Three for a Buck

Finding a three-legged mule deer is rare. It’s even more uncommon to see an antlered doe.
With all the predators in the West, it’s extremely uncommon to see a mule deer with a significant handicap. Not only does it make them an easier meal for coyotes, bears, wolves, and cougar, but it makes them more susceptible to malnourishment and weather.

Taking that into consideration, you would probably feel pretty lucky to come across such a sight. But, what if you that three-legged mule deer was an antlered doe? You imagine no one would believe you unless you have a video of it.

Tammy Russell Facebook captures this on video below!

In Tammy’s Facebook post she says:

Doe with velvet horns and her three legged velvet friend. Anybody who knows deer knows that does don’t have horns and there shouldn’t be any bucks with velvet horns this time of year. Unless its also a doe or been castrated. In the comments section of Tammy’s post she added:

We were looking for nuts on both them but couldn’t see any then the one pee’d. [We’re] thinking they may both be does. If the bigger one is not a doe then its nutless.
What do you think? Is the three-legged mule deer a buck or antlered doe?

Another version is:

Occasionally, you see a doe with antlers.

Occasionally, you see a buck with velvet on his antlers in December.

Occasionally, you see an animal with three legs.

How often do you see a deer with velvet antlers in December and three legs?

This funny critter seems to have no problem walking around and hopping fences and navigating snow with three legs, whether it be Buck or Doe.

Here’s to hoping for a long and interesting life for this grass-muncher. It’ll be neat to see what comes of them!

by Sam Morstan

Source: Tammy Russell Facebook, Dominic Aiello