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-3- . 3. Big Game It was felt [hat our current big game data was sufficient. They recommended that additional pellet group transects be added for monitoring purposes and that Trapper continue monitoring of existing pellet group transects. Our current system of pellet group census is good but we may have difficulties differentiating between deer and sheep pellets due to useage in our area according to the BLPt. A discussion of aerial surveys was also covered. Trapper personnel felt that there are too many variables in conducting aerial surveys to get an accurate estimate of big game use. The BLPS representatives felt that aerials were important to big game censuring but agreed that the many variables involved did affect the accuracy of the survey. It was generally agreed that Trapper's [dildlife program would not suffer by discontinuing the aerial surveys. • The migratory patterns of deer and elk was discussed and the fact that in recent years the elk have been migrating to winter at lower elevations was noted. In addition, the BLM felt that big game would migrate to any area they might choose and that mining operations would have little or no effect. Browse utilization was also discussed. Trapper personnel felt that due to browsing of the mine plan area by livestock, browse utilization measurements were of little use, BLM representatives agreed. Ptethods of conducting calving and fawning surveys were also discussed. It was found that no good method exists to conduct these surveys. The best way is a ground census on foot or horseback. It was recommended that Trapper obtain a copy of "Ranking of [Jildlife on Federal Coal Lands" by the U. S. Fish 6 Wildlife Service. This is a series of maps showing wintering grounds for deer and elk, calving • and fawning grounds, grouse strutting grounds and etc. of Colorado including the Trapper Mine area. E-9