Nosey Neighbors!

These spry Bucks are very curious! Three Bear Barn is located in the Cossawattee River Resort Community about halfway between East Ellijay and Carter's Lake.  Hunting is not permited on the resort. These fellows are checking us out as we sneaked upon the deck to share a quick Kodak Moment with them. Notice their antlers are in velvet. Note also, their healthy coat and nice shape and weight.  They have no problem finding a balanced diet, in "our neck of the woods!"  This photo was taken probably around mid-August as around the first of September the velvety antlers begin to harden and their texture changes internally and externally. I have read that the growth rate of the antlers is faster than any other biological growth or re-growth rate.  Makes sense to me, but I slept through most of  Life Science and at least half of Biology class! 

"Mares eat oats and Does eat oats.....and all the corn we put out for them."

We feed the deer corn year round. We only get the cleanest top quality corn free of husks and cracked kernals.   Depending on what you have read on the subject, some maintain the deer should not be fed as corn is not a sufficient healty diet and when it is easily obtained they rely on it rather than hunt for the natural nuts, seeds, wild berries.  Of course, deer love most all of the seasonal plants we purchase at the local nursery as well..  Others, are not opposed to buying a group of beautiful girls like these a nice dinner.  I would think any young Buck would be proud to be seen in their company!  Our feeder is about 20 feet from the deck and in good view from Three Bear Barn Den, where our daughter snapped this quick shot of the crowd at the breakfast buffet!