Beside the Stream

Last winter, there were two easily recognizable young bucks in the interchangable herd of mule deer that wintered on our land:  one had 7 points, the other had 8, and they were always together.

I took this photo on 2/17, as these little bucks were crossing the field on the deer path.  You can see why they’d be easy to identify, two guys hanging out together.  And then they left for the summer.

On 10/17, eight months to the day after I took the previous photo, this big buck walks out of the forest.  To me this looks like a formidable creature.

Let me rephrase: this guy is a stud-muffin, and he has a serious rack.  He’s walking around like he owns the joint, casual as can be, and then another large male walks onto the field. 

I thought maybe I’d get some deer fighting photos–two big males around mating season–but instead they were totally comfortable with each other. 

They’ve had a good summer up in the high country,

and they have every reason to believe that they’ll have a safe winter beside the stream.

They said Hi to the dog from afar, and one plopped down in the shade near the ditch while the other enjoyed the grass, and they both felt right at home.  And that’s when I flashed on those two little deer friends from last winter.  It’s the same two bucks, a smaller eight pointer and larger seven pointer,

still friends.