Touching the Wild

Joe Hutto’s idea of research is anything but normal, dedicating seven years of his life to becoming a wild mule deer.

For writer, artist and naturalist Joe Hutto (“My Life as a Turkey”), there is no such thing as conducting a typical research project. After a chance encounter with a young mule deer, Hutto would embark on a journey of bonding that would consume over seven years of his life. Touching the Wild airs Wednesday, April 16 at 8 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings).

Over two years of patience on Joe Hutto's part resulted in first displays of trust by a herd of wild mule deer. But once Hutto won full acceptance from the herd's leader, a doe he called Raggedy Anne, he could move among the individuals in the herd and no one paid attention. He had become part of the family. Touching the Wild airs Wednesday, April 16 at 8 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings).

A profound moment of bonding occurs for Joe Hutto when mule deer Rag Tag, the doe herd leader's daughter, begins to groom him, something that only occurs within a deer family. During his seven year journey of bonding with a wild mule deer herd, Joe Hutto came to appreciate the animals' profound intelligence, particularly during displays of curiosity. Touching the Wild airs Wednesday, April 16 at 8

While survival during winter is never a guarantee for wild mule deer, those who endure the harsh months always return to their range. Joe Hutto is included in a profound moment of reunion among a mule deer herd, in particular the introduction of a young deer Molly and her twin to the their extended family. Touching the Wild airs Wednesday, April 16 at 8 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listings).