The Effects of Fall Defoliation on the Utilization of Bluebunch Wheatgrass and Its Influence on the Distribution of Deer in Spring

Abstract

Deer and cattle grazing in spring preferred bluebunch wheatgrass plants that had been defoliated the previous fall to those that had not. Deer selected burned plants in greater proportion than grazed plants. Fall grazing by cattle affected the distribution of deer. Deer displayed preference for the fall grazed field after green growth exceeded the height of stubble.