Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-03
That Enchanted Deer.


about an enchanted doe that had been
seen and shot at by half dozen Mad
rid sportsmen and also by Mayor
Noble of Lewiston. This latter gentle
man had an excellent opportunity to
shoot, but failed to bring down the
game. Others told of their own bad
luck and it became common talk, in
that vicinity, that the doe bore charmed
life.
Probably but few really thought it
true. but this year there are no doubt
ing Thomases, every one or them be-
Heve that deer toSeenchanted as much
as they believe in their own existence.
1t comes this way
John Shepard of Phillips. crack
shot and one Who now holds cham
pionship badge for Workmanship has
had what he considers an uncanny eX-
perience with this same doe. judging
from the description of former shoot
erS.
Mr.. Shepard lives in the northeast
part of Phillips and adjacent tothe for
est that extends to the hauntS of the
doe last season. A short time ago he
went to his orchard to watch for a
deer that had made frequent visits to
that locality. He selected his position
betweena couple of boulders and quiet
ly awaited the coming of the Intruder.
He had not long to wait before he
heard the cracking of the bushes and
a moment later the deer bounded into
the orchard and came toward Mr..
Shepard. His rifle was ready and
when she had reached the very spot
he would have selected he took a de-
liberate aim and fired. The deer
bounded away. He was positive his
bullet had passed through her and
that she would fall dead in a few sec
onds so he slowly followed the course
she took. Imagine his surprise when he
reached an open spot to see her stand
ing on little knoll looking at him.
Here was a chance for a second easy
shot and he quickly made it, He could
scarcely credit his eyes when he saw
her turn and run for the woods not
far distant but feeling that he had
twice hit her he followed to find where
she had dropped dead.
When he came in sight of the woods
there stood his doe, as she stood when
he made his second shot. 1t was not
long distance. now but he determined
to take time and make sure. His third
shot was fired. The deer turned as
formerly and disappeared in the woods.
He was dumbfounded, but he fol-
lowed to the spot where she had stood
hut not sign or trace of her could be
found beyond that spot. The woods
were thoroughly searched in all direc-
tons. but was unavailing and he re-
turned to his home.
He tried to. make himself think it
had been the fault of the gun, and to
become assured that such was a fac.
he paced distance twice that of his
last shot and set up board for a
target.
In 20 consecutive shots he hit the
board every time. 16 of them being
was not the fault of either he or the
rifle and he cannot account for it on
any other grounds than that the deer
bears a charmed life He is not a be-
lever in signs or superstitions, had as
soon tip over the salt cellar. break a
looking glass or walk past a grave
yard in the night without whistling as
TO do any other act not regarded with
awe by many people.
This is no New York Sun story, it is
an actual occurrence. and by address
ing Mr.. Shepard you can learn the
story as we have told it-Rangeley
Lakes. tsi.,. i.q =, ss,