Deer in the Dark
We had storms rolling in last night, so I hustled the dogs out for their last walk before bedtime. Lucy and Lulu, the little ones are easy, I just let them out behind the gate, but I leash Dino and Roy and take them to the side yard.
Dino was first. As soon as I got him out past the gate, he started to growl and circle and wanted to go back. Dino has two alert behaviors. When he barks and moves forward, it means he spies or smells something that warrants further attention. A squirrel or chipmunk, perhaps. When he growls and retreats, I pay attention. We kept close to the gate entrance so he could finish his business, then I hustled him and the two littles inside. I still had to take care of Roy, our three-legged, almost eighty-pound hound mix.
I leashed Roy and grabbed a flashlight. At least I’d be able to see what we were walking into. Roy doesn’t typically alert in the dark. He just bounds forward. It may be that he’s not easy to surprise after all his time spent in the Tennessee woods before we rescued him.
Lightning flashed in the distance as I walked Roy toward the side yard. I scanned the flashlight left. Nothing but trees. I flashed the beam in front of us. More trees. Then I moved it right to Roy’s “go-to” spot. A big buck stood tall and regal less than ten yards from us. I didn’t take the time to count his points, but he was easily the biggest specimen I’d seen on the hill this season and his gaze was fixed on us.
I’ve been chased by a buck while trying to navigate dogs on leash before and didn’t look to relive that experience, especially in the dark on the cusp of a storm. The thing about bucks this time of year, they act like they own the place. And even though I can produce the deed, they’re adamant. Roy and I retreated. He could make like the little ones behind the gate tonight.
Not long after, safe and warm inside with all dogs, the storm hit full force, wind, thunder, lightning, and driving rain. I thought about the buck and wondered where he sheltered. I thanked him silently for allowing Roy and me a graceful retreat from our nighttime encounter.
Roy, my fellow deer finder (Mike Barzacchini photo).
