Overwinter Forage Selection by Mule Deer on Seeded Big Sagebrush-Grass Range

Abstract

The relative forage production of browse, forbs, and grasses for optimum range conditions varies with season, intensity and class of animal use, weather, and ecological and environmental considerations. Although comparatively simple in vegetal composition, Intermountain plant communities characterized by big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) are important to mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in winter. Since the balance between for-