Unusual Fishing in the Stephens Passage, Alaska

Four young Sitka black-tailed bucks fell upon good luck Sunday
as they were pulled from the icy waters of Stephens Passage, Alaska

by a group of locals on Tom Satre's 62-foot charter vessel.
Four juvenile Sitka black-tailed deer swam directly toward the boat.

Once the deer reached the boat, the four began to circle the boat,
looking directly at the humans on board. Clearly, the bucks were distressed.

With help, the typically skittish and absolutely wild animals came willingly onto the boat.
Once onboard, they collapsed with exhaustion, shivering.





Here the rescued bucks rest on the back of Tom Satre's boat, the Alaska Quest.
All four deer were transported to Taku Harbour.

Once the group reached the dock, the first buck that had been pulled from the water
hopped onto the dock, looked back, then leapt into the harbour,
swam to shore, and disappeared into the forest.
After a bit of prodding and assistance from the humans, two others followed suit,
but one deer needed more help.

Here he is being helped by Tom Satre off the boat.

Tom, Anna and Tim Satre help the last of the "button" bucks to its feet.
They did not know how long the deer had been in the icy waters
or if there had been others who did not survive.

The good Samaritans (humans) describe their experience as "one of those defining moments in life."

I’m sure it was for the deer, as well.