Ecology of sympatric populations of mule deer and white-tailed deer in a prairie environment ecologyofsympatr1989wood Year: 1989 Increased area in grainfields and mixed prairies, and increased edge of mesic shrublands also increased deer movements and home range sizes during winter (Table 22). Hardwood draws interspersed among badlands resulted in decreased home range size even though whitetails were rarely observed directly using the badlands. The importance of habitat diversity to white-tailed deer during winter contrasted with findings for mule deer, but was consistent with whitetail habi
Ecology of sympatric populations of mule deer and white-tailed deer in a prairie environment ecologyofsympatr1989wood Year: 1989 Increased area in grainfields and mixed prairies, and increased edge of mesic shrublands also increased deer movements and home range sizes during winter (Table 22). Hardwood draws interspersed among badlands resulted in decreased home range size even though whitetails were rarely observed directly using the badlands. The importance of habitat diversity to white-tailed deer during winter contrasted with findings for mule deer, but was consistent with whitetail habitat relationships in other areas of eastern Montana (Dusek et al. 1988, 1989). White-tailed deer in the northern Great Plains apparently require a diversity of habitats to provide for their needs throughout the year. During mild winters or periods of little snow cover, whitetails moved widely and used a variety of habitats. During more severe weather, they concentrated in and around hardwood draws interspersed among badlands, apparently for increased shelter. Rongstad and Tester (1969) reported that white-tailed deer exhibited a shelter seeking response, when snow depths exceeded 25 cm. Use of badlands could minimize effects of snow accumulation on whitetails in the same way as for mule deer (Wood 1988), though whitetails seem to prefer areas of more gentle terrain (Hudson et al. 1976, Swenson et al. 1983). This could explain the importance of diversity and hardwood draws in habitat complexes used intensively by whitetails on the area. Habitat complexes consisting of interspersed hardwood draws, bunchgrass prairie, and agricultural fields provided suitable yearlong habitat for both species. (Photo by: Ed Brye, Courtesy of North Dakota Came and Fish Department) The importance of winter ranges that provided suitable shelter was illustrated by movements of 4 radioed females during February and March 1983. Warm weather melted snow cover during February 1983. In response to these
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