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White-Tailed Deer In Southeastern Minnesota: Winter Observations, Robert D. Dorn

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Food habits, movements, vegetation type use, and bedding of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus borealis) were observed while snow-tracking in southeastern Minnesota. Waste corn (Zea Mays) was the most important food item. Three dogwoods (Cornus racemosa, C. rugosa, C. alternifolia), all non-commercial forest species, were the most important for browse. Acorns were unavailable due to crop failure. Six trails made in less than 24 hours covered more than 1 mile each, straight line distance. The longest was 31/s miles. Snow did not appear to affect movements. About two-thirds of the beds were on wooded uplands. Browsing areas appeared dependent on bedding …