Most of the Biggs mule deer herd is nonmigratory. Annual ranges are scattered throughout the relatively flat, low-elevation landscape near rivers such as John Day River, Deschutes River, Buck Hollow Creek, Ward Creek, and Hay Creek. Northern seasonal ranges occur in unforested expanses of grassland and Artemisia tridentata tridentata (basin big sagebrush), which are interspersed with farmland, nonnative annual grasses, and portions of intact sagebrush steppe. Grain and hay are economically important crops in the north where many mule deer ranges overlap winter wheat fields. Areas around the John Day Canyon and Deschutes River Canyon allow mule deer to access unfarmed habitat. Compared to the northern ranges, the southern ranges are more mountainous and feature higher proportions of Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper). Only 6.5 percent of the Biggs mule deer herd tracked for >100 days exhibited migratory behavior and distinct seasonal ranges. These three GPS-collared mule deer in the southern region of the Biggs herd management unit migrated to TV Ridge, Shoestring Ridge, and Ward Creek where Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine), western juniper, and mixed-conifer forests overtake herbaceous grasslands. Most land occupied by the Biggs herd is privately owned. Farmers can enroll fields in the Conservation Reserve Program and receive a yearly rental payment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to remove land from agricultural production, thus reducing habitat loss (Farm Service Agency, 2023). Along with habitat degradation from the intrusion of invasive grasses and western juniper, Biggs mule deer are also negatively affected by U.S. Highway 97. From 2010 to 2022, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) recorded an average 30.5 deer-vehicle-collisions (DVCs; all local deer species) annually for a 77-mi (124-km) section of U.S. Highway 97 (ODOT, 2023). These mapping layers show the location of the annual ranges for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the Biggs population in Oregon. They were developed from 168 annual sequences collected from a sample size of 52 animals comprising GPS locations collected every 5-13 hours.

The North Bighorn mule deer herd inhabits the northern half of the Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming (fig. 28). The herd consists of resident mule deer that live year round in lower elevation foothills (approximately 4,265 ft [1,300 m]), primarily on private, Wyoming State trust, or BLM lands, and migratory mule deer that travel from the foothills to the summer ranges at higher elevations (approximately 7,874 ft [2,400 m]) on the Bighorn National Forest. In general, annual precipitation across the mountain range increases with elevation. To the west of the Bighorn Mountains, the Absaroka Range and arid Bighorn Basin, which receives only 7 in. (18 cm) of rain annually, prevents moisture-laden winds from reaching the western slopes of the Bighorn Mountains; therefore, the western side of the Bighorn Mountains generally receives less precipitation than the eastern side (Nesser, 1986). At lower-elevation (approximately 4,265 ft [1,300 m]) winter ranges, the western side of the mountain range comprises primarily sagebrush-steppe, whereas the eastern side consists primarily of grassland and agriculture. Mule deer have vastly different migration strategies depending on where they winter; most mule deer that winter on the eastern side of the mountain range are residents (76 percent), whereas most mule deer that winter on the western side of the mountain range are migratory (97 percent). Summer ranges at high elevations on Bighorn National Forest lands comprise primarily coniferous forest, most commonly lodgepole pine followed by Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce) and Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir; Witt, 2008). The herd is threatened by competition from increasing elk and white-tailed deer populations and expanding CWD prevalence (Wyoming Game and Fish Department [WGFD], 2022). These mapping layers show the location of the migration routes for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the North Bighorn population in Wyoming. They were developed from 355 migration sequences collected from a sample size of 176 animals comprising GPS locations collected every 2 hours.

The North Bighorn mule deer herd inhabits the northern half of the Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming (fig. 28). The herd consists of resident mule deer that live year round in lower elevation foothills (approximately 4,265 ft [1,300 m]), primarily on private, Wyoming State trust, or BLM lands, and migratory mule deer that travel from the foothills to the summer ranges at higher elevations (approximately 7,874 ft [2,400 m]) on the Bighorn National Forest. In general, annual precipitation across the mountain range increases with elevation. To the west of the Bighorn Mountains, the Absaroka Range and arid Bighorn Basin, which receives only 7 in. (18 cm) of rain annually, prevents moisture-laden winds from reaching the western slopes of the Bighorn Mountains; therefore, the western side of the Bighorn Mountains generally receives less precipitation than the eastern side (Nesser, 1986). At lower-elevation (approximately 4,265 ft [1,300 m]) winter ranges, the western side of the mountain range comprises primarily sagebrush-steppe, whereas the eastern side consists primarily of grassland and agriculture. Mule deer have vastly different migration strategies depending on where they winter; most mule deer that winter on the eastern side of the mountain range are residents (76 percent), whereas most mule deer that winter on the western side of the mountain range are migratory (97 percent). Summer ranges at high elevations on Bighorn National Forest lands comprise primarily coniferous forest, most commonly lodgepole pine followed by Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce) and Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir; Witt, 2008). The herd is threatened by competition from increasing elk and white-tailed deer populations and expanding CWD prevalence (Wyoming Game and Fish Department [WGFD], 2022). These mapping layers show the location of the migration routes for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the North Bighorn population in Wyoming. They were developed from 355 migration sequences collected from a sample size of 176 animals comprising GPS locations collected every 2 hours.

South Wallowas mule deer winter ranges are dispersed across areas of low elevation near the Idaho border. During spring, mule deer wintering north of Powder River and Pyles Canyon migrate to Catherine Creek and the Wallowa Mountains within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Interstate 84 creates a complete barrier to southern movement for the South Wallowas herd. Mule deer wintering in areas near Interstate 84, Lawrence Creek, and Manning Creek are largely residents with only two migratory mule deer traveling to Little Lookout Mountain and Thief Valley Reservoir. Other mule deer reside along Snake River, which forms the Idaho border. One mule deer crosses Snake River south of the Powder River headwaters, migrating 24.46 mi (39.36 km) to Weiser River north of Cambridge, Idaho. Their winter range primarily consists of sagebrush communities and Columbia Basin grassland, while summer ranges contain big sagebrush with spruce, quaking aspen, and mixed-conifer forests. Mule deer tend to avoid the lowest elevation areas near Lower Powder Valley and Richland and Durkee, Oregon, instead preferring to winter at an average elevation of 3,435 ft (1,047 m), with average summer range elevations of 5,185 ft (1,580 m). The South Wallowas herd transverses the Keating WMU, which was included in the 2015 Oregon Mule Deer Initiative (ODFW, 2020). Since then, ODFW has removed 159 acres (64 ha) of western juniper, reseeded 203 acres (82 ha) for native shrubs and grasses, and thinned 265 acres (107 ha) of timber stands. The impact these habitat improvements had on population number was reduced when in 2017, January snow depth exceeded 30 in (76 cm) in mule deer winter ranges and average overwinter fawn survival dropped to 24 percent, although fawn survival has since returned to 77 percent in 2018–2021 (ODFW, 2021). These mapping layers show the location of the stopovers for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the South Wallowas population in Oregon. They were developed from 64 migration sequences collected from a sample size of 27 animals comprising GPS locations collected every 5−13 hours.

South Wallowas mule deer winter ranges are dispersed across areas of low elevation near the Idaho border. During spring, mule deer wintering north of Powder River and Pyles Canyon migrate to Catherine Creek and the Wallowa Mountains within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Interstate 84 creates a complete barrier to southern movement for the South Wallowas herd. Mule deer wintering in areas near Interstate 84, Lawrence Creek, and Manning Creek are largely residents with only two migratory mule deer traveling to Little Lookout Mountain and Thief Valley Reservoir. Other mule deer reside along Snake River, which forms the Idaho border. One mule deer crosses Snake River south of the Powder River headwaters, migrating 24.46 mi (39.36 km) to Weiser River north of Cambridge, Idaho. Their winter range primarily consists of sagebrush communities and Columbia Basin grassland, while summer ranges contain big sagebrush with spruce, quaking aspen, and mixed-conifer forests. Mule deer tend to avoid the lowest elevation areas near Lower Powder Valley and Richland and Durkee, Oregon, instead preferring to winter at an average elevation of 3,435 ft (1,047 m), with average summer range elevations of 5,185 ft (1,580 m). The South Wallowas herd transverses the Keating WMU, which was included in the 2015 Oregon Mule Deer Initiative (ODFW, 2020). Since then, ODFW has removed 159 acres (64 ha) of western juniper, reseeded 203 acres (82 ha) for native shrubs and grasses, and thinned 265 acres (107 ha) of timber stands. The impact these habitat improvements had on population number was reduced when in 2017, January snow depth exceeded 30 in (76 cm) in mule deer winter ranges and average overwinter fawn survival dropped to 24 percent, although fawn survival has since returned to 77 percent in 2018–2021 (ODFW, 2021). These mapping layers show the location of the stopovers for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the South Wallowas population in Oregon. They were developed from 64 migration sequences collected from a sample size of 27 animals comprising GPS locations collected every 5−13 hours.

The winter ranges of the Northside mule deer herd can be broadly separated into northern and southern subgroups. The majority of the southern subgroup winters at low elevations near the John Day River in areas dominated by big sagebrush communities, Columbia Basin grasslands, and western juniper. The northern subgroup is more spatially dispersed, wintering by Cottonwood Creek, the North Fork John Day River, and the Middle Fork John Day River in ranges containing more conifer forest than those of the southern subgroup. Both subgroups summer in the same general area, migrating either northeast or southeast to reach ranges featuring mixed-conifer, Picea spp. (spruce), Ponderosa pine, and western juniper forests with scattered Columbia Basin grasslands on Deardorff Mountain, the Blue Mountains, and Elkhorn Ridge. Some mule deer west of the North Fork John Day River migrate north to reach summer ranges near Rock Creek. Interestingly, five mule deer migrated south, crossing the section of U.S. Route 26 that divides the Northside and Murderer’s Creek mule deer herds. Since U.S. Route 26 also separates resident mule deer from agricultural fields with reliable water sources, mule deer-vehicle collisions are common year-round, and this section experienced an annual average of 106 mule deer-vehicle collisions from 2016 to 2022. In 2010, the Heppner WMU, which is used for livestock grazing and contains multiple mule deer winter ranges, was included in the Oregon Mule Deer Initiative (ODFW, 2015, 2020). Since then, ODFW has removed 10,256.7 acres (4,150.7 ha) of invasive flora, reseeded 7,405.3 acres (2,996.8 ha) with native shrubs and grassland, and completed 48 water development projects. These mapping layers show the location of the stopovers for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the Northside population in Oregon. They were developed from 360 migration sequences collected from a sample size of 144 animals comprising GPS locations collected every 5−13 hours.

The winter ranges of the Northside mule deer herd can be broadly separated into northern and southern subgroups. The majority of the southern subgroup winters at low elevations near the John Day River in areas dominated by big sagebrush communities, Columbia Basin grasslands, and western juniper. The northern subgroup is more spatially dispersed, wintering by Cottonwood Creek, the North Fork John Day River, and the Middle Fork John Day River in ranges containing more conifer forest than those of the southern subgroup. Both subgroups summer in the same general area, migrating either northeast or southeast to reach ranges featuring mixed-conifer, Picea spp. (spruce), Ponderosa pine, and western juniper forests with scattered Columbia Basin grasslands on Deardorff Mountain, the Blue Mountains, and Elkhorn Ridge. Some mule deer west of the North Fork John Day River migrate north to reach summer ranges near Rock Creek. Interestingly, five mule deer migrated south, crossing the section of U.S. Route 26 that divides the Northside and Murderer’s Creek mule deer herds. Since U.S. Route 26 also separates resident mule deer from agricultural fields with reliable water sources, mule deer-vehicle collisions are common year-round, and this section experienced an annual average of 106 mule deer-vehicle collisions from 2016 to 2022. In 2010, the Heppner WMU, which is used for livestock grazing and contains multiple mule deer winter ranges, was included in the Oregon Mule Deer Initiative (ODFW, 2015, 2020). Since then, ODFW has removed 10,256.7 acres (4,150.7 ha) of invasive flora, reseeded 7,405.3 acres (2,996.8 ha) with native shrubs and grassland, and completed 48 water development projects. These mapping layers show the location of the stopovers for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the Northside population in Oregon. They were developed from 360 migration sequences collected from a sample size of 144 animals comprising GPS locations collected every 5−13 hours.

Elk (Cervus elpahus canadensis) within the northern section of the Bighorn Mountains display altitudinal migration. In the spring, they migrate from the eastern foothills up into the mountains, and in the fall, they head back down to lower elevations (fig. 67). The herd, which numbers around 5,500, primarily winters along the eastern foothills of the northern Bighorn Mountains just west of Sheridan, though some will winter north towards Bighorn Canyon. Winter ranges are a mix of shrubs and herbaceous grasslands, largely supported by private land. During migration animals travel an average one-way distance of 21 mi (34 km) ranging from as little as 5 mi (8 km) to as far as 83 mi (134 km). In spring, animals migrate off winter range and head west up the eastern side of the Bighorn Mountains. They traverse up the slopes generally following clearings between extensive pine forests. Summer ranges consist of evergreen forests that are predominantly lodgepole pine with smaller areas of open herbaceous grasslands. The summer range is almost entirely within the Bighorn National Forest. The population size of the herd has remained relatively steady over the last decade. While there is a higher concern for the animals on their winter range because it largely consists of private land, their migration routes are much safer because they are relatively short, do not cross any highways and are for the most part within the National Forest. These data provide the location of migration routes for elk in the North Bighorn population in Wyoming. They were developed from 109 migration sequences collected from a sample size of 63 animals comprising GPS locations collected every 2 hours.

Elk (Cervus elpahus canadensis) within the northern section of the Bighorn Mountains display altitudinal migration. In the spring, they migrate from the eastern foothills up into the mountains, and in the fall, they head back down to lower elevations (fig. 67). The herd, which numbers around 5,500, primarily winters along the eastern foothills of the northern Bighorn Mountains just west of Sheridan, though some will winter north towards Bighorn Canyon. Winter ranges are a mix of shrubs and herbaceous grasslands, largely supported by private land. During migration animals travel an average one-way distance of 21 mi (34 km) ranging from as little as 5 mi (8 km) to as far as 83 mi (134 km). In spring, animals migrate off winter range and head west up the eastern side of the Bighorn Mountains. They traverse up the slopes generally following clearings between extensive pine forests. Summer ranges consist of evergreen forests that are predominantly lodgepole pine with smaller areas of open herbaceous grasslands. The summer range is almost entirely within the Bighorn National Forest. The population size of the herd has remained relatively steady over the last decade. While there is a higher concern for the animals on their winter range because it largely consists of private land, their migration routes are much safer because they are relatively short, do not cross any highways and are for the most part within the National Forest. These data provide the location of migration routes for elk in the North Bighorn population in Wyoming. They were developed from 109 migration sequences collected from a sample size of 63 animals comprising GPS locations collected every 2 hours.

The Mid-Columbia mule deer herd inhabits a highly variable landscape, featuring annual precipitation ranging from 112 inches (in; 285 cm) near Red Hill in the western part of this herd range to 14 in (36 cm) near The Dalles, Oregon, in the eastern part (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2021). Mule deer wintering in the east usually occupy altered grassland and agricultural habitats interspersed with patches of basin big sagebrush, nonnative annual grasses, and both native and planted grassland (Conservation Reserve Program fields). Most of these mule deer are nonmigratory and reside year round near Fifteenmile Creek, Eightmile Creek, and Deschutes River. The mule deer that do migrate travel south to similar types of vegetation near Summit Ridge. Habitats to the west, however, contain more forested cover and winter ranges primarily feature a combination of grasslands, Purshia tridentata (antelope bitterbrush), oak, ponderosa pine, and mixed-conifer forest. Mule deer in the western region are more migratory, containing individuals that travel west to the foothills of Fir Mountain, Lookout Mountain, and Mount Hood in spring. Summer ranges are dominated by mixed-conifer forests featuring pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock, T. heterophylla (western hemlock), and Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir). Pastures and farmland are prevalent in the east where dryland wheat, alfalfa hay, and cherries are economically important crops. Black-tailed deer co-occur with mule deer west of U.S. Highway 197 and the two can hybridize in this area. Along with frequent smaller wildfires, in 2018, the South Valley Road fire burned 20,026 acres (8,104 ha) of winter habitat near U.S. Highway 197, and the Substation and the Long Hollow fires scorched a combined 111,881 acres (45,277 ha) along the northern portion of the Deschutes River (BLM, 2023a). The 2020 White River fire and 2022 Miller Road fire also respectively burned 17,405 acres (7,044 ha) and 10,847 acres (4,390 ha) of seasonal range and migration corridor habitat outside of Pine Grove, Oregon. Depending on location, these large fires can have positive or negative impacts on the Mid-Columbia mule deer herd. In the east, fires reduce shelter and allow invasive grasses to proliferate in habitats lacking perennial plant cover, but in the west, they can beneficially open canopy cover in heavily forested areas, exposing the understory to sunlight and invigorating valuable forage species. These mapping layers show the location of the migration corridors for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in the Mid-Columbia population in Oregon. They were developed from 98 migration sequences collected from a sample size of 37 animals comprising GPS locations collected every 5-13 hours.