Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

[freelancer]

Not so long ago I was out on the boat motoring around on a beautiful morning and I see something in the center of the channel swimming around.
Just so you can visualize, we're talking Metro area, Philadelphia Harbor, 1/2 mile from shore either side, directly under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in the middle of a busy shipping lane.

I kind of felt sorry for the thing, thinking that it didn?t have a chance in the world of getting back to shore before going under. I even gave the Coast Guard a call to report the sighting...imagine how that must of sounded :facepalm:

15 minutes, 30, then an hour, still swimming against the flood tide...dam! I know it?s just a deer but hey I?m sticking around, it?s not like you see this every day.

I followed at a distance and finally it gets to the shore line, shakes its hind a few times and runs off in the direction of the very busy avenue of Columbus Boulevard, not even a rest. Shortly after I hear car breaks screeching in the distance

Chances are it had a better chance swimming around rather than out on that busy road. Don't see deer much in the city, who would have known that deer are such strong swimmers. Not me.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

Up in Voyagers National Park, there's more deer on the islands than on land. You see them swimming all the time.

Funniest critter I ever saw swimming was a squirrel with a full cob of corn.

 

[nlain]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

A few years back a couple of local fishermen were out about 5 miles in the Atlantic and saw a deer just a bout to go under, have no idea how long it had been swimming, they got it in the boat and it just laid down until they got close to the barrier islands, they got it up and back in the water and it went to shore, only had a short distance to swim until it could walk in.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

Yep, see them swimming all the time ... very strong and reasonably fast swimmers. I was most shocked when I saw a turkey swimming! He didn't have enough stamina to fly across the lake and came down with a crash in the center. We drove over and I did a STUPID thing ... picked him up! They have sharp spurs and beaks ...

 

[avenger79]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

yep some of the best hunting spots are on islands.

aspeck i have never even thought about a turkey swimming, i never thought about picking one up either. LOL that had to be one of those "i shouldn't have done that" moments right after you got hold of him. LOL

I have walked to close to a rooster at my house though and been chased out of a coop for it. he hated guys, don't know why, it was much more funny when I was watching him chase someone else. LOL

 

[aspeck]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

... that had to be one of those "i shouldn't have done that" moments right after you got hold of him. LOL ...

That, my friend, is an understatement. The Goobler had about 3/4 inch spurs! I did scream for a little help ... it soon became a case of self defense ...

 

[roscoe]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

Up in Voyagers National Park, there's more deer on the islands than on land. You see them swimming all the time.

Funniest critter I ever saw swimming was a squirrel with a full cob of corn.

Smart squirrel, took a pfd along.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

That, my friend, is an understatement. The Goobler had about 3/4 inch spurs! I did scream for a little help ... it soon became a case of self defense ...

So how did it taste

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

Is this a deer in the channel as well?

 

[freelancer]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

If we get those in the Delaware it's going to be an interesting summer

Is this a deer in the channel as well?

View attachment 88968

 

[12vMan]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

I was amazed to see a coyote swimming across Lake Mead years ago. I guess he thought the grass was greener..

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

Is this a deer in the channel as well?

View attachment 88968

Deer or dinner for four at that point.

I heard sick or wounded animals would go for water when they realize they are in trouble.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

So how did it taste

I plead the 5th ...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

I plead the 5th ...

You know if you hang out near salt water........ that is considered brine solution

 

[rbh]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

There is a lake that does not freeze over to well in the winter, and it is very common to see the birds munching down on the half submerged carcasses of the dear that did not make it across.

 

[mommicked]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

On the Turkey subject.I picked one up by the neck at arms length that was still thrashing violently mins.after I fatally shot him w a 3" 2oz. #4 turkey load.(I was concerned he was damageing his beautiful feathers)I quickly released him after a few seconds with some bruises and a small cut.It was incredibly powerful,more than I imagined.he expired soon and his feathers were fine,they're evidently as tough as the rest of the magnificent birds.Deer love water.They'll lie in cool creeks when its very hot to cool off.I watched one,being chased by dogs,jump into a swamp and lie down w only its head above the water as the dogs came and continued down the edge of the swamp. 5 or 10 mins. later it crawled out, shook itself, and ran back the way it came!!

 

[Bluepike]

Re: Is that what I think it is...a deer in the center of the chanel

Sometimes you will see them swimming in Lake Erie going over to Kelley's island from the mainland. It is a good couple of miles. Seems strange to see nonetheless.