Down in the Valley, The Netahs, book 2

Josh was 15 when he became a Netah, a human who could transform into an animal. When the secretive Netahs gave him permission to live among his fellow elk Netahs, it was winter. Now he lives in the bachelor lodge, becomes an apprentice, makes friends and adjusts to how elk Netah live. When his outlaw father escapes, Josh's days become a series of tranquilizer darts, kidnapping, escapes, a dragnet, a trial, and the return of some old friends. As spring warms the valley, Josh’s new friends hint about summer games and competitions.