The Deer of Jones Island

Jones Island, also known as Jones Island State Park is within the San Juan Islands. It is located west of the southwest tip of Orcas Island. Jones Island is a popular stop for many families boating throughout the San Juan Islands.

Jones Island has minimal camping sites and facilities. They are available though, and people do take advantage of them. There are also hiking trails for those who want to explore the Island while getting some exercise as well. Picnic sites can also be found on the Island for those wanting to sit down to a little picnic or just some relaxation. As with all San Juan Islands there are also facilities to stop your boat for the night.

However, there is one main attraction at Jones Island State Park, and that is what Jones Island is so well-known for. Jones Island is full of extremely tame Deer. These Deer inhabit the Island and can be found all over it. The Deer are also so tame that you could go up to them and feed them. Many people believe that the attraction of this island is being able to feed these amazingly tame deer. They will eat straight from your hand if you offer them food. However, feeding any wildlife on the Island, especially the deer, is strictly prohibited.

Feeding the wildlife can actually be dangerous for the animals as they will come to rely on people bringing them food. The problem with this is when the tourist season comes to a stop and people stop visiting the island there is no one to bring these animals food, and a worst case scenario can result in starvation for these lovely animals. This could ruin the State Park as it is known as the deer would no longer be a common sight on the Island.

Many people take advantage of the attraction on this island. They mistake the attraction as feeding the Deer rather than what it should be. The amazing part of these Deer inhabiting the island is allowing us, as human beings; watch them as they interact with each other. It is allowing us to watch them as they grace the Island with their presence. They are graceful animals and we should appreciate the opportunity to watch them as they live their lives as wild animals in a State Park. This is an opportunity that not many people are given, and to see such a large number of deer in one place and to be able to get as close to them as we are able to is truly a unique experience. It is an experience that we should all cherish and remember as the opportunity to view such a beautiful animal in its true surroundings.