Salt Lake Telegram | 1931-09-19 | Page 9 | Investigation Shows Deer, Elk Change Food Diet with Seasons

i I Investigation nv Shows Deer Elk Food Diet With Seasons Change F The old theory t that at a deer will not eat Juniper bush except in time of extreme want seems to be a false theory theory theory the the- ory Orange Olsen of the U. U S. S forest service and anti R. R E E. Turpin of the state stale fish Ush and game department report after a years year's study stud of deer and elk In th the field The men report that in the spring of the year the juniper seems to taste very good to the deer and is eaten in large arge quantities even when other deer foods arc are available C Olsen and Turpin also report that their investigation seemed to prove what sportsmen have contended all I the tile while and that is that deer do not eat greens except when forced to todo todo todo I do so On the other hand it seems to be pretty definitely proved that the elk elkIs elks I Is 15 s a grass eating animal but the ex extent extent ex- ex tent of an elks elk's liking for grass has not yet been studied An analysis of the stomach contents contents contents con con- tents of d deer r killed at different s seasons sea seasons sea sea- a- a sons of the year follows with the figures indicating percentages April 2 Juniper 2 50 sage roge 40 droak dry dr oak leaves 5 green grass 4 miscellaneous miscellaneous mis mis- 1 There was plenty of good grass available ble to this deer May 3 3 Sage Sage 40 weeds 22 dandelion dande dande- lion 20 grass 10 Oregon grape 5 dry oak leaves 2 miscellaneous L July 26 26 LarkSpur Larkspur 30 geraniums 25 dandelion 20 mountain elder cIder leaves 10 lOr weeds 13 2 1 grass 1 1 September 10 Q 1 Q u a Ic kin I Ii g as p pen en leaves lea 70 10 Oregon grape 10 grass 2 unclassified 18 The feeding le h habits of elk were vere studied In February March April and May No animals were examined for stomach contents but observation observation 1 tion Hon showed that mountain mahogany any bitter brush and dry grass formed the chief diet for the elk at that time of year These investigations are being carried carried car car- ried ned on as a a. basis for a big game management management man man- 1 plan lan which will be Instituted instituted ed as won soon as 28 sufficient information to make an nn intelligent plan Is avail avaU- able