Deer Reserve alive and kicking in Ontario

DEER RESERVE, NEAR KINGSTON, ONTARIO, CANADA

BACKGROUND

On October 1, 2005, it came to the attention of Don Murphy and Wendy Workman of Wilton that a farmer in the community, whose health was failing, could no longer maintain adequate care of 100+ Fallow Deer on his farm near Odessa, Ontario, Canada. The deer were being destroyed by canned hunt. After witnessing this, Wendy and Don stepped in and spoke to the farmer about alternatives. Within 24 hours, they had adopted 102 Fallow Deer with the help of an anonymous sponsor who donated $4000 to purchase the herd. Don and Wendy were joined by many volunteers who helped feed and plan for the future of these beautiful animals. A home for the does and fawns was found at Omega Park in Montebello, Quebec and after testing, 89 fallow deer were loaded onto trucks and moved to the Quebec reserve on April 23, 2006.

That left 13 “unwanted” bucks at the Odessa farm. Land was found not far from the farm purchased by Jane McDonald and Allan Park near Kingston, Ontario.

2013: There are currently eight bucks at the Reserve. Although the carers do not know the actual age of the deer because records were not kept at the farm, they hope these animals will live to an age of 15 years.  The youngest is approximately 7 years and the eldest is 11+ years.

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As part of our Christmas present, our Grandma “adopted” one of the deer called, Guilliver, and we became its proud “God Parents”.  We were very lucky to visit the reserve and be shown around the site by the carers of these lovely deer.  We were fortunate and happy to prepare their favourite snack – sliced apples – and serve them to the hungry herd.

Very sadly, towards the end of our “adoption” Gulliver died.  He received a  single bullet, after receiving a large gash in his right side from a fight with another buck that left his bowels exposed to the elements.  The reserve chose to end his life swiftly on the advice of Dr. Brian Willows, a vet, that nothing could save him from infection and a slow and painful death.

WANT TO VISIT?

The Reserve welcomes visitors throughout the year, but the best times to visit are the summer/fall months from May to September. All visits are by appointment only.  They welcome school groups, seniors groups and family groups. Most vehicles can drive close to the fencing so that those in wheelchairs, strollers or walkers can see and feed the deer easily. The deer are fed in the afternoon.

There are easy nature hikes that can be enjoyed on the 50 acre piece of land, so bring hiking shoes, insect repellent, sun block and your camera.

Please leave dog companions at home.

Call (613) 386-3673 to arrange a visit or email ejane@xplornet.com to get directions to the Reserve.