Whitetale Time

For one reason or another I have neglected this tiny corner of my life for a couple weeks. That does not mean capturing of images has stopped & I have plenty to share. During a recent photo shoot with Andy & a friend I found myself, again, observing & capturing whitetail deer. My male counterparts focus on the rut occurring this time of the year. In a more "girly" version, I like the deer because they are beautiful & graceful animals anytime of the year. Following with the Canon Rebel has allowed me to observe natural changes in the herd. Spring & summer bring the young, coats are light & not so heavy. Later summer & fall is time to capture stages of antler growth, the rub to remove velvet, & finally beautiful new antlers. As daylight begins to shorten, a darker, heavier winter coat appears. Then the rut, allowing the lovely creatures to, next spring, begin the cycle all over again.

The autumn of the year also brings about the long awaited hunting season in PA & surrounding areas. I have hunted in the past, but joke about taking food, hot tea, a book, & a blanket, enjoying the silent wooded areas of Penns Woods. Never shot a deer (or even at one), never intend to do so. My husband & sons are avid hunters. I have no problems with that. There was a time in my life venison played a very important part in my growing family's diet. I am thankful. It is the careless so called hunter, out at night, capturing the largest "rack" using a bright spotlight, that draws my scorn, or the baited areas that draw the animals under a tree stand for an easy shot. Really I am not sure what got me on this track. Maybe because my husband is heavily involved in protecting our wildlife at this time of the year, or maybe, it was the review of an image of a beautiful buck with a large wound on his back likely placed there by a poacher!

This young buck is one of my favorite whitetail to observe.


This spike must be practicing his hide from the hunter skills. How do you say lie down in deer language?

A fully grown male.

The wounded.