The Winter ranges of deer animals in Kainuu 1982–2008

Snow track counting of deer animals was organized in the Kainuu game management district on March 1, 2008. The results for moose and wild forest reindeer were compared with data collected in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The most important winter ranges of moose are mainly located in traditional areas that have been used for a long time. Even though these ranges are quite regular on a large scale, they are continuously changing in terms of moose density, area and center. Some of these ranges may be not used for a long time. In addition, compared with earlier winter range investigations, new or considerably strengthened range areas were observed. On the other hand, some of the traditional areas were recently clearly reduced in number or totally emptied.

Winter ranges of wild forest reindeer are located in certain lichen-growing ridge areas. Ranging between these areas has fl uctuated depending on the year and time of winter. Nowadays wild forest reindeer range in more separated groups and across more extensive areas than earlier. Although there have been changes in the population densities of wild forest reindeer and the population has decreased lately, the outer limits of the winter ranges have extended over the study period to the northwest and south.

In winter 2007–2008, roe deer observations were made in all the local game areas of Kainuu. Observations were concentrated on the areas around the Lake Oulujärvi, especially in the Vuolijoki area and central parts of Kainuu. Winter ranges of roe deer in Kainuu are mainly located near areas where there are communities and towns, river systems and agricultural areas.

moose, Kainuu, roe deer, snow track, wild forest reindeer, winter range

Siira, A., Keränen, J. & Heikkinen, S. 2009. The Winter ranges of deer animals in Kainuu

1982–2008.