LEXI AT 11 MONTHS

Lexi has been running with a herd of deer since November. His last visit to the barn was just prior to xmas 2016. Since then hes has not visited the barn or the house. Lexi comes into the field sometimes alone, sometimes with a buddy or two, but most often accompanied by a very large rust colored Doe. We believe this is Mom, as she originally was the one who permitted him to join the herd. Her display of affection toward him was more like a reunion than a first greeting. Lexi stays very close to her always.
in early March Lexi came into the field at 10pm accompanied by his Mom. My wife walked into the field and called his name. As the big doe moved into the treeline several yards, Lexi walked to my wife and greeted her in his usual way, nose pokes and a few rubs. Together they spent 45 minutes snuggling and allowing my wife to groom him and hug him repeatedly. He enjoyed some walnuts, pecans, as well as a few crackers. All this time the big Doe just stood quietly and watched!

The doe must have summoned him as Lexi turned to the woods and slowly walked back to the big Doe, stopping several times to gaze back at his human Mom.
Lexi still comes into the field to eat from his special bowl, but we have stopped efforts to approach him.
We are certain later this spring Lexi will return on his own when independent. We can't wait for that time. Lexi's bond with my wife is a strong one. No other members of my family who helped raise him are able to approach him.
We will continue to update the Amazing story and success of Lexi,

our baby!
 

Winter has passed, Memorial Day signals the beginning of Summer and Kalo, as he has done all Winter, sits quietly sniffing the air for the scent of Lexi. He's not alone. Gayle and I both are constantly scanning the field with everything from spotlights to night vision scopes.
This effort was rewarded many times by actual sightings of Lexi and his herd of up to nine Deer. Calling him in or getting close was never an option as Lexi would always flee with his Rust colored Deer Mom.
Lexi would stop and stare at Gayle even as the others moved to the edge of the field. Occasionally he would kick his heels and spin several times before joining the group in retreat. We knew this was special behavior for Gayle as this was his routine with Gayle for the 8 months he lived with us. Lexi is not only alive but has grown into a very handsome, healthy, and strong young Buck. He visits his Water Mellon Bowl frequently and our trail cams record him feasting on his favorite snack. None of the others will approach his bowl.
This time of year Does will disperse their herds, beginning with yearling Bucks and prepare themselves to give birth and raise their new young.
Young Bucks will form their yearling Buck herds and spend their summer months feasting and gathering size and strength in preparation for their first fall Rut.
Lexi came into the field last night 5/30/17 accompanied by a slightly smaller yearling Buck. Gayle walked to the edge of the field and called his name. Unlike the winter meetings, Lexi took instant notice of Gayle and in a very majestic display of strength and maturity, he traveled the entire length of the field and stood not 20 feet from her. The smaller yeaarling Buck by his side. Lexi was the dominate Buck in his new, tiny herd.

For 10 minutes he stood there soothed by Gayle's presence and listening to her speak to him as she had done for 8 months. Lexi stood tall and proud and his eyes never left his Mommy. As I walked onto the porch Lexi released a very loud snort to express his displeasure for my interruption. He terminated the meeting in his usual manner......he looked at Gayle, spun around several times, kicked his heels up, and retreated into the woods with his buddy following close behind. Sorry Gayle !
This hopefully is just the beginning of a wonderful Lexi filled summer and feel confident the actual contact is close at hand!