Red Deer rut

[rlchew]

The Red Deer rut reaches its peak during October (I believe) and although I have seen many Red Deer before I have never seen or photographed the rut. I have seen it on TV many times but that doesn't count as a wild encounter!

All of the Red Deer I have seen and photographed have been in the Scottish Highlands which is a very lengthy journey for me from deepest Essex.

Does anyone know of any reliable sites to witness the Red Deer rut south of the border? I would appreciate any directions and any special access arrangements. Also, does anyone know if any particular times of day are best .... I am guessing early mornings.

Many thanks to those who can advise.

Richard

[matt_xyz]

Hi Richard,

There's an article on photographing deer in Photography Monthly this month by Andy Rouse. As you might expect he recommends shooting in either early morning or early evening when the deer are more active and when the light is best.

Unfortunately the article didn't suggest good places to see deer, either wild or in parks.

Matt

[Mr Mag00]

Hi The New Forest would be nearest for you and then on to Exmoor for really wild red deer

Forestry Commission - New Forest - Red Deer Walk
Forestry Commission - New Forest - Red Deer Walk

[Earth Hart]

Try the Quantocks in Somerset & Exmoor on the N. Devon/Somerset border, also the New Forest in Hampshire or check out the deer in Woburn Park, Beds. Or you could ask Brian Phipps, as he's off soon, chasing the rutt around the countryside with his trusty camera.

[chunkychambers]

Get on to Exmoor Richard, they are the finest wild deer in the UK because of the climate and winter feeding.
SW Exmoor is my favourite area around Winsome common and Exford and I've always found deer in marsh wood, but it's a mare to find.

Obviously early morning and evening are the best times, but this time of year the dominant stagg will herd his harem into the woods usually by water.
The rutting is an awesome site, and you might get closer than normal, but beware, when their bloods up they will charge. I know!!

Camoflage up and also cover your hands and face, the deer can hear and smell better than they see, so if you catch their attention just stand stock still and you might get away with it.

Also out on Exmoor just be careful who you speak to, there is still a lot of bad feeling about the hunting ban and people are very suspicious.

Good luck I may see you out there

[honeybee]

Obviously early morning and evening are the best times, but this time of year the dominant stagg will herd his harem into the woods usually by water.
The rutting is an awesome site, and you might get closer than normal, but beware, when their bloods up they will charge. I know!!

Camoflage up and also cover your hands and face, the deer can hear and smell better than they see, so if you catch their attention just stand stock still and you might get away with it.

I was going to say they get a bit feisty don't they! Stumbled upon them in the night during rutting season once and it was thick fog, didn't know which way to run!

[chunkychambers]

Hello honeybee, the secret is to stand still they rely on smell and sound more than eyesight.
I have a friend who once had a hind wander so close that it actually stood on his foot!!

[honeybee]

How lovely!
I started to panic when they started to bark at me!
My avatar pic (just taken on phone so not very good) is admitidly of a very tame deer!

[aeshna5]

Your nearest site would probably be Richmond Park, where I watch the rut every October + despite them being confined to park they are still wild animals that exhibit the same mating instincts, but a bit more approachable than in highlands. There's c. 300 Red + 350 Fallow Deer there.

[chunkychambers]

I suppose it depends on what your primary aim is Richard.
Good photographs from reliable subjects or the thrill of the stalk