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March Survey <br />An aerial survey was made March I, 1985. The weather for the flight consisted of <br />overcast skies, calm winds, and temperatures between 20 and 30° F. During the flight, it <br />was noted that animals were very difficult to observe. Steep south facing areas were <br />clear of snow and in some cases made it very difficult to observe animals within those <br />areas. It had been approximately five days since the last snow storm. Steamboat Springs <br />received approximately six inches of snow during that storm. <br />Very little use of the Seneca II survey area was made by deer and elk as evidenced by the <br />lack of animals or sign within the areo (Table 2). Only one herd of elk was observed. <br />They originally had been occupying an area near the ridge in Section 3 of Township 5 <br />North, Range 87 West. However, as observed by the Tracks, they moved from that area <br />to their location of observation in Section 36. Once again, deer tracks were seen along <br />the haul roads and near the mine shop facilities, however, no animals were observed. The <br />large herd of 300 plus animals were just east of the survey area in approximately the <br />same location as they were observed a month ago. Based upon tracks in the snow, it <br />• appeared that one group of approximately 8 - 20 individuals moved from the large herd, <br />headed west towards the study area and moved as close as Sections 6 and 7, Township 5 <br />North, Range 86 West, and then appeared to return back to the main herd. <br />Table 2. March 1985 Big Game Observations <br />of the Seneca II Survey Area <br />Location Species Number Habitat <br />S, NW, 16 T6N, R87W Elk 16 Mountain Brush <br />Total Elk - 16 <br />Total Deer - 0 <br />Flights in 1986 were conducted on February IS and March 14. As data is accumulated, <br />we will be able to better determine the winter utilization of reclamation by deer and elk. <br />J <br />14-I-3 Revised 3-21-86 <br />