In partnership with WAFWA MDWG and many participating western states, we propose the following three-pronged plan:1) Develop a standalone program which simplifies the technologically challenging analyses outlined in Sawyer et al. (2009b) into a user-friendly software add-on that can be implemented by biologists and managers using their own GPS collar data. 2) Work with biologists and managers of state agencies to analyze mule deer data sets. Specifically, using the program outlined in objective 1, we will assess the broad applicability of the analysis methods to identify migration corridors. This step will include the development of a list of key issues and considerations for analyzing these types of data in addition to a detailed list of considerations when designing new studies on migratory mule deer. The information learned from this objective will be integrated into the workshop lesson plans outlined in objective 3.3) Hold training workshops across the West for biologists and managers who have GPS collar data on mule deer and are interested in identifying and prioritizing migration corridors in their respective units/districts. These workshops will be the springboard to disseminate the migration analysis program and collated information from objectives 1 and 2.
