Sul Ross State University

Evaluating Habitat Use and Home Ranges of Mule Deer
in the Apache Mountains, Texas

by Misty L. Sumner and Louis A. Harveson

Research is needed to answer basic ecology questions concerning desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) populations. Our objectives are to:

1. identify the preferred habitat types and food plants of desert mule deer in the Apache Mountains and associated foothills in Culberson County, Texas; and
2. estimate range size, dispersal, and seasonal movements. 

Twenty adult (> 4 years of age) male and 20 female desert mule deer will be captured using a net gun and a helicopter.  Each deer will be fitted with an Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS) remote release GPS collar. Sex, age, weight, body condition, Boone & Crockett score and a picture will be recorded for each deer. Radiocollared deer will be monitored for survival and movements. 

Radiofixes will be plotted on a map of the study area and analyzed using ESRI Arcview software. Annual home range will be determined for each animal using the Animal Movements Extension.

We will report results documenting adult desert mule deer home range size, dispersal, seasonal movements and habitat use and attempt to identify key habitat types utilized, preferred food plants and nutritional values of preferred plants used by desert mule deer in the Apache Mountains and associated foothills in Culberson County, Texas.

This research is necessary before we can determine how we can improve the habitat to benefit desert mule deer and will assist biologists in making better decisions in managing mule deer populations particularly where they are not influenced by the presence of white-tailed deer. 

 Funding has not been secured for this project.