Distribution of white-tailed deer along the lower Yellowstone River

A study was conducted to evaluate factors influencing distribution of white-tailed deer (OdocoiIeus virginianus) along the lower Yel lows tone River in eastern Montana during summer 1984, and winter-summer-fall 1985.Relationships between riparian vegetation, cattle grazing, and other land use practices and distribution and habitat use of deer were determined using radio telemetry, spotlighting, and aerial distribution surveys.The influence of cattle grazing on native vegetation within mature cottonwood, green ash, and shrub cover types was evaluated using percentage canopy coverage estimates and vegetational profiles.The amount of riparian cover (forest + shrub) was the most important factor influencing deer distribution along the study area.Deer preferred cover types dominated by woody riparian vegetation during the day and agricultural fields during the night.Alfalfa ill