It's going to be a beautiful day

When snow covers the fields,  I love to try and identify the tracks of critters that walk through the farm.  Sometimes, if I'm really quiet, with a little skill and a whole lot of luck, I can follow the tracks right to the foot or "hoof"  that made them. My heart is still beating fast from my meeting with this magnificent creature. I'm surprised I was able to snap the picture.

Many, in these parts, are saying that the deer population has grown so much that it is becoming a problem. There has been an increase in auto accidents because of deer crossing the major highways in the area. The state is considering extending the hunting season or increasing a hunter's "bag limit".

As an ecologist I know that without natural predators, a population can grow beyond the carrying capacity of an ecosystem. Many of these beautiful creatures would die of starvation and that would be cruel.

This big guy was walking solo, but I usually see small herds of four to five in the pastures around the area.  When you see how beautiful these creatures are, I am sure, that this is a sign that all is right with the world. I rather do my hunting with a Nikon.
~ Old dog~