Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists and a department veterinarian released Bucky, the black-tailed buck that was illegally held as a pet by a Molalla family, into the wild Friday.

ODFW

Bucky, seen shortly after his release in the wild.

The buck paused for a few moments to browse and then walked off through the brush into the forest, according to the veterinarian.

"It did exactly what it should have," said Dr. Peregrine Wolff.

The buck was released into the Bull Run Watershed which drains about 102 square miles of forested landscape and is home to almost 250 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. The area requires special permits to enter, has a resident deer population, and is off-limits to hunters.

Slideshow: Bucky and Snowball

Wolff described the release site as ideal.

"It's very lush, with a lot to eat there," she said. "It has good thermal cover and there are other deer tracks in the area."

"We believe this is the best outcome for the deer," said Ron Anglin, wildlife division administrator. "We believe he can survive in the wild, and have given him the opportunity to do so."

Prior to Bucky's release, state wildlife veterinarians performed a vasectomy to keep him from passing on genes with his mother's genetic deformities.

"The buck is a good candidate for release because he is strong and demonstrates the instincts necessary to survive in his natural habitat," ODFW spokesman Rick Hargrave said.

Meanwhile, negotiations to determine the fate of Bucky’s mother, Snowball, were on hold pending a full health assessment.

"We are going to be doing X-rays of the doe's joints next week, to determine what pain management therapy she will need...and veterinary care," explained ODFW spokeswoman Michelle Dennehy.

More: ODFW Q&A about Snowball and Bucky

Because Snowball cannot run normally due to her deformity, the doe will not be returned to the wild. The other options include finding a wildlife facility for Snowball or returning her to the family.

Background: Lawyer fights for Snowball, Bucky's mother

The Molalla family’s lawyer was fighting to win custody of the doe, which the family argued should be returned to their land, where she was kept safe from predators. Snowball, who has leg deformities, was rescued from a roadside six years ago and lived with Jim Filipetti and Francesca Mantei.

Bucky is the offspring of Snowball and Mr. Magoo, a blind buck who came "as a friend for Snowball" from a friend of a friend, Filipetti said. Mr. Magoo impregnated Snowball, a surprise. "It was a blind deer," Filipetti said. "I didn't know he could do that."

Filipetti seemed resigned Friday to the state's decision about Bucky.

"It's really not acceptable, but I guess I don't have much choice in the matter," he said.

Filipetti's lawyer, Geordie Duckler of Portland, said negotiations with the state will continue about Snowball, but it's a matter of time before the department makes a decision in her best interest.

"The least stressful environment is back with the family ... back where it grew up," Duckler said.

The Fish and Wildlife Department said Snowball has been getting anti-inflammatory medicine for the pain related to her deformities, and will get a hoof-trimming next week as well as the X-rays of her joints. She's been segregated from Bucky because he is likely to be aggressive during breeding season, ODFW officials said.