WHY MAN MUST ALWAYS RESPECT THE DEER
Chickasaw

The cold arrived early, bringing unexpected snows and freezing temperatures to the woodlands of mid Tennessee. Many people died of starvation because they had not yet filled their stores with adequate food to get them through such a long winter.

One day, when the earth was white with snow and ice, and even the branches of trees were frozen solid, a man dressed himself in animal furs and told his hungry family that he was going out to hunt. “I will not return until I find meat for my children,” he promised his wife.

“And if you do not find meat?” she asked.

“I will not return.”

His wife and children cried and begged him to stay, but he shook his head, tied his leggings with leather strips, and left.

This brave man hunted for days, not finding any animal anywhere. His furs were caked with ice and his body grew weaker with each step. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a fat and handsome buck deer appeared. Deer spied the man, but did not turn to flee. Instead, Deer approached and spoke:

“I see you are in need of meat for your family, and you will die without it. I offer myself. Kill me and I will save you.”

This man was overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thank you good Deer,” he cried, drawing his bow and releasing one well aimed arrow. The man thanked Deer and blessed its spirit. The man hand his family survived because of Deer.

From Traditional Stories and Foods: An American Indian Remembers, by Joan Leslie Woodruff