Walking back to the road a few days ago from my visit with a band, I spotted these lovelies making their way down the hill. It might not surprise readers to know that I was alerted to their presence by those marvelous ears, which gave me time to sit down on the ground with the hopes of photographing them as they passed and NOT alarming them.
Before long, the clicking of the camera’s shutter gave away my presence. 🙂
Though they were well aware of me, I think I achieved my goal of not alarming them, and they continued on their peaceful way down the hill.
Today is the last day of the second rifle season. … Two seasons to go.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
Moms and babies – are they safe during hunting season? Its almost time back here – hate it. I know “my” deer are safe when they are on my place but all around me they are not. At least not as many hunters as there used to be.
We have more hunters than ever, and every year, their numbers seem to increase. Previously, we had no one (or almost no one) during archery and first and second rifle seasons. Last year, we had people … and this year, we had exponentially more – like a mini third. Third is AWFUL with the number of people and vehicles up and down the road – and camping along the main Disappointment Valley road. I don’t know about hunting does and cows (elk). I think there are some private-land permits for those? Mostly, people go after the antlers.
I was married to a hunter (definitely NOT a “road” hunter) for years – ate much venison etc. But he actually hunted – spent his yearly vacation – up in the dark, out all day – back in the dark. Didnt always get anything but loved being in the woods & always had stories.
I dont feel like thats the kind of hunting thats being done now. See vehicles driving my road slowly – looking at my yard & field etc. I feed deer in winter – but moved their place back up in the brush – they used to hang in my yard & a doe was shot with an arrow IN MY YARD one year. Dont have warm thoughts for someone like that & nope the troopers never found out who it was.
I love watching the deer here. They eat the acorns on my property.
They seem to me the epitome of peace and grace. 🙂 So cool that you get to watch them on your property!
What beautiful deer photos, TJ! It’s always bittersweet seeing them this time of year, knowing people are out the looking for them to kill them. But I love your photos of those cuties and wish them godspeed.
Agreed. … Second is almost over. … Third is fairly short now. …
What a sweet picture! Love those dear deer!
Aren’t they lovely? 🙂 Big ears and all!
Great pictures. You were found and it turned out good for you and us!
Ha – indeed! 🙂 I loved that they weren’t too bothered by me … and I wish them well into the winter.
I love these animals. There was a small group who lived on the opposite side of the golf course (rural golf course, ends in pastures). There is a railroad track with parked cars. The buck and his three wives and yearling had discovered what a good hiding place those cars were. I got to be part of their day as I was out there daily with Bear. It was wonderful, but I didn’t want them to habituate to me or trust me so one day, when one doe approached, I scared them away. The paradox of that was — still is — a little bewildering and sad. But…in the distance I often heard shotguns. I stopped walking with Bear there as well. Over the winter we tracked their presence in footprints and chewed clumps of alfalfa and winter grass in a fallow field. Then they were gone — but with a new fawn. I wished them well, too.
That’s the fine line, eh? I love that they’re comfortable in my yard, but I don’t want them to think every place is a safe place. I wish I could explain boundaries so they could stay here all the time.
I know. Maybe they figure things out like my little herd understood the train cars and all the space to the south of the train tracks. It’s funny how we just want all of the wild things to be OK.