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Calving and Fawning Areas <br />Counts were made each spring in late May and early June (peak of calving and fawning <br />activities) of 1974 and 1975 and again in 1980. The study site was traversed by vehicle and <br />on foot to identify the more desirable areas as shown by the number of females with young. <br />The counts were made early in the morning or late evening. Binoculars or a spotting scope <br />are used to observe the animals at considerable distance. This technique helps to minimize <br />undesirable or unnecessary flushing of the animals. By not driving the animals into the heavy <br />cover. more accurate counts can be made. <br />By establishing a baseline for numbers of calves and fawns bom each spring, average <br />reproductive rates, and identification of desirable calving and fawning locations, potential or <br />actual impacts can be evaluated. Appropriate mitigation measures (as discussed in Section <br />2.05.6) have been implemented. <br />The deer and elk observations are summarized in Table 7, Sex and Age Ratios. <br />1980 Observations <br />Observations were conducted along a 15.6 mile road transect during the summer of 1980. <br />The transect was divided into eight segments to more accurately, determine distribution of <br />animals. The counts were made in early morning and late evening during June through <br />August. All species observed along the transect were noted, together with location and <br />• vegetation type. Information on sex, age, condition, etc. were also recorded. The information <br />will be used to compare calving and fawning activity, brood site, etc. in the spring with <br />population numbers, sex and age ratios, etc. through the end of the summer to determine the <br />condition of the potential breeding populations and what impacts, if any, have <br /> <br />2.04.11-16 <br />