Bucks of the California mule deer and the black-tailed deer usually are in prime condition—with the antlers hard—in August and early September. On the basis of palatability and vitamin content the meat of the mule deer from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties was found to be desirable from June through August and the meat of the black-tailed deer from Marin County was most palatable from the middle of March through July. The vitamin content of black-tailed deer meat seemed to be highest in the winter months.

Lois E. Witham and Marion Olmstead were laboratory assistants in this research project.

The studies reported above were made with funds provided by the California Division of Fish and Game under the Federal Aid in Wild Life Restoration. Project California 15 R. Data regarding the history of the project, collection and handling of animals in the field, and the general condition, age, and dressed weights of specimens were supplied by the California Division of Fish and Game.