Deer are beautiful, elegant, and graceful, and always take my breath away. I took this photo of one playing in a field near Amana. They are truly a joy to see and admire.

As I look into those deep brown eyes, I still cannot comprehend how humans can hunt these glorious creatures. My heart aches for those that have been lost to guns and arrows. When I see one lying on the side of the road, I’m deeply saddened.

As the human population continues to grow and more and more housing additions are built in the country, deer are shoved farther and farther away from their homes, and more of them are occupying less area. Thus, humans think deer overpopulation is becoming a problem and that deer kills are necessary. I have heard so many people cursing the animals when they’re caught munching on shrubs. Humans forget who was there first. They need to remember, and to stop and think… what would I do, where would I go… if I were chased from my home? There’s less land and, therefore, less food for them. They still need to eat, just like humans.

Parents… please teach your children to appreciate and protect these wild animals so that they will be around for future generations to enjoy. Take a moment from your hectic fast-paced life and relish what’s really important… the beauty of all God’s creatures around you.