Deer killed by osage tree

[danny f]

maybe it was shot and bolted off and dropped dead as it jumped the log. is that a hole in its neck or just where the buzzards have been. it seems abit strange to die like that naturally it doesnt look like it is stuck, it just looks draped over the tree. surely a fit deer would be able to free itself from that position?

[danny f]

just re looked and maybe the back right leg could be stuck. its a strange one either way.

[osage outlaw]

I don't think it was shot.  It had already lost its antlers so I know it survived hunting season.  I doubt a poacher would shoot at a deer without antlers.  For the past several weeks the ground was covered in several inches of snow and a very thick layer of ice.  I could walk on it without breaking the layer of ice.  I think the deer either broke its neck/back when it fell or got stuck and wasn't able to free itself because of the ice. 

[Parnell]

That really does make me cringe.  Nature can be cruel, is right.  I'm bothered lately about the potential of my Mom falling and being able to access help.  Happened to a neighbor not long ago, broke her leg and was screaming in pain and no one could hear her....ugh...
Mom's got Parkinson's and lives alone.

[BOWMAN53]

when i read the title i expected to see a deer under a fallen osage, not the other way around.

[Gsulfridge]

Save me one Clintster.

+1

[osage outlaw]

We were able to get two sections from the tree.  The wood is still very solid.  Its checked fairly bad but I think there might be a bow or two in each piece.  When my Dad was removing the head we noticed the hair on the back of its ear was rubbed off.  It must have been alive and struggling for a while.  I think it just couldn't get itself free because of the ice.  That was a terrible way to go.

[Badly Bent]

I think your right on the cause of his demise Clint. Were just starting to see bare ground around here, deep snow for weeks and treacherous ice have been the norm. Heck I can barely walk the dog each night on sidewalks without risking injury, slippery as a hockey rink.

[bretto]

That's a tough way to go. Haven't seen any caught on trees but a few hung in wire.

If you get a couple of good bows from staves from that tree it will make a good story.

bretto

[osage outlaw]

OK Pearly and Greg.  I think I'll have a deer killer stave to give to you the next time we meet up.  I was able to split them into 5 staves that look very promising and 3 that might have a chance to make a bendy bow.  The center of the big piece had a loose core and had turned black.  Osage never ceases to amaze me.  This tree has been dead for many years and it looks like it is still good solid wood inside.


The five on the left are the staves that I am pretty sure will make a bow.




I grabbed the smallest of the good staves and started cleaning it up.  This is what I found just a few rings down.

[Danzn Bar]

  wow that's amazing.  wood
DBar

[Joec123able]

Wow gorgeous wood and amazing wood once again

[Danzn Bar]

Clint,
How much sapwood was there?  Looks like it weathered away over the years.

[osage outlaw]

The sapwood had pretty much rotted off.

[Danzn Bar]

That gives me some ideas as to how to get through the tough sapwood easier but I think I would have to wait toooo long. 
That some cool wood.