Yesterday, there was a visitor on our farm. In fact, she was still here this morning, but I’m hoping she’s on her way by now. I haven’t seen her this afternoon, so either she’s moved on…or something.
It always starts with one…
Yesterday morning, my husband woke me up and asked me to look out by the calf shelter. At first I didn’t catch what he was seeing, but then a movement caught my eye. My first thought? “Oh no! Not again!” But then I was relieved to see only one…not a herd.
What in the world could I be talking about? Deer. Or in this instance, one deer. But it never stops at one.
This deer hardly even flinched when I moved up to the fence to snap this picture.
Why does this one deer have me concerned? Where do I start…
1) Deer are wild creatures. They are not a domestic animal and should be afraid of humans. This deer is not. And it only moved when I was extremely close…but it never left the area. In fact, it only moved over to the next cattle-holding area.
Yes, that is a feed bunk for the cows that have just calved.
2) Sick? The fact that this deer isn’t exhibiting normal deer behavior sets of warning bells in my head that something is physically wrong with it. And this deer is too close to our calves for comfort.
Just to show how close this deer is to our cattle.
3) In my experience, deer are like mice. If you see one, there’s hundreds near by…and I don’t want a repeat of two years ago. Ever. The death and destruction was sickening. And those that are supposed to provide assistance did not.
So today I keep an eye out for our unwelcomed visitor. And if it shows signs of obvious illness or distress I will be quick to call the proper authorities to come take care of it. I’m just hoping it runs off, and doesn’t return with a few hundred of its closest friends and relatives.
Wag'n Tales 
We have wild turkeys that are becoming more of a nuisance here in SW Wisconsin!
I think I would have a wild turkey or two turn up smoked in my freezer! 😉 It’s sad to see wild animals become a nuisance.
We actually had a pet deer growing up. Dad was a vet and brought all sorts of things home. When she got older and started wandering, she’d show up at people’s campsites, on their decks, and at local businesses. We put a breakaway collar on her with our number so people could call for a pickup. She also thought she was a dog and loved riding in the van.
They are truly a beautiful creature. Unfortunately, my experience has made me look past the beauty and has given me a glimpse of the inability of certain groups and agencies to follow through with their mission statements.
My hubby and I called them timber rats when we lived in Iowa. They ate all of my garden plants…And trees…And flowers.
Timber rats…an appropriate and well-deserved name.
Will keep you in our prayers that you don`t have a repeat of two years ago.