INFLUENCE OF REST-ROTATION CATTLE GRAZING ON MULE DEER AND ELK HABITAT USE IN EAST-CENTRAL IDAHO

Elk (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus Rafinesq ue), and cattle (Bos taurus Linnaeus) distributions were determined ye ar round from 1975-1979 on a rest-rotation grazing system established in steep mountainous terrain. Following implementation of the grazing system, cattle progressively used higher elevations and steeper slopes in each succeeding year. Elk preferred rested pastures during the gra zing season (June-October) and avoided habitat frequented by cattle by using higher elevations and steeper slopes. Few mule deer used the al lotment during summer, but during the winter, deer selected habitats g razed previously by cattle. Elk appeared to adjust to the grazing syst em by making greater use of pastures with cattle present, although pre ference for pastures without cattle continued.