Oh deer!
My morning jog continues to provide inspiration for mini-blogs. Today I was just past the first caravan park towards the Buckland Bridge when I heard dogs barking where I’ve never heard or seen dogs before.
A minute later I saw two dogs and another animal running towards me on the opposite side of the road. I thought at first the mystery animal was a large calf, but it turned out to be a small deer.
I stopped and puzzled about how I could call off the dogs, but before I could cross the road and act they were past me. I felt quite sad about the situation, because the deer appeared to be tiring. There was no sign of them on my return leg.
Deer were introduced to Australia in the 19th century and they’re common in sub-alpine areas. They’re elusive though, and I’ve never actually seen one in the bush, so it was quite a surprise to see one within a kilometre of town.
These articles might be of interest:
Deer are pretty thick here — cosidering I live in the city.
I was as close as I’ve ever been to one as I came out of work one day. He was strolling across our lawn. I could have hit him with a softly thrown rock.
I saw another as I took a walk one day. The of course there was the one in the backyard.
My parent’s had one in their backyard and he came around often enough that mom and dad put out a salt block.
This year, in the county just south of us, the limit during hunting season is three. Not that long ago it was one.
I still think it’s pretty cool when I see one. They’re good looking animals. And I’m not opposed to eating deer meat.