| I used movements of 74 radio-collared black-tailed deer to investigate whether an hierarchically-structured decision process constrains habitat choices. Constraints on habitat can lead to rejection of the ideal-free distribution hypothesis for black-tailed deer where their habitats are prone to large and rapid disturbances. I recorded 11,150 deer locations at 2 time scales (2-hourly and weekly) at 4 study areas on Vancouver Island, British Columbia from 1982-1991. I assessed the temporal and spatial independence of these observations before examining the distance, frequency, timing, and direction of movements.;Deer that migrated every year (n = 12) occupied natal ranges at high elevations and used alternate ranges for ;Decisions concerning home- and seasonal-range establishment constrained more spatially specific decisions about habitat use. Further, these decisions were themselves likely to be limited by rigid tactics such as philopatry and site fidelity.;These conclusions were tested by logging old forest winter habitat in 2 separate study areas. Fidelity, rather than habitat choice, dominated the initial responses. Deer accepted remaining habitats rather than finding old forest winter habitat elsewhere. Lack of freedom in choosing habitats has implications for habitat management, for deer response to habitat change, and for factors that affect population dynamics. |
