Findings:

To determine causes for heavy mortality of mule deer fawns on the Steens Mountains, fawns were captured at 1 to 14 days of age and again at 6 months of age, outfitted with transmitter collars, and monitored at 3 to 5 day intervals. Predators, primarily coyotes, were found to be the primary cause of mortality.

*Initially, in 1969, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife had sighted logging, excessive access, declining range condition, human harassment and increased poaching, all as contributing factors.

In order to address these alleged problems, a road closure program was initiated in 1973 on three different hunting areas and one winter range, totalling 187,776 acres.

Then in 197S the road closure program was expanded to include twelve mule deer hunting areas and two winter ranges totalling 1,069,190 acres.

Fortunately, during this same period the study mentioned above to determine the effects of predation on mule deer production, was well underway.

The study found that fetal rates were normal, averaging 131 fetuses per 100 does, (a clear indication that it was neither poor range condition nor human interference that was causing poor production.)

The ratio of fawns to does dropped dramatically to 86 fawns per 100 docs by September, 43 fawns per 100 does by December and 29 fawns per 100 does by March. Average mortality for the first 9 months of life was 78%. 83% of the loss was contributed to predation. (83% of the predation was attributed to coyotes).

Aerial coyote control was begun on selected winter ranges in January, 1976 where fawn survival had been the lowest.

Preliminary evaluation of the control program (as of 1977) indicated a 13% fawn loss on the areas where coyotes had been reduced in number as compared to a 65% loss on the remainder of the mountain.

SOURCES:"Direct Causes of Mortality in Mule Deer Fawns During Summer & Winter Periods on the Steens Mountains, Oregon.-A Progress Report", by Charles Trainer, "Recent Changes in Oregon's Mule Deer Population and Management", by Paul N. Ebert.

*Ed.note: Doesn't this sound familiar? Just like NDOW, blame everything but he predators.