My Three-legged Deer - We call her Gimpy

[BigBoxaJunk]

Thanks for that happy news, it made my day.

 

[mom45]

I love watching all of the deer and other critters I see in my yard, but this doe has everyone in the neighborhood watching out for her.

 

[hoosierdaddy1976]

There's a "gimpy" at the local golf course, only she's missing a back leg. Saw her and her fawn a couple weeks ago. MIL said she's been around for years.

 

[One Shot One Kill]

Last doe I shot had 3 legs like that, missing the front right leg. Thought I was doing it a favor putting it down, but when I field dressed it it had a very full stomach and seemed to be doing good. She was tasty though! Those critters are tough!

 

[mom45]

It's amazing how resilient they are.

 

[daddyusmaximus]

I would hunt for deer, I have years ago, but always find a survival story cool. I enjoy just watching wildlife sometimes.

 

[Bigtanker]

Of course she's pregnant. Can get away from the bucks as quick as the 4 legged models.

 

[mom45]

Of course she's pregnant. Can get away from the bucks as quick as the 4 legged models.

She always has twins or triplets. We figure she is at least 13 so I find it amazing that she still looks so good and is still raising those babies. The first time she was seen with her leg injured/dangling was in 2004 when the neighbors first moved here. She was adult size then so was at least a year or two old at that point. I'm sure the boys have no trouble catching her as she does move slower than the others, but she manages just fine.

 

[Dirtebiker]

Deer usually live to about seven or eight years, and rarely past ten.
That old tripod doe has beaten the odds in more ways than just one.
Glad to see that old girl make it this long.

Mom or Gimpy?

 

[mom45]

Update! Gimpy has been seen again. After not seeing her since late last spring with her twins, I assumed she did not make it through the winter. I had a call Monday from a neighbor letting me know that Gimpy and her twins were in his yard Sunday night. The old girl is still around and at least 14 years old now.

 

[churchmouse]

 

[NVG]

Mom, thanks for the update. And thank you for pics and background story. Nature has a way of showing us some of their amazing contributions. Sad that most just don't get to see it.
NVG

 

[bocefus78]

Awesome! They know where they are safe and how to survive! 14 years old is a freak of nature for a wild deer! Your comment made me google what the oldest deer on record was.... Here's a little reading for the curious: https://www.qdma.com/whats-oldest-deer-record/

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

That's pretty impressive especially considering her handicap.

 

[mom45]

Awesome! They know where they are safe and how to survive! 14 years old is a freak of nature for a wild deer! Your comment made me google what the oldest deer on record was.... Here's a little reading for the curious: https://www.qdma.com/whats-oldest-deer-record/

Thanks for the link!

 

[bocefus78]

Thanks for the link!

I'd encourage you to share her story and history with some of the people in the article or our very own dnr. I'd like to think that they would be interested in her story.

 

[mom45]

I'd encourage you to share her story and history with some of the people in the article or our very own dnr. I'd like to think that they would be interested in her story.

I did message our district DNR last year on FB, and they chatted with me a bit about her. I may try contacting some of the people associated with the article though. She does seem to be a contender for some sort of longevity award.

 

[oldpink]

It really is remarkable just how hardy wild animals can be.

 

[MindfulMan]

That's great news, mom45 !

 

[exodus125]

Very cool!