2018-01-03_PERMIT FILE - C1981010A (12)

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• 2.4.3 Important Game Species Important game species that occur within the mine plan area were determined from correspondence with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (Appendix E). Other game animals that occur or may occur within the mine plan area are also included in this section. 2.4.3.1 Mule Deer Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are found within the proposed mine plan area and adjacent areas in all seasons of the year. Mountain shrub communities, sage -grass communities and the pinyon -juniper communities are the principal vegetative types utilized by mule deer. Figure 2.4-1 indicates deer usage of the mine plan area by vegetative types according to pellet group data col- lected between 1974 and 1977 (Appendix E). With the exception of mountain shrub in 1974, deer use is less during summer months than winter months in all vegetative types as mule deer tend to leave the mine plan area for summer ran- ges in Routt National Forest to the east of Trapper Mine. Mountain shrub com- munities receive the highest deer use based on pellet group counts conducted at Trapper Mine. This vegetative type is generally in the eastern portion of the proposed mine plan area and the upper elevations of the western portion. (Map M16). �— --- — - -- Fawning: Based upon incidental sightings by Trapper Mine personnel_ of does with fawns Cit is evident [hat fawning does occur within the mine plan area. Due to the general "random" fawning characteristics of mule deer (Whittaker, 1980), no estimate is available as to the amount of fawning activity within the mine plan area and adjacent areas. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1978) shows fawning and production areas west of the mine plan area (Map M21). Mule deer are dispersed throughout the area during the summer months. Range condition is rated as good for wildlife and vegetative cover is adequate throughout the 2-144