Tuesday, September 17, 2013

In rut

During our evening drive, one square mile, just before sunset, we have observed different deer behavior.  Some groups seem to be always together, their herd is established and their numbers do not change.  This years fawns are wary but curious, the late fawns still have their spots.
Sunday night we observed two bucks fighting it out.  It was strange a herd of about eight deer were in the bean field, and at the edge of the field two bucks were left in the dust when the others ran toward the woods.  Apparently the hormones were in control.
Two Bucks fighting
Their heads were down and they were shoving each other around and around, only concentrating on being a winner.
Two Bucks fighgting 1
Most of my photos were blurry…they were moving around really fast.  Finally they separated only to go back at it again.
Two Bucks stop fighting
A couple of nice bucks…we decided they would make good jerky come November.  I personally will leave the gun hunting to others and continue to hunt with my camera.
They are finally leaving
It was fun to see these two in rut.  From what I have read they can start to be in rut from late September to November, they fight for dominance of the herd of females. A buck only has one thing on his mind during that time…does.  They certainly didn’t mind us watching the fight.  It must have been a draw, they both took off together for the safety of the woods. They had to cross the road in front of us.
IMG_2346
If you look closely there are four deer in this photo. Yes, they are headed for our place, right now the safety of the woods, the lure of the bean field and water down at the lake will keep them around for a while:( 

17 comments:

troutbirder said...

Interesting. We have tons of well corn fed deer around here but I've never seen this....:)

Primitive Stars said...

Morning, wow!!! already feeling the rut....so neat you captured them with the camera. Great pictures, love deer, glad you shoot with a camera, Francine.

linda m said...

ow neat that you were able to capture it on you camera. So glad your "weapon of choice" is a camera.

Marty said...

I like the way they leave together, like two mortal enemies of the playground who leave arm in arm.

DJan said...

I never thought about it, but of course they would go into rut, just like their larger cousins do. Although the pictures are not too clear, they give me a good idea of what happened. I've learned something today, too! :-)

Beth said...

Wonderful photos. I love deer watching!

Intense Guy said...

Deer go "crazy" when they are in a rut... just like humans.

Muffy's Marks said...

Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Good photos of their duel!!

LindaG said...

You'll know where to find them, then, when you're ready to make that jerky!

L. D. said...

I remember seeing my dad's hereford bull and the neighbors angus bull tearing out a whole row of fence fighting it out for territory. The bucks fright is a rare sight for most of us as it probably is in the timber where they do their battles.

Sam I Am...... said...

Rut can be dangerous for anyone that gets in the way. I knew a gal who was walking her dog and almost got "rutted"....they're crazy this time of year. Stay in your car! LOL!

Red said...

...but when hunting starts they can find a very private place. You are very fortunate to see the fight and photograph it.

Ryker said...

I used to do alot of hunting with my dad but now only hunt with my camera as well. Those I do enjoy game meat and fish my friends give me!

Unknown said...

I doubt they are in rut, I suspect these are young bucks learning the aspects of dueling. Rut shouldn't start for another month.

Dreaming said...

We have seen some beautiful bucks... (beautiful when they are in someone else's pasture or yard)... but we have never seen them 'duke it out'.
Neat picture!

Terry and Linda said...

For some reason we haven't had many deer this year...we usually have a herd of about 8, but we have only seen one doe. Strange.

Your photos are good, Connie!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Rita said...

One thing on their minds--true. Makes the roads more dangerous, too. Great pictures considering they were fast moving and rutty. ;)