The Effects of Spring Cattle Grazing on the Nutritional Ecology of Mule Deer
THE EFFECTS OF SPRING CATTLE GRAZING ON THE NUTRITIONAL ECOLOGY OF MULE DEER (ODOCOILEUS HEMIONUS) IN EASTERN WASHINGTON By SARA JANE WAGONER A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCES IN NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY Department of Natural Resource Sciences MAY 2011 To the Faculty of Washington State University The members of the Committee appointed to examine the thesis of SARA JANE WAGONER find it satisfactory and recommend that it be accepted ________________________________ Lisa A. Shipley, Ph.D., Chair ________________________________ Linda H. Hardesty, Ph.D. ________________________________ Kristen A. Johnson, Ph.D. ________________________________ Karen L. Launchbaugh, Ph.D. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This project was fully funded and supported by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and partnered by the Washington Cattlemen’s Association. My advisor, Dr. Lisa A. Shipley, whom was the brain-child and brawn-child behind this enormous endeavor, tirelessly offered perspective and assistance when I needed it, and I am forever indebted. A sincere thank you to my committee members: Linda Hardesty, Kristen Johnson, and Karen Launchbaugh for contributing their range science expertise and logistical input to our experimental design. I extend my appreciation to Rachel and John Cook, for giving me the opportunity to work along side them at Starkey; it gave me a real grasp on what I was getting into; especially to Rachel, for her professional guidance, friendship, and assistance towards this project. Thank you Laura Applegate, Taryn Clark, Becky Greenwood, Ben Maletzke, Tamara Johnstone-Yellin. and Sarah McCusker for selflessly pitching in, you are truly great friends.
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