A Long Hoof

It's been so mild over the past week that our deer removed themselves to the far corners of the estate. This has meant lots of walking (the roads are still full of snow, of course) for little result.

I did, however manage to fall in with this hind shown in the pics. She was amongst a large group of deer and seemed determined to keep in the thick of them. It was only when they crossed a wreath of old snow on a steep brae that she struggled to keep up.

I knew she was badly crippled but it was only when I got up to her that I could see the extent of her problem. In the photo you might be able to make out that her back leg is broken up in her lower haunch.

It must have been like this for a considerable time. You can see how long her 'toenails' have grown without the wear caused by walking on them. Whatever, I'm very glad to have got her.

The thing that amazes me is that this is the first time I've seen this hind. Where the hell has she been hiding all winter??

The weather turned much colder today. There was a snell wind with snow flurries blowing through in the afternoon. It's come in the nick of time as I had my first stalking guest for ages.

The deer had been pushed onto far more accessible ground. We had 4 stalks for the day and finished with 5 beasts. Result.