I have photographed this handsome fellow many, many times, each one a treat. This morning I learned that he passed away sometime since yesterday.
He was discovered lying in a field near where he had been frequenting and competing in the annual deer rut. Reports are that a necropsy has revealed he had a punctured lung, showing he fell victim to a battle during the rut, the likes of which he had been the victor of so many times before during this life.
This image is from two weeks ago and is a nice portrait to remember him. I don’t normally refer to animals by the name others give them as I don’t feel anthropomorphism is beneficial and in fact usually just causes needless drama. Nevertheless, I will use his name here.
Rest easy, Slingshot and thank you for the many photo ops you have provided.
