While out on Antelope Island State Park the other day I spotted a Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) that was almost hidden by tall grasses and stopped to get some images. When the deer moved away from the grasses I realized it was too close to get full body shots of the buck with my Nikkor 200-400mm VR attached to my camera so I decided to take Mule Deer portraits.
Mule Deer Buck head on – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Mule Deer bucks are in velvet right now and will be until their antlers fully develop. I wonder how big these antlers will get.
Side view of a Mule Deer buck in velvet – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
I like that this buck also gave me a few opportunities for profile shots. I love being able to see into those huge, dark eyes.
Atypical Mule Deer buck in velvet – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 300mm, natural light
The surprise was that the first Mule Deer buck wasn’t alone, shortly after I started photographing this buck stood up, it had been completely hidden from my sight. This buck’s antlers are atypical, I think he looks jaunty.
I enjoyed taking these Mule Deer portraits, it isn’t often that I am this close to wild deer.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mule Deer photos plus facts and information about this species.
One of my favorite animals, what beauties! Love the close-ups!
Thank you Susan, I was happy to get these close ups.
Great portraits! It’s really cool to see those fuzzy antlers close up!
Tammy, I like seing the fuzzy velvet on the antlers too. Thanks.
So beautiful. Carol
Carol, they are handsome! Thanks for your comment.
Wonderful1! So tender.
Thank you Sheila.
Lovely closeups!
Thanks Jim, I am always tickled to get close up portraits of my subjects.