On my first trip to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge I was delighted to take a series of photos of a White-tailed Deer buck in velvet crossing a gravel road.

Young White-tailed Deer buck in Oklahoma, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaYoung White-tailed Deer buck in Oklahoma – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 1000, Canon RF 100-500mm at 300mm, natural light

White-tailed deer are not found in Utah, so I was very happy to see this deer species while I was visiting the refuge with my good friend and fellow photographer, Steve Creek. In my opinion, White-tailed Deer are smaller and slightly daintier than the Mule Deer I am used to seeing here in Utah.

Roadside White-tailed Deer buck, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaRoadside White-tailed Deer buck – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 1000, Canon RF 100-500mm at 300mm, natural light

But this White-tailed Deer buck looked gorgeous to my eyes as he crossed the road in front of Steve’s pickup. I had hopped out of the pickup, and I used the door as a mobile blind. That worked well because the young buck appeared comfortable as I photographed him.

White-tailed Deer buck crossing a gravel road, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaWhite-tailed Deer buck crossing a gravel road – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 800, Canon RF 100-500mm at 300mm, natural light

As the buck slowly crossed the gravel road, I was able to get a clear view of his velvet-covered, stubby antlers and his hooves. I appreciated how the golden light made his summer coat glow.

Young White-tailed Deer buck next to a road, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaYoung White-tailed Deer buck next to a road – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 1000, Canon RF 100-500mm at 300mm, natural light

Once the buck crossed the road he turned towards where I stood behind Steve’s pickup door and headed towards the tall Johnson grasses. As he kept moving towards me I decided to zoom in a bit.

White-tailed Deer buck heading into grasses, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaWhite-tailed Deer buck heading into grasses – Canon R7, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 2500, Canon RF 100-500mm at 400mm, natural light

So that I could take this frame-filling image before the buck disappeared into the thick Johnson’s grass. I’m happy with all of the photos I took of this young White-tailed Deer buck.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my White-tailed Deer photo plus facts and information about this species.