Distribution of muledeer (Odocoileus hemionus) use of winter range habitat around a residential subdivision in northeastern California was estimated by the pellet-group count technique. Our objective was to determine whether homesites influenced deer use, and if so, to determine the distance from homes that deer use was affected. Estimates of deer use at 25 and 50 yard distances from homesites were lower (P C 0.05) than deer use estimates beyond 75 yds distance, and lower than overall deer use. At these distances, pellet-group densites were 12 and 53% of the overall mean density, respectively. Linear regression of pellet-group densities on distance from homes indicated that deer use was influenced by homes to about 90yds distance. The estimated circular area about homesites where reduced deer use could be expected was over 5 ac (90 yds radius). Within this radius, deer use was 61% of overall mean deer use.
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