Of Deer Sheds and Eggshells

Posted June 12th, 2008 by Jen in family life, the ranch

JoJo's deer horn find “Mom! Look!” I had walked right by the 4-point deer shed, trying to keep my eye on the six children running wildly through our Juniper forest, praying the littlest ones wouldn’t trip on all the volcanic rock outcroppings. We had company, and they hadn’t seen our property yet, so off we went on a hike.

JoJo made the big find of the day, with this great deer antler. We stumble upon at least one every spring, as the deer run our property year round, and bed down and poop all over the place make themselves at home here. I remember my children’s amazement when they discovered that deer shed their antlers and grow a new set every year. Note to the deranged individual who continually posts comments here (I love my delete button) about how my husband, the deer hunter, is a “worthless, inhumane piece of sh*t for killing poor innocent deer” - JoJo did not kill this deer nor rip the antler from its head, the Hunter had nothing to do with this, and we love deer as creatures as well as deer for meat.

Big L's egg shell Big L was distraught that he was not the one to find the great antler, but some bird saved the day. His spirits returned as he soon raced over to me with his find: an enormous eggshell. We pondered what feathered friend could have hatched out of this. An owl? A hawk? An eagle? It’s anyone’s guess, but his treasure. Incidentally, he did find a spike antler later that day, which he immediately turned into a weapon.

There’s nothing so lovely as watching children play in nature, discovering the wonder of God’s creation. Even when said deer horn is used by one child to impale the head of another child, it’s all worth it. It was an accident, people (and oddly enough, only involved the girls). Something to do with a made-up game called “Deer Fighters.” Stitches not even required, but today’s hike cancelled.

I realize there are people who are “professional deer shed hunters.” They make money off these. Just in case anyone is tempted to come gather these, or any other objects, from our property, we have several signs posted just for you, all some variation of this one:
No Trespassing

Have a sunny day!

Technorati Tags: Central Oregon, children, country, family life, homesteading, outdoor play, ranch, spring, wildlife, eggshells, deer sheds

15 Responses

Wandering through June 12th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I’m sure the crazed poster wears leather and eats defenseless spinach that is known to SCREAM when ripped from the ground.

;)
Jen June 12th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Wandering, to be sure. And he doubtlessly pictures The Hunter as some crazed, blood-thirsty, predator, not a guy just trying to feed his family. And if he enjoys the sport of it, so what.
Beckynsc June 12th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
The kids get so excited when they find something out of the ordinary. Egg shells, abandoned turtle shells and such. They get a place of honor in our house.
As for the commentor…
When and if there comes a time, those people will be depending on us country folk to feed and take care of them!
Amanda June 12th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Well, we really missed you today, had a great time but there will be another for sure. We’re talking Smith Rock and Suttle Lake? :) Sorry about the incident, and your annoying commenter. You know opinions are just like *$^holes(…..sorry—but I had to say it) everyone has one. Thanks again for the great dad’s day gift and I’ll get my check to you soon.
Jen June 12th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Becky, now, that would be their just desserts. :-)

Amanda, Smith Rock and Suttle Lake both sound great. Glad you had fun, I hope you post pictures! Mr. Rotten Commenter certainly has an opinion as well as that other thing. I hope your hubby like the Steelers stuff.
Karen June 13th, 2008 at 6:38 am
When I was young and foolish, I used to be anti-hunting. Then a hunter asked me, pointedly, did I rather that all the pretty Bambis die slowly and agonizingly of starvation due to overpopulation.

Oh.
Mandi June 13th, 2008 at 7:32 am
What a wonderful nature walk you can take any day you want on your own property! Very cool! ( : Love seing pictures of your place and your family - they are precious!
I am glad you liked my book recommendation - don’t feel bad about not always getting to those activities - I don’t either - this book is so thorough in instructions that you can hand it to them and let them do it on their own for most of the activities - and if they fail then they learned how not to do it and can try again right?! ( :
Did you ever find a good price on Jonathan Parks at any of the places I mentioned? (or maybe you found a better deal somewhere!) ( :
Jen June 13th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Karen, good point. :-) Another bizarre thing is that in general, the same people who are virulently opposed to hunting are pretty vocal in their support of a woman’s choice to kill babies in the womb

Mandi, on the Jonathan Park stuff, no, I haven’t found it yet, but I’m going to a used curriculum sale this weekend where hopefully I’ll find something. I was able to pass the information on to my sister, though, who happpened to ask me for ideas on creation science curriculum, and I think she’s going to purchase it. She lives half the country away, so I won’t be able to borrow it, though.
Jane June 13th, 2008 at 8:50 am
I don’t know that we ever need a text book for our kids. God has provided us with such a natural, rich learning environment. Your children have such a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this right on your own property.
Jen June 13th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Jane, we continually thank God for the gift of this property - it has been the most incredible teaching tool and natural playground for the kids and adults alike.
Tipper June 13th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
What treasure you can find on a walk through the woods. I love the shed-and I love deer meat. It is so healthy and tasty too.
Grace June 14th, 2008 at 1:58 am
Your kids are so lucky to be so close to nature. My little girl loves collecting stuffs she finds on the beach, what more if we live on a place like you do!

As for the harsh comment you received, I think that person is just plain sarcastic and too jealous of your family. He deserves the delete button no less!
Julie June 14th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Jen -

Trying out this fun game of tag. You are tagged! Go check out my site to join the fun!

http://www.runninggalinsights.blogspot.com
Rob at Kintropy June 15th, 2008 at 3:07 am
“Deer Fighters” sounds like a challenging game! Sorry you didn’t all get a chance to go on the scheduled hike, but it sounds like the safety message will probably get through. I’m sure everything, particularly the errors, are opportunities for teaching and learning.
Jen June 15th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Tipper, Grace, kids love to hunt for treasure, and I have so many childhood memories of doing the same. Even as an adult, I think I still love to treasure hunt. :-) Even those little things that kids love, like seashells, special rocks, deer sheds, I love that stuff!

Julie, thanks, I’ll get to that soon.

Rob, the safety message - yep, no more deer horn games! So true, though, without those natural consequences, the learning doesn’t happen.

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Of Deer Sheds and Eggshells

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