Dangling dilemma

Here's a good look at the dilemma that Bash is in these days. Usually we see a buck with velvet one day, then a few strands, then the velvet is gone. Bash must have started thrashing off his velvet too soon as it came off in pieces that have been dangling from his antler beams for several days. Hopefully he will be shred-free by the end of the weekend as he certainly is anything but comfortable.

Perfect resolution

Broken piece from left antler

KoKo

This photo (taken August 23, 2009) shows KoKo doing quite well, still with shreds of velvet at the base of his antlers. If you look closely, you'll see that his left antler is missing its tip. During the combined efforts of Allan and KoKo to escape from the fence, the "hook" must have been weakened. Yesterday morning, Allan found it in the place where KoKo likes to chill out. Here's a photo of that piece, too.

We had been considering ways to try to cut off the "hook" so that KoKo couldn't hook himself on to anything, but once again, nature takes care.

Close Encounter

Yesterday afternoon, Allan and I decided to take a walk inside the enclosure for no particular reason (or so we thought).

In the morning, Allan had noticed that Murph had lost most of his velvet and we wondered if there were others in the same state. From observation in the years past, all the bucks seem to lose their velvet within one week towards the end of August.

We came upon KoKo behaving oddly near the fence in the east marsh area and quickly realized that one of his oddly curved spellers (points) of his antler was caught on the fence. He was twisting and bucking in all directions and could not get loose. The curved point had effectively become a hook.

The possibility that he might break his neck occurred to both of us. A buck at the Scotland Road farm had been found dead after having caught his antler in fencing, but we had never seen our bucks engage with the fencing at the Florida site other than to stick their noses through for apples when visitors come.

Allan came to KoKo's rescue by quickly getting outside the fence, waiting for a moment when KoKo stopped fighting/twisting, and then pulling the antler "hook" through the fence, then down, then pushing it away. KoKo ran off and we left him to calm down. The area near the fence where he was caught was beaten down from grass to mud. It was obvious that KoKo had been attached to the fence for some time.

This morning Allan saw the buck being somewhat shy and standoffish, but alive and well.

Lessons for KoKo: Adapt to the shape of this year's antlers and avoid any close encounters with the fence.

Lessons for Deer keepers: During the period when the bucks shed velvet from their antlers, increase number of daily fence-line inspections. Always take gloves and wire cutters. Be aware of and respond to subtle messages, quietly transmitted. They may have a purpose.

Hey hay

Allan & Murph get ready to unload

Murph & Don in the loft..

The hay (about 300 bales) is safely in the barn and this is quite a feat given the extreme wet and unseasonably cold weather. Emerald "Murph" Murphy, 81, Don's father, is seen above helping out. Most of this year's hay comes from his field, cut and baled with his equipment, pulled by his tractor. We are very grateful for Murph's help again this year.

Also we received 100 bales from Bruce Burt's field in Wilton which was cut, baled and transported to the Reserve by Bernie Vanderzande in a rare moment of non-rain! Thanks to both these gentlemen for their generosity. Bruce, 94, has not had a great year suffering a stroke in January. We were very surprised and delighted that he remembered the bucks and their need for hay amidst other worries.

It's always a good feeling to know that there is enough feed in the barn in July to see the bucks through to next April. At least one warm thought on these cold, wet days of the summer of 09.

New addition

Don and Allan check out our recent purchase

Here's a picture of the horse trailer that was purchased this month for use at the Reserve. Our board of directors decided to purchase a used horse trailer when funding permitted after the incident last November when our fence was cut and deer escaped or were chased out. Valuable time was lost trying to borrow trailers after telephone tips were received about the whereabouts of the deer.

After repairs and minor modifications, this trailer will stay within the enclosure, doors open, and hopefully absorb the smells of "home" so that if we have to respond to an incident, we will have transportation that is familiar to the animals, and not a cause of added stress.

We also see the trailer providing some shelter and looking further ahead, we will be able to use it to isolate a sick or injured buck so that veterinary care or medication can be administered.

We are grateful to everyone who has purchased antlers, calendars or donated to the Reserve to help make this purchase possible.

Fairmount Homes

Residents, volunteers and staff from Fairmount Home visited the Reserve on Sunday to present us with a $100 donation officially sponsoring "EGee" a deer that many had met last summer on a visit. In return, Jane and Allan presented the residents with the antlers shed by EGee this April. The weather on Sunday was cold and windy, but there were many smiles and the visit took place in between rain showers. Thanks to Marilyn Kellar who organized the fundraising at Fairmount and brought everyone including her grandchildren to enjoy the deer. We hope to see everyone again on a sunnier day!

Thanks to Barry Rogers, Fairmount volunteer for the photo.

May 24th Fundraiser

Monique Cloutier, board member, feeds KoKo

May 24, 2009 was the "Day in the Country" created and produced by Wendy Workman to raise funds for the Reserve. Three local practitioners offered their services in tarot card reading, reiki, chakra reading, etc. to participants who also enjoyed great weather, a delicious lunch and a visit with the deer. Over $700 was raised!

Thanks to Wendy, Cheryl, Erin (http://www.self-insights.com)
and Susie and to everyone who attended.