The Rut
The rut is a time period, usually during late fall, when deer, elk, and other species from the deer family breed. The buck will chase after many does for weeks, with barely eating. The buck has one thing on his mind at this time of the year, and that is to find as many does as he can. The rut can take its toll on these guys; they are definitely worn out by the end of the breeding season.
We interrupted a handsome, thick necked mule deer buck courting a doe. Her yearling and a few more young bucks were hanging around peeking over the rocks at us too. We quickly moved on after a couple of portraits.
He is definitely rutting. Just check out that neck. Hope he takes good care of himself. He’s a handsome fella.
Uprooted Magnolia 
No wonder Rudolf flies!
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Right?!?! 🙂
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Great Photos Leah. That is a really good looking buck.
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Isn’t he though? I’m so glad he made it through hunting season. Can’t wait to see his fawns next spring. Thanks Wiley!
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I like them. They are a nice animal 🙂
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Thank you Mike!
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Reblogged this on Great blogs.
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Beautiful shots! He is something to see up close – he’s going to give you some nice photographs in the Spring for sure.
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You got that right! Thanks Mary!
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Your photographs are amazing. Wonderful catch!
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Thanks so much!
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My husband and I are both southern born and bred and had never been west of the Mississippi River until he retired and we started traveling in a motor home. Our most enjoyable time was spent in Wyoming and Utah. We had the pleasure of going to Yellowstone during ruting season and saw the big male elk at the north entrance gathering his “harem” . He was also running off a younger male. One day that young guy will probably take over. We also listened to the bugling at sundown and it was really erie. Love that place. We parked and was camp hosts for 4 years at Flaming Gorge, Manila, Utah. Had Antelope grazing around our motor home. I always said that I thought I must have been a cowgirl in my previous life. Hope you really enjoy your ranch – I am enjoying your pics.
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Thank you for commenting! I do enjoy it out here. I LOVE the sound of elk bugling. Patrick has an uncle with an elk ranch in Nebraska and I photographed them last year during the rut. This buck here chased off a younger one but they were all kind of running together. He’s gotta learn somehow! That 4 years at Flaming Gorge must have been wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
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