An email from Jason, antler lover

We just received this email from Jason C. in Chatham, Ontario. Jason has purchased Gulliver's antlers every year for three years and also Murph's antlers for the past two years. By purchasing these antlers, he has supported the work of the Reserve and we appreciate his taking the time to let us know how much he enjoys these unique pieces of art created by our bucks.

I received the package last night. All looks great. I am really surprised the tines on the Gulliver antler, how they are long at the ends and kind of a cluster and twisted. I really enjoy the uniqueness of each antler. I wish I could fill my house with them. My wife might have other ideas. I was looking at the park in Quebec with all the Red Deer, moose, bear etc on the internet and it looks awesome, I really want to go. Have you been there? Do the animals come up to the vehicles as it shows in the website photos? I noticed they talk about fallow deer at this park, are some of them from your place? I would want to stop by your place also if I were going to go to this park.

...Well, as usual keep me in mind next year again. If anything else comes up you think I would be interested in, please let me know.

Thanks alot for all the antlers and years of enjoyment I will get from them.

Take care and talk to you soon

Fellow Canadian -- Jason C. and family

Update: Antlers, Mike's condition

We are happy to report that all the bucks have dropped their antlers. The process began on April 6 with Gulliver and ended on April 21, 2009 with the last set being cast off by Spike who we think is the youngest. It's always a relief when the whole herd is without antlers and on the same "playing field".

Mike, who was suffering from a large abscess on his left side at the beginning of April, is doing well these days. Time and nature took care of the growth and the only side effect seemed to be a delay in his casting off his antlers.

For those of you interested in stats, here's a comparison of dates from 2008 to 2009:

Gulliver -- April 10, 2008/April 6, 7, 2009
Max -- April 14, 2008/April 10, 2009
Mike -- April 16, 2008/April 19, 2009
Bash -- April 18, 2008/April 8, 2009
Murph -- April 19, 2008/April 7, 8, 2009
George -- April 22, 23, 2008/April 15, 2009
Buddy -- April 25, 26, 2008/April 14, 2009
KoKo -- April 29, 2008/April 15, 2009
EGee -- April 29, 2008/April 21, 2009
Moki -- April 29, May 1, 2008/April 14, 2009
Spike -- May 3, 2008/April 21, 2009

Antler sweepstakes winner!

Gulliver won the lottery again this year dropping his left antler at some time early this morning. When we checked him this afternoon, he was still holding on to his right antler.

Here is the list from 2008. The warmer weather this year has prompted the casting of Gulliver's antler four days earlier than last. We believe that the oldest buck casts off his antlers first, needing more time for the full rack to develop and harden by August in time for rutting season. By this list, Spike is our baby. Status in the herd may also affect the order that the antlers fall, who knows?

Gulliver, April 10
Max, April 14
Mike, April 16
Bash, April 18
Murph, April 19
George, April 22, 23
Buddy, April 25, 26
KoKo, April 29
EGee, April 29
Moki, April 29, May 1
Spike, May 3