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estimates are made for late winter populations and represent the low point <br />• in yearly deer numbers. Although the DAUB and regional boundaries do not <br />match exactly, the DAUB covering this region account for about 30 percent <br />of the mule deer population in the state. Deer numbers have been increasing <br />for the past several years in the eastern portion of the region, while <br />remaining static along the western portion. <br />Deer populations in the Coal Creek and West Muddy Game Management <br />Units were estimated to be 3,178 and 1,608 animals (Bureau of Land <br />Management, undated). Of these approximately 1,000 animals are estimated <br />to use the Coal Gulch grazing allotment area for at least part of the year. <br />The Bureau of Land Management (undated) rates browse as in fair to poor <br />condition. <br /> Deer winter in the North Fork Valley between Paonia Reservoir and <br />• Hotchkiss. They also migrate along the valley. The Colorado Department <br /> of Highways (1978) estimates that as many as 25 vehicle/deer accidents <br /> occurred in the area in 1976. Neither the Coal Creek nor West Muddy Game <br />Management Units is considered a crucial deer wintering area (Bureau of <br />Lang Management, undated). <br />Elk <br />Elk are second only to mule deer in numbers and economic importance in <br />the region. They are migratory throughout the region, moving from one ele- <br />vation to another in response to seasonal changes, snow conditions, and <br />photoperiod. DAUB indicated a population of 42,416 elk in the region in <br />1977. Like deer, elk also winter in the North Fork Valley between Paonia <br /> <br />2.04-54 <br />