From our good friend Matt “Flatlander” Cheever, who has been with us on the BIG DEER blog since day one:
Hi Mike, just got a picture of a three-legged buck, have never seen him in our area before so he’s traveled a ways to get here.
Wondering what the other BIG DEER bloggers’ thoughts are? Shoot him out of mercy? Let him live as he’s made it this far and seems healthy? Both scenarios cross my mind and I’ll probably not know until he’s in front of me to see how he really looks on the hoof, but I’m curious as to what others think?
I may never see him again but thought he was unique. I’d like to see him get older and what he’ll develop into? Is this ethical? Nature’s way or my own ambitions for this animal?
God bless, here’s to a strong finish for the season to all the readers!—Flatlander
What do you think…what would you do?
He definitely looks like he was born with 3 legs and does look to be healthy. We had a 3 leg buck on our lease some years ago from injury that healed good and he recovered well. I found him dead after the season, we had foot of snow and he just shed when coyote’s got him. Sad that he was a sitting duck with no way to defend himself but that’s nature.
Bottom line I would let him walk and see what he might grow into.
Agreed that he looks healthy. I would make the decision without regard to the lack of a fourth leg.
From the picture he looks pretty healthy to me like an older injury. I would probably let him go. Now if it looked like a fresh wound and he wasn’t doing too well at all I would probably shoot him before the coyotes get him.
Yep, could have very easily been born that way by the looks of it. I would let him walk and see how big he might get. To be honest, if you have not seen him before you will probably not see him again. I would say he is passing through but may live on a neighboring property. As he gets bigger he will have a major disadvantage when it comes to fighting other bucks. Yep, I like Deans suggestion, wait until he is carrying 200 inches of bone and then take him.
Looks to have been born that way, rather than an injury.. Would guess he’s either 1 1/2 or 2/12 yrs old, so he’s survived this long. In our area I’d think the coyotes would get him eventually.. Wonder if he is accepted into bachelor groups or if he’s a loner… I’d fill my tag if I hadn’t already done so, but would probably let him walk, or hobble.. Hunters call in my opinion.. Kclap
He sure looks as though he is thriving in spite of the lack of a leg.
We have watched three legged axis and sika does for several years on a ranch we hunt in the Edwards Plateau area of Texas. They have bred and successfully reared fawns during the period we have observed them, and it would appear the lack of a front leg has not hindered their ability to survive and raise young.
It does not look as though you have to consider a mercy killing in your particular case. It would be interesting to see him reach 5.5 / 6.5 and show how much potential he has before making a decision to harvest him.
Looks very healthy to me. Don’t think that he’s suffering, so the choice it yours. I have seen 3 legged animals including beagels w/ 3 legs doing fine and hunting as if they had all 4 legs.
I would only shoot him “out of mercy” if….
….he was carrying a 200-class rack!!
No, but seriously, I’ve been around three-legged deer; and have seen numerous deer that still have the 4th leg, but can’t use it as normal. I don’t think that guy is as bad off as some might think. If you look at him he looks fat and sassy. And, if he’s really travelled such a great distance that is a testament to his durability, etc.
You’ll have to decide for yourself Flatlander. You’ll know what to do when the moment arrives. Happy Holidays!