Mule Deer #1

by Don Balke

Title

Mule Deer #1

Artist

Don Balke

Medium

Painting - Watercolor On Cold Press Illustration Board

Description

Late in the fall, spry, agile Mule Deer can often be seen as they descend from the high country to avoid the winter snows. These graceful Deer, traveling in herds, can be found in lands from southern Alaska to Mexico. Named for its over-sized ears and husky build, the Mule Deer otherwise hardly resembles its plodding and stubborn namesake. For, when startled, this elegant animal will be gone as if not seen, its black-tipped tail barely distinguishable in the distance. In making its escape, the Mule Deer differs also from its eastern relative, the White-Tailed Deer, in its peculiar, but effective, stiff-legged jumping gait. Come spring, its antlers branch out equally, unlike those of other deer. As the antler bones develop, they acquire a velvety layer of skin and fine hair. And it is not until summer, the mating time, that the "velvet" rubs off to reveal the hard, sharp points of the antlers. These antlers make for a great show as the Mule Deer bucks vie for the attention of the does. But good sense generally prevails and, in the end, the weaker of the combatants simply dashes off, leaving both uninjured and ready for further conquests.

Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.

Artwork Copyright © 1987 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB11085

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April 7th, 2022

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