Presque Isle To Offer Deer Rides

Over the years there have been multiple efforts to thin the overpopulated white-tail deer herd on the Peninsula. Despite the annual hunt and the temporary introduction of African lions, the deer continue to overbreed, which is putting a strain on the park’s already fragile ecosystem.

“It’s really frustrating.” said park ranger Rick Waschbar. “We just can’t seem to get them down to a manageable number. That’s why we have decided to put the deer to work. “

Park rangers corralled about 20 deer this summer, and the now captive white-tails have been being trained to accept saddles and bridles in the hopes that they will become rideable.

Waschbar said “It’s like pony rides; only with deer!” White-tail deer rides are now being offered at the park for 10 dollars a ride. “This program will continue throughout all seasons. “It’s for children only of course.” He went on to say. “Even a full-grown buck cannot carry an adult.”

Waschbar told us that the rangers will make every effort to make sure that the children are matched to a deer that suits their size and riding experience.

“Older kids will be placed on the bucks. During the rut we will charge 40 dollars for buck rides and then only for the most adventurous kids!”

So far, the program has been met with success. According to Waschbar, only a few of the deer have tried to run away while the children were riding them. “Yeah, a few have made a bolt for it, but the park is small and they can’t really get too far.”