Hunting

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Locked-Up Bucks

By Outdoor Life Online Editor

January 14, 2009

When the neighbors of Mike Wallewein, a famer outside of Sunburst, Montana, went on vacation around Thanksgiving of last year, they asked if Mike's family could look after their farm while they were away. The day after Thanksgiving, Mike's son Lance went to the neighbors to do a few chores, not anticipating he was about to be a part of a heroic animal rescue. When he first arrived at the Paces' farm, he spotted two whitetail bucks whose antlers had become locked together in the heat of battle. He immediately ran home to get the help of his father, sisters Jamie and Jessie, and family friend Steve Smith. When the Walleweins returned to the scene, they found the bucks still trying to separate themselves from one another, constantly losing their balance and falling over.Jamie Wallewein

When they were able to remain upright, the deer pushed each other through fences and caragana hedges. The battle had already taken its toll on both animals as the barbwire had torn their legs and hide in places.Jamie Wallewein

When the bucks went down again, and flipped onto their backs, Mike and Steve leapt to action. The scene was tense, as the men tried to help the deer without being injured and before the deer could hurt one another anymore than they had.Jamie Wallewein

A tine from one buck's rack had pierced through the tongue of the other and was threatening to punch through the bottom of its jaw. The other buck had a tine from his counterpart's rack lodge in his face.Jamie Wallewein

Years of experience in dealing with uncooperative animals--namely calves as they are being branded--came in handy when negotiating the bucks' flying hooves and thrashing antlers. Unfortunately for Smith, he did suffer a few solid kicks.Jamie Wallewein

Jessie and Lance stabilized one deer as their father sat on the other and worked to pry apart the antlers that he said seemed like they were welded together.Jamie Wallewein

After a few tense minutes, Mike Wallewein was able to work the bucks' antlers apart and set each of them free to live another day. To see video of the rescue, click here.Jamie Wallewein

These three bucks were clearly not as lucky.

Reportedly found by a Minnesota hunter, all three animals sport great racks.

We're still trying to verify their authenticity.

When the neighbors of Mike Wallewein, a famer outside of Sunburst, Montana, went on vacation around Thanksgiving of last year, they asked if Mike's family could look after their farm while they were away. The day after Thanksgiving, Mike's son Lance went to the neighbors to do a few chores, not anticipating he was about to be a part of a heroic animal rescue.

When he first arrived at the Paces' farm, he spotted two whitetail bucks whose antlers had become locked together in the heat of battle. He immediately ran home to get the help of his father, sisters Jamie and Jessie, and family friend Steve Smith.