Variations in Microclimate in a Conifer Swamp Deeryard in Northern Michigan
Ozoga JJ. 1968. Variations in Microclimate in a Conifer Swamp Deeryard in Northern Michigan. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 32(3):574-585
Wide differences in winter microclimate were found in 1965 and 1966 among six habitat types within a single conifer swamp used by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) as a winter yarding area in Upper Michigan. No compartment of cover provided both optimal shelter and adequate food. A densely stocked even-aged stand of mature swamp conifers offered deer the best protection from cold weather and the least hazardous snow conditions. This site exhibited the narrowest thermal ranges, warmest average temperatures during the coldest weather, highest and most stable relative humidity, least amount of wind flow, minimal snow depths, and best snow support conditions. The other habitat types consisted of pole-size and sapling conifers, mixed hardwood-conifers, northern hardwoods, and upland opening. Since deer normally seek the best shelter available from adverse climatic factors, management of conifer swamp deeryards should strive to maintain blocks of even-aged mature timber as prime winter cover, interspersed in an ideal pattern near younger stands providing abundant food.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Ozoga, John
- Units
- PIRO
- Keywords
- deer yards, Weather, White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)