Farm or Wildlife Preserve?

You all know about the ESF and the activities that we have going on their. However the cattle operation or the forage demonstrations aren't the only thing you will see when spending any time at all on the farm. This farm is FULL of wildlife. It's no secret that Owen County has the largest deer population in Kentucky, but it seems to be doing quite well in regards to turkey as well. This turkey nest was sheltered in a fence row underneath a low growth cedar tree. Needless to say, when the hen flushed the horses didn't appreciate it very much!

Other species that have been spotted include coyote, fox, hawks, rabbits, squirrels, and even some muskrats in the creek.  This fellow didn't seem to mind me at all while he was hunting for mice right beside the dairy barn.

And then there are the deer. Owen County deer are also know to be large. Easily the largest buck I have ever seen I jumped out of a cedar thicket last winter.  I'm not much of a deer hunter, but the sight of him made me want to put on some camo and sit in a tree.  There is deer sign all over the farm and it is evident where they like to cross the fences because they are constantly wearing out holes that Greg and I have to tend to so we can keep the cows in.  We watched these two yearlings cross the fence.  One jumped it and the other just kind of went through it.

There is a strict No Hunting policy at the farm and it seems as though the wildlife knows that. But I enjoy getting to see such a diverse ecosystem at the farm.  It is a testament that if you take care of the land and manage it properly, the wildlife will recognize it and call it home. Hopefully I can catch a picture of that large buck just so you know I'm being honest...