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recorded on field maps. Beginning June 4 and extending through June 15, <br />• specific efforts were made to identify and quantify elk use of the study <br />area. The primary objective of the elk ground surveys was identifica- <br />tion and quantification of any elk calving grounds. Other objectives <br />included: locating the non-calving portion of the elk herd, ideatifi- <br />cation of migration routes, and recording observations of other wildlife <br />especially mule deer. Opportunistic observations and three additional <br />specific techniques were utilized to meet these objectives. <br />The first specific technique consisted of telescopic surveillance <br />from elevated observation points (for location of these points see <br />Figure 3.1.3-6, in Section 3.1.3) for a one to two hour period during the <br />very early morning hours. A 15X to 60X spotting scope attached to a <br />tripod was set up oa hilltops o££ering an unobstructed view of the study <br />area or adjacent areas. All large mammals observes were identified as <br />best as aossible and located accurately on field maps. <br />The second technique involved traveling roads and [rails on the <br />study area during early morning hours, and recording observations of elk <br />on either side of the road or within meadows. A motorcycle was driven <br />at 5 mph on these roads on June 11 and again oa June 13. A motorcycle <br />was used because it offered an unobstructed view in all directions, was <br />versatile, and while moving caused less disturbance to elk than a human <br />on foot (Ward and Cupal 1979). <br />The third and most effective technique utilized to define the elk <br />calving ground on the study area was a series of qualitative "walk-through" <br />transects. Field biologists (two during the week of June 4-8, and one <br />during the week of June 11-15), dressed in camouflaged clothing, walked <br />• iransetts which Criss-crossed portions of the study and adjacent areas <br />