January Whitetails

When December rolls around, I always try to dedicate about three days to photographing white-tailed deer at the peak of the breeding season.  But, this year the time just got away from me and I missed the chase.

Here are a few deer images from January 9, just in time to capture the end of the main rut.

Don’t forget to click on an image to increase its size and sharpness for better viewing.

Big buck emerging from weedy cover.
“How did that vine get on my antler?”

 

Young buck trailing a doe at sunrise.
Young buck trailing a doe at sunrise.

Most of these photos were taken from ground level with a Canon 7D Mark II and Canon 70-200 mm lens, hand held.  My elbows were on the ground and the stabilizer was on setting # 2.

Dominant buck testing the air for the scent of a doe.
Dominant buck testing the air for scent of a doe.

Getting this shot requires photographer vigilance and having the necessary camera/lens settings “dialed in” before that magic moment occurs.

Hot pursuit!
Hot pursuit!

 

This is my space!
“This is my space!”

 

What spike bucks do while the big boys are chasing does.
What spike bucks do while the big boys are chasing does.

These spikes played at “being bucks” for about 5 minutes and without paying any attention to me.

I hope you enjoyed this brief trip to deer country.

Larry