Changes in the abundance and distribution of free water can influence wildlife in arid regions. Building wildlife water developments is a common management strategy to provide water for many species of wildlife, including mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the western USA. A better understanding of differential use of water by individuals and the sexes could influence the conservation and management of mule deer and water resources in their habitats. We deployed remote cameras at all known water sources (13 wildlife water developments and 4 springs) on one mountain range in western Utah during summer from 2007 to 2011 to document water use by mule deer. We determined frequency and timing of water use, number of water sources used by males and females, and estimated population size from individually identified mule deer. Male and female mule deer used different water sources but visited that resource at similar frequencies. Mule deer used few water sources and exhibited high fidelity to certain water sources. Additionally, wildlife water developments in our study area were used extensively by mule deer. The estimated number of females was stable throughout the study. Our results highlight the differing use of water sources by sexes and individual mule deer during summer. This information will help guide managers when siting and reprovisioning wildlife water developments meant to benefit mule deer and will contribute to the conservation and management of this species.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.