Anniversary Wish

October 1, 2006 marks the first anniversary of the Odessa Fallow Deer Reserve. Happy Anniversary.

Last October 1st, Don Murphy was driving home from work and saw hunters shooting bucks in the farmer's field where normally he would have seen the deer grazing in peace. Over 100 other deer were racing back and forth in terror as the bullets flew. He saw bodies lying in the field and men loading fallen deer into a frontend loader.

Horrified, he went home and talked to Wendy, his wife. Together they decided to approach the farmer. They purchased the deer and made an agreement that included use of the farmer's land for two years (until October 2007). In this way perhaps a better way of dealing with too many deer in too small a space could be found and over 100 lives were saved. Long story short, in April 2006, the entire herd was tested for disease, treated for worms and 89 does and fawns were able to be transferred by transport truck to Parc Omega in Montebello, Quebec.

Left on the reserve are 13 bucks who were not wanted by Parc Omega. We are searching for at least 10 or 15 acres of land with trees and water to lease for approximately 10 years so that these 13 bucks can live out their lives as safely and peacefully as possible. They can't be released into the wild because they are not native to Canada and must be fed hay throughout the winter.

Our dedicated group of volunteers could help provide and build the 7 to 8 foot fencing required as our bucks will jump when frightened. We receive many donations of hay, apples and carrots as well as veterinary advice and that could transfer to a new location. If you have land that is currently unused and would like to become involved in our reserve, please call one of the numbers above.

This October 1 is a good time to thank all those who have helped in the past year in so many ways.

The above photo was taken in late August 2006 by Jane McDonald ... "The bums' rush".