-May (.hivin.x .+-. SE = 75 .+-. 42 ha) and smallest in January (30 .+-. 14 ha).