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<br />1 <br />' these observations would be that the mine area is receiving <br />negligible winter range occupancy by Elk, certainly less than <br />' "critical," such as the Division suggests. <br />Elk use of the Walstrum Mine area in summer is most likely <br />' rare, if at all. <br />' MULE DEER <br />Mule Deer pellet-count results that were obtained <br />t concurrently with the Elk transacting generally agree with the <br />Wildlife Division's classification of the area as being critical <br />' Deer winter range. Both transacts, one each at lower and higher <br />' elevations on the mine site, yielded en over-winter (1982-83) <br />indicated stocking rate of 40 Deer days per acre. <br />' The above mentioned rate of stocking would be considered <br />fairly heavy on ordinary ranges, but in this instance, moderate <br />' is the best word to describe the situation. Rationale for this <br />interpretation rests on the high apparent forage yield of Section <br />t 34 Mountain Mahogany stands which is derived from overall high <br />plant density, good plant condition and consistent recent high <br />production of twig growth annually. Thus, the major winter <br />' forage species for deer is maintaining itself at a pace suitable <br />for plant-stand stability. <br />' In addition, a 50 plant Mountain Mahogany twig utilization <br />' check of 2500 individual observations was done in conjunction <br />with the lower level pellet-group transact. Data from these <br />' observations yielded a 27SK indicated rate of use. Generally <br />i~ <br />' 25-B <br />