deer habitat classifications and definitions

Classification Definition

A-limited range. This habitat type includes habitat which are occasionally inhabited and/or contains small population of scattered mule deer.

B-Summer Range This habitat type includes that part of the overall range where 90% of the individuals are located between spring green-up and the first heavy snowfall. Summer range is not necessarily exclusive of winter range; in some areas winter range and summer range may overlap.

C-Other important

habitat These areas that are part of the overall range where higher quality habitat supports significantly higher densities of deer than surrounding areas. These areas are typically occupied year round and not necessarily associated with a specific season. Some examples may include: rough break country, riparian areas, small drainages and large areas of irrigated cropland, migration corridors, highway crossings, fawning areas, etc.

D-Winter Range That part of the overall range where 90 percent of the individuals are located during the average five winters out of ten from the first heavy snowfall to spring green-up, or during a site-specific period of winter. A subset of this definition would include a “severe winter range” definition to include areas within the winter range where 90% of the individuals are located when annual snow pack is at its maximum and/or temperatures are at a minimum in the two worst winters our of ten.

E-Winter Concentration This habitat includes that part of the winter range where densities are at least 200% greater than the surrounding winter range density during the same period used to define winter range in the average five winters out of ten.

F-Year-round Population This habitat is defined as an area that provides year-round range for a population of mule deer. The resident mule deer use all of the area all year; it cannot be subdivided into seasonal ranges although it may be included within the overall range of the larger population.

The colors of the above habitat classification type outlined above correspond with the colors used on the GIS data layers to define that specific habitat type. These were identified and classified by the local biologist and or habitat specialist in each participating state or province.

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