Come Visit

Our new location is on Florida Road in the
northwest corner of the city of Kingston.

We welcome visitors by appointment only.
Contact us to make an appointment and get directions.
jmcd@reztel.net
613-386-3673

Donations of time, apples, carrots, corn, oats, hay bales and dollars are always welcome, too.

Charity registered by Canada Revenue Agency.
Income tax receipts issued for financial donations of $5 or more.
Mailing address: 204 Simmons Rd RR2, Odessa ON K0H 2H0

Falling antlers

In 2006 the bucks had their antlers sawed off when they were tested by federal government inspectors. So we really didn't witness the natural shedding process or the order in which it happened. This year we kept track of the events. Our research indicates that the oldest or most respected bucks shed their antlers first, and the youngest last. We guess that is because Mother Nature needs more time to re-grow the largest antlers and perhaps that the older bucks can handle the indignity of being vulnerable a bit better than the youngest. Who knows?

1. Gulliver, April 8, 2007
2. Max, April 10, 2007
3. Mike, April 12, 2007
4. Dandy, April 12, 2007
5. Bash, April 18, 2007
6. Murph, April 20, 2007
7. Koko, April 20 and April 24, 2007
8. George, April 22, 2007
9. Buddy, April 23, 2007
10. EGee, April 24, 2007
11. Ty, April 28 and April 30, 2007
12. Spike, May 5 and May 7, 2007
13. Moki, May 5 and May 7, 2007

Those listed with two dates did not lose both antlers on the same day. KoKo has the record for walking around with one antler for the longest period, 4 days!

If you have a theory on the "why" of antler shedding order, please let us know.

Wonky Mike

There may have been one injury from the transportation process to the Fallow Deer Reserve's new home. Mike has one brow antler that points down rather than up. There's no blood or sign of trauma, other than this rather unique antler formation. From our research this would be evident only in this year's antler and not a permanent problem for him. The wonky antler does not appear to affect his vision or any other skills.

This means we'll have no trouble recognizing Mike this year!