How old is this young fallow deer?

[Bruce Williams]

Took this photo a few days ago in Wellington Country Park, Berks.

Most of the deer were well hidden however I did come across a group of about a dozen does (some) with their fawns and a single adult male. They were quite unsettled and I was unable to get as close as I'd have liked - however I did take a lot of pics.

Walking back through the woods to the car I suddenly came upon this solitary young male. I'd got to within about 40 feet of him before I realised he was there. He was quite unconcerned at my presence - indeed he seemed quite interested in me. He continued to scratch and groom himself for about 5 minutes then slowly walked off.

He's clearly a young animal and I wondered if he could be one of last year's fawns?



Bruce

[thunder]

I think he is a bit older than a year. The first antlers are simple unbranched spikes. By the second or third head palmation starts to show, but, according to my little Deer Society booklet there is so much variation from place to place that "estimation of the age of a buck from its antlers is often inspired guesswork".

henrya

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your interesting explanation Henrya. I had no idea that deer took so long to reach maturity.

The term "palmation" was a new one on me so had to look it up - I'll be using it all over the place from now on :.

Bruce

[Rob T]

Bruce,
Thouhgt this might help with future Buck I.D.
Its a NFNP sign Ive found quite usefull.



Regards

Rob

[thunder]

These diagrams may not apply to all sites, as there is tremendous variation in antler development from area to area, and herd to herd.

henrya

[Bruce Williams]

Rob - Thanks for that illustration - very much appreciated.

Accepting Henrya's advice about variation (thanks H ), it's nevertheless a very helpful guide for someone like myself who's just starting out photographing deer.

Bruce