The trouble with fieldcraft

[dunlin]

I went up to the south lakes today hoping to catch sight of the fallow deer rutting in a woods i often frequent. I hadn't been in the woods long when i heard the unmistakeable deep bellow of a male fallow herding his females
( always reminds me of raven but deeper and slower )

I slowly made my way through the woods, moving slowly and keeping the wind behind me getting ever closer with each step. ( fieldcraft ) or sneaking up as i used to call it.

Once i caught sight of the herd i moved even slower using the cover of the trees to get within 50 ft of them. I crouched down beside a tree with my back against a five foot wall of limestone pavement

I watched the deer for some 20mins getting great views and a stiff back in the process.
All of a sudden the whole herd stood to attention staring intently into the yew trees. Not looking at me but something that had caught there attention in the distance.
They all turned in my direction and started walking with purpose straight towards my position, still crouched at the side of the tree.

It was then it suddenly dawned on me if that stag sees me and decides to charge im done for. I had nowhere to run, my tree climbing days are over and to be honest it would have been on me before i could have stood up.

Seeing the stag at such close quarters all rippling muscles and power. My heart was pounding, fortunately they carried on not noticing me and passed by within 15 ft and off to another part of the wood
It was a great experience and one that will remain with me for some time

[JeffH]

Sounds like a great, if slightly scary, experience

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[Wild-Woman]

Obviously you're too good at it!

[The Woodman]

Did you get any pics?

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Did you get any pics?

What with all that camera shake from the fear and excitement - it made me shake just reading Dunlin's account

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[galanthophile]

Amazing to see in the wild but it just goes to prove they are wild animals and you have to always respect that. And not ever encounter is a photo opportunity!

[dunlin]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

Did you get any pics?

I'd gone up to do a bit of bird watching as well, bins in hand and scope was left in car
I used to own a large dslr and various lenses but couldn't go birding and do photography as well. So i sold the camera gear and have regretted that decision ever since
I'm currently saving to buy a decent camera and lens and this time plan on keeping them

[Billabong Karen]

What a great (if slightly hair-raising) experience though! And to be honest, I sometimes think concentrating on photos can take away from the drama of the moment - you can be so focused on the camera that you lose something of what is actually happening at that instant, do you know what I mean? We have five senses, and bringing all concentration to bear on just one of them can detract from the others. I'm sure you'll never forget that stag stalking towards you - whether you have the photo to show for it or not! Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by Billabong Karen

..... I sometimes think concentrating on photos can take away from the drama of the moment......

That's very true Karen - many's the time I've missed a shot because I've been so enthralled in what I've been watching

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[andrewinpompey]

Great account Dunlin, sounds amazing.

I've often thought about what Karen says (missing out on things through concentrating on the camera) but find that I am more 'switched on' to things in the natural world because I am looking and listening for things to photograph, looking for nice light etc.