Moki is one of our youngest bucks. He escaped the enclosure with the herd sometime on November 5-6. Several days later, Allan, the head deer-keeper saw him near a deer hunter's stand off Florida Road, courting a female white tail deer decoy that had obviously been sprayed with something to attract white tail bucks. We didn't think that fallow deer would be enticed by the scent of a different species of deer, but Moki proved to us that the books don't always know what's what. Allan alerted the team about Moki's whereabouts and Don Murphy contacted the owner of the land he was on for permission to search for him, and this is Mike Ivanik, a local bow hunter.
Mike undertook to watch Moki's comings and goings. Volunteers including Don, Wendy, Allan, Chris Grooms and others helped to watch Moki and build a corral around the deer decoy, bring in a horse trailer and create an elaborate "trap". For at least 4 days, Mike waited patiently from his deer stand and singlehandedly captured Moki on Thursday, November 13, 2008. Moki walked into the horse trailer without any need for tranquilizers and now is safely back at the Reserve. Thank you to all the volunteers especially Mike, the bow hunter, who has been promised Moki's antlers which will be shed in April 2009 and our deepest appreciation forever.
The word "moki" is Hopi for deer.
Our count is 10 in, 2 out and of course 1 lost.
On a personal note, your blogger/photographer, Jane, has been in Kingston General Hospital since surgery on November 11 and unable to keep you all posted on developments.
Thank you to everyone who has called and emailed to find out how I am doing. I am at home recouperating and expect a full recovery in 6 to 8 weeks.
3 comments:
Dear Jane,
Our best wishes for your recovery. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Glad to have you back!
To Mike - if you read this. This world has far too few heros and please know that you are the real hero of Moki's story. Thank you!
Just read about Egee! Way to go team! Danny is our thoughts.
Trish & Andy
So good to read good news.
Take care Jane!
Best wishes,
mother of 3 cats,
8 wild ducks and Butch, the raccoon, who visit until the lake freezes over
Nice little deers we made the trek there today only to find out that an appointment was needed. I noticed the blog addy and decided to check out your site.
I took this shot of one of them, I would like to come back out and take some shots when a school trip is going to visit. Do you publish this info or is it luck of the draws.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/3032767557_1378d63c59.jpg
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