Mule Deer

           The other day we were driving on Agua Fria Road and came around a shaded bend and out of the shadows stepped a huge stag with a magnificent set of antlers.  He stepped to the middle of the road and turned facing us. A few steps behind him a graceful doe appeared with a yearling fawn beside her.  The stag stood still, glaring at us as if daring us to move, either towards him or the doe and fawn. 

I imagined sighting down a gun barrel and wondered how anyone half civilized could shoot one of these magnificent animals.  The stag symbolized a kind of innocent beauty seldom seen.  The eyes were deep brown and glistening.  How could anyone shoot one of these and consider it sport is far beyond comprehension.

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