DEER MAPPING CONVENTIONS

Mule Deer Habitat Mapping Definitions (Adopted by the WAFWA Mule Deer Group 2002 modified in AZ in April of 2003).

Mapping Methods

1. Mapping will be done using the Delphi approach. You are the expert, map according to the conventions below.

1. Use USGS 1:250,000 Quadrangle to delineate mule deer habitat by state.
2. Minimum mapping unit at 1:250,000 scale will be one Township ~6 square miles.
3. Use a Hierarchical approach

i. Exclude all non-habitat areas using black marker or pencil

ii. Classify remaining habitat using defined codes ‘A’—‘F’

iii. For each habitat polygon identify limiting factors in order of decreasing importance. A minimum of 1 maximum of 6.

iv. If a specific habitat polygon can be further segmented by limiting factor, then do so (i.e. one or more limiting factors are different in one portion of the habitat than another and size of that area is larger than the minimum mapping unit.)

Rules to live by

1. Use a pencil to delineate and classify polygons before using colored markers

2. Make sure to label code and limiting factor with associated color.

3. Map and classify distribution as best known on tribal lands. Rank as #18 ‘special situation tribal lands’. When using #18 as a limiting factor—please include comments to be added to the comment field in the database.

Back to main page