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<br /> (Figure 3.1.3-b, in Section 3.1.3). Suitable habitat was searched for <br /> signs of elk use and observations were carefully recorded. A calving <br />habitat suitability (CHS) and elk sign index (ESI) were developed in as <br />attempt at semi-quantification of qualitative observations for relative <br />comparisons within the study area. A subjective site-specific scale <br />ranging from 1 through 10 (10 being best) was utilized to assign a <br />numerical rating to each one-fourth of a transect. The rating for <br />calving habitat suitability was dependent upon: composition of the <br />understory within aspen stands; density and cover of that understory; <br />proximity to sagebrush meadows; evidence of calving activity (i.e., <br />large elk beds scraped to bare soil); and direct observations of preg- <br />pant elk. The rating for elk sign index was a direct correlation with <br />the amount of elk sign observed relative to other I~rtions of the study <br />~~ area. <br />Whenever possible, direct observation of elk flushed during these <br />surveys was made to determine sex and breeding status. In most cases <br />elk ran off and only incomplete information could be recorded. However, <br />in several cases, field observers wearing camouflaged clottiing were able <br />to approach animals close enough to determine sex and breeding status. <br />During these qualitative transects several heavily used trails were <br />discovered. These were investigated to determine type or season of use <br />(i.e., diurnal trail or migratory trail). <br />2.2 Avifauna <br />2.2.1 Raptors <br /> Raptors observed during all field activities were recorded as to <br /> species, location, habitat, and where possible, age class. Raptors and <br />