Ungulate Winter Range in the Kootenay Lake Forest District
"Ungulates" are hooved mammals, and include whitetail deer, mule deer, moose, and elk. One of the most important requirements to maintenance of healthy populations is their ability to overwinter. Since they do not hibernate, they have to forage for food and live off fat reserves during this period.
Areas considered of particular importance as ungulate winter range include low elevations areas with minimal snow accumulation (ie. south aspects), abundant forage plants, and sufficient forest cover to allow hiding or movement. The map indicates the general location where these areas can be found, but this does not mean that all the areas on the map are high value winter range.
Timber harvesting can improve ungulate winter range in many instances, but requires careful forethought and planning. In general, a mix of different habitat types is considered desirable – open areas for foraging, and forested areas for cover. Since we do not have conclusive knowledge of optimal winter range requirements, or the likelihood of this emerging under "natural" disturbance patterns, a great deal of professional judgment is necessary.