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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 Nlelstrum Pdine area in summer is most likely <br />rare, if at all. <br />h'!ULE DEER <br />Mule Deer pellet-count results that were obtained <br />concurrently with the Elk transacting generally agree with the <br />lvildlife 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 an over-winter (1982-83) <br />indicated stocking rate of 40 Deer days per acre. <br />The above mentioned rate of stocking v+ould 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 />34 Itlountein Mahogany stands which is derived from overall high <br />plant density, good plant condition snd consistent recent high <br />production of twig grov+th annually. Thus, the major v.~inter <br />forage species for deer is maintaining itself at a pace suitable <br />for plant-stand stability. <br />In addition, a 50 plant 11;ountain Mahogany twig utilization <br />check of 2500 individual observations was done in conjunction <br />v+ith the lover level pellet-group transact. Data from these <br />observations yielded a 2'rA indicated rate of use. Generally <br />25-B <br />