PREFERENCES OF MULE DEER FOR 16 GRASSES FOUND ON INTERMOUNTAIN WINTERRANGES

In rangeland revegetation, selection of forages palatable to the prima ry grazer is crucial. Five tame mule deer were used in the spring and fall to determine forage preferences for 16 grasses commonly found on seeded foothill rangelands. Trials were conducted within a planted enc losure. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) was the most preferred species in spring, and also preferred in fall. Other preferred species includ ed 'Paiute' orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), 'Luna' pubescent whe atgrass (Agropyron trichophorum link.), and fairway wheatgrass (Agropy ron cristatum [L.] Gaertn). The least preferred grasses were three spe cies of wildrye, 'Vinall' and 'Boisoisky' Russian wildrye (Psathyrosta chys juncea Fisch.) and 'Magnar' basin wildrye (Elymus cinereus Scrib. and Merr.). Results showed a wide range of preferences for grasses.