Over the last 2 weeks, a single small doe has been acting increasingly odd and hanging around my property. Noticed her last week as she fed with her nose to the ground for 10 minutes at a time, never lifting to see cars or check out noises. I thought she was feeding. This morning she is standing just off the road with her nose on the ground, but no mouth movement, and again no reaction to traffic. I can see severe intestonal distress from here tail to her heals. That was enough for me. I approached her with bow in hand, but at the last second she scampered 20 yards into the field. Now it is going to be a potential specticle if I pursue the deer across this field just off the road. No can do. Called in the local police and the deer was dispatched. I think the choice was correct. I feel I have a responsibility to act on behalf of that animal. Not the first time or the last for this. I have finished off at least 5 or 6 that were road injured and could not move. Part of country living.
Good on you for even taking the time to notice she was in trouble. Most folks just drive by and think "what a cute bambi". I've had to put quite a few down myself
Good for you also. Too many people just drive on after clipping one. A sick one, I've called DOW for clearance and received an 'A-OK' for dispatch, but only happened once. They came and collected. Roadside, I used to carry a .454 Alaskan, but a T/C Contender helps for the ones that drag themselves off a bit. It's a dirty business regardless.
I once finished off a road injured deer while the offending driver was on the scene. He thanked me for taking care of the situation. I used my bow/arrow. About 3 years later, a person showed up at my father's office with a broadhead. The person had taken the deer for the meat, and had known my father and thus me (same names). Quite a surprise to get back the head!
Good job! That deer more than likely will go to a charity and get used rather than feeding the yotes, possums, and/or causing an accident.
Seems we have more of this illness going around my area. House on the other side of the field from me just found 2 dead yearling does up against the foundation of the house. Both deer were showing signs of diarrhea, and both were of good body wieght. This makes 4 in the last 6 months, and that is just what I have seen in person. Placed a call to the wildlife biologist to report the deal. Have not heard back yet. A bit concerning.
Had the opportunity to speak to a wildlife enforcement official the other day. I had contacted him regarding filing a complaint about after hours shooting. Heard about 16 shotgun shots going off near my hunting area, just a 1/4 mile away. Shots were going off for 50 minutes beyond legal shooting time. Anyway, while speaking about that, I inquired as to the deer sickness we had seen. I had also spoken to a fellow hunter from an adjoining property who found 3 dead fawns this year as well. That totals 7 we know of. DFW guy said this is not uncommon, nor a systemic issue to be concerned of. It seems the late drop doe fawns are not able to fight off a particular illness similar to the flu. They develop the issues that all contribute to dehydration, and that takes them. Very common to find them up against houses/barns for some reason. My guess is they are not able to sustain body heat toward the end and seek shelter and the heat that comes off the foundations. Just a bit of closure to this topic for those who were following.
