We couldn't get close enough, fast enough to get a picture of the happenings, but here's a picture of one of the culprits later in the day.
Isn't it purtty? There were 3 or 4 of them clacking there antlers together this morning within our sight and that was the AHA moment for me.
Elk or Deer or one of each? You hunters out there will have to tell me.
We see one of these herds about once a day. They just hang out over there on their side of the fence and it doesn't seem to bother them that we are around.
Today I went into Cotulla again. I had more mail to pick up and decided as long as I was going I would do laundry. I picked up Debi from over at our old gate and we headed in. First stop, the post office to pick up a new cookie press and some unmentionables. I have one more package but it wasn't in yet. Then over to the laundromat.
Now, there ARE two of them in this little town. One that looks like it has seen MUCH better days and the one I always go to. It's on the east side of town in the same building as a flower shop. The building is newer, but they don't take care of their machines. At least 4 washers and 5 dryers are out of order and have not been fixed in the 4 weeks I have been going there. They were a reasonable deal, $1 for washing and a $1 for 40 minutes of drying. Sometime between my last trip and today they all were changed to $1.50. Now I've paid that much before for washers, but usually in a place that is well kept and 99% or better of the machines are in working order. They also had the added benefit of having enough folding tables and enough transfer baskets. This one has 2 small folding tables and if there are more than 3 people in the place you have to wait for someone to finish folding to get a basket OR a folding table. They have plenty of room for more, just don't have more. If someone wanted to make some money in this town, just need to open a decent laundromat with at least 20 washers and 20 dryers. Some heavy duty washers and enough tables and baskets to go around. With all the oilfield employees and all the gate guards needing to do laundry it could be a goldmine for the right person.
While at the laundromat we ran into another gate guard. He asked us if we were gate guards and after telling him yes, I asked if he had a blog. Turns out it was David Wendel of the Wandering Wendels. http://www.wanderingwendels.com/adventures-in-gate-guarding-in-south-texas.html
I have been reading their blog for awhile now, so it was real nice to finally meet one of them. Go on over and have a look. They have a great blog!
After the laundry we went over to the Dollar General so Debi could look at holiday decorations. On our way home we stopped at the Mickey D's for lunch and took some to go for the guys.
Got back home to the generator still on the 30 amp plug. Our service man came this morning about 8:30 and the generator maintenance guy about noon. He had to order a part to come overnight, so hopefully he will be back tomorrow to continue repairs.
I'm off to watch the Law & Order I DVR'd earlier, then off to bed I think.
Toodles!
Well, not a hunter, per se, but my hunting is done with a camera. I am going to go out on a limb here and say deer. However, I've NEVER seen deer with a rack of antlers that large, but I have seen elk with them that size.
ReplyDeleteWhat throws me some more is the actual shape of the body. That is what makes me say deer. If it is that they are out on a ranch where they aren't hunted, perhaps deer can grow antlers that big, if they are given time.
If I could see them next to an object that would give me a better perspective on size, I could be more definite. Elk are definitely larger than deer. Do you hear any "trumpeting" from any of them? I think elk will call out but deer won't.
All that said, I will likely defer to more knowledgeable folks, especially since I can't see them in person.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Wyoming and have seen my fair share of both elk and deer. I am 99.9% positive they are deer. Beautiful deer at that. As Terry said, the body shape is wrong for elk.
Great pictures!
Sue