We always feed our little deer herd during the winter. Last year, we watched as poor Peg struggled to lower her head enough, balanced on that one good front leg, to eat corn from the ground. But at least, she had a protector. The 5 point buck who retained his antlers deep into winter, seemed to always show up with Peg, and shoo away the other deer who tried to push their way in for the corn. We called him Cinco. Before long, we began to put corn in two areas, so Peg would have some for herself, and the rest of the yard herd would not argue with her for it. Cinco stood vigil, and ate only after Peg hobbled away.
I've read that deer do not mate for life. I've read that they have family units, but that the males show little interest in the females except for their very brief encounters during the rut. I am beginning to wonder if that is truth.
Surprisingly, Peg indeed survived winter, and by early summer, she was putting a bit of weight on the injured leg. We continued to supplement our herd with corn all year, just to be sure Peg found enough nutrition. Low and behold, in early October, we watched as a beautiful buck mated with Peg, who by then was stronger and able to run with barely a limp. I wondered if the buck was Cinco, and I am confident now that it certainly was. Cinco has matured into a beautiful 8 point buck. And his devotion to Peg is amazing. Last night, on trail cam, the two were photographed near one another throughout the night.
Just a few minutes ago, I watched as Peg was nibbling some corn, and a spike buck came her way. He jumped the stream and headed towards Peg on a trot. Seemingly from nowhere, Cinco came running from the woods at break neck speed and chased the spike off. I then saw him headed in the direction of Peg. I'm guessing he stays close by her, still her protector as well as her suitor. The rut is over, there is no reason for him to accompany this pretty little girl. And yet, he is always there... just in the shadows. Do deer mate for life? I guess not... but ask me in a few years and I'll have a better answer for you. For now; I'll just amaze at the sights I am so blessed to observe in my little corner of the world.
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Conversation was never begun at once, nor in a hurried manner. No one was quick with a question, no matter how important, and no one was pressed for an answer. A pause giving time for thought was the truly courteous way of beginning and conducting a conversation. Silence was meaningful with the Lakota, and his granting a space of silence to the speech-maker and his own moment of silence before talking was done in the practice of true politeness and regard for the rule that, "thought comes before speech." ---Luther Standing Bear (1868?-1939) Oglala Sioux Chief
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