Celebrity Three-Legged Deer Off-Limits to Hunters

By Tom Ozimek
November 10, 2017 6:36 pm Last Updated: November 10, 2017 6:36 pm
A three-legged deer has been spotted for the last several years in Waverly, Iowa. ("Arches National Park" by Arches National Park/Flickr [Public Domain])

Deer season’s in full swing again in the state of Iowa. But if any local hunters in the city of Waverly are thinking of landing one legendary local—a three-legged deer—they’d better think twice. Or face the wrath of Peg and Steve Watson.

The couple live on a wooded property and say they welcome hunters hoping to bag a trophy buck this—or any other—season.

But the Watsons say she’s the one deer that’s just plain off limits.

“You cannot shoot her, it’s not fair sport,” Steve Watson told NBC affiliate KWWL News.

The couple first spotted the three-legged doe on their property a couple of years ago.

“And then we noticed that it was missing its left front leg. And that’s why it was stumbling,” Watson told KWWL.

The Watsons have been intrigued by the forest creature, which they believe was born with only three legs, ever since.

“We’re amazed that she’s survived this long with just three legs,” Watson said.

The city of Waverly seems to be somewhat of a magnet for unusual deer sightings. A few weeks ago, a large deer was captured on video running around the downtown, at one point banging  into a jewelry shop window.

And as for those who like to shoot more than just photographs, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website says it’s currently open season for bow hunting.