Autumn Deer Rut
Over the past few years in autumn we have visited our local patch to photograph the Fallow deer during the annual rut. This year we took the opportunity to visit Charnwood Forest, an upland tract of country side in north-western Leicestershire, and Bradgate Park. It was a Naturetrek Wildlife Photography Day Trip, with Andrew Mason, wildlife photographer. We can thoroughly recommend this course, concentrating on the Autumn Deer Rut .
Royal Stag in the Autumn Deer Rut
Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park covers an area of 850 acres. For nearly eight centuries the park has housed heathy herds of both Fallow and Red deer. It was the ancestral home of Lady Jane Grey and the ruins provide a spectacular setting in the autumn light. Although it is relatively easy to locate Fallow deer the Red Deer herds can be more difficult to find. It can occasional require some strenuous uphill walking. As well as improving our photographic skills we set ourselves the challenge of capturing a selection of iconic shots of the deer during the rutting season.
| Bellowing Stag /Buck | Fighting Stags/Bucks |
| Deer sporting foliage | Portraits of Hinds/Does |
| Action shots | Head shots of deer in bracken |
| Groups of resting deer | Jackdaw on deer’s back |
After a very early start we met up with Andrew and the other three members of the group. We set off at a brisk walk to one of the spots where deer sometimes gather, as they move from the forest to their upland grazing meadows. It was still half light when we reached the area so it gave us the opportunity to discuss some camera settings that would be useful as the light changed. Having spent some time at this location we then moved around the park following the different lighting conditions as the day progressed through till dusk. During the day we tried to capture the behaviour of the deer as the Stags & Bucks of both the fallow and red deer rounded up their harems. Always looking out for those shots that captured both the Autumn colours and those memorable photo opportunities that the annual rut provides.
Despite the main focus of the day being the deer there is a lot to see and photograph in the area and it can get quite busy with both photographers and other visitors. So obviously, an early start, mid week is the best time to visit at this time of year..
Warning
Often the best place to photograph deer are in parks that are open to the public so they are used to humans. Making them quite easy to get within a good photographing distance. But a word of warning to anyone setting out to photograph deer in the rutting season. They are wild animals and at this time of year very unpredictable. Particularly the Stags which are full of testosterone and more interested in maintaining their harems. A lens of 400mm+ ensures that you can keep a safe distance. Better still a zoom (we use a 100-400mm) allows you to capture full range of images safely.
Red Deer Stag Emerging From the Bracken
Jackdaw on Fallow Deer Hind
Fallow Deer with Jackdaws Feeding on Ticks
Fallow Deer Buck with Grass Headdress
Red Deer Stag Bellowing in the Autumn Deer Rut
Close up of a Royal Red Deer Stag (12 points)
Royal Stag Guarding his Harem
Red Deer Full of Testosterone in the Autumn Rut
Royal Stag in Black and White
Red Deer Stag and Hinds
Occasionally the hind will approach and mount the stag (bulling) as part of their mating behaviour
Red Deer Stag with his Harem in the Autumn Deer Rut
Some Hinds were still suckling their Fawns
Royal Stag captured in early morning light
Portrait of a Red Deer Stag
Fallow Deer Twin Fawns
Young Buck Fallow Deer
Reflecting on the day we would thoroughly recommend a visit to Bradgate Park if you want to photograph these amazing animals. You do need to be prepared for a tough, long day as the park is quite hilly. Despite being a park with numerous well used paths to get the best out of a visit you need to be prepared to cover a few miles on foot.