its 3 degrees out; and soon the deer and elk will decend upon my humble abode.
I have donkeys that I have used to pack game and camps - and they eat hay. So do deer and elk.
I have often had deer that by the end of winter are eating out of my hand; and although they will allow me to put my hand on their backs if there is more than one; and some confusion- they still have a little wild left in them. I have not petted one on the head. I have though had them push their way between my legs to get at the hay in my barn as I enter to get some of that pricey alfalfa.
I made the incredibly stupid mistake of stalking up on some deer once; and grabbing a deer by the tail ( while I was bowhunting).
Had it not been so cold out; and I had not had on thick clothing- the double foot kick I got in the gut might have left me there. ( ow )
Most people are surprised at how small deer are when they get right up to them.
All this does not keep me from being about to eat a deer burger
on the deer encounter ! Makes good memories