Posted by Jeff Hackett on December 22, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Les beat me to the punch with his fine antelope image post, but I too got lucky out in Utah's west desert this weekend getting pretty close to those wary and speedy creatures. Thanks for looking and C&C is ok too.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on December 22, 2008 at 11:22 PM
A few antelope with the Stansbury Mts. for a backdrop.
Posted by Bret Edge on December 23, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Very nice, Jeff! It's always a pleasure to see these animals in the wild.
Posted by Rohn B. McKee on December 23, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Thought I'd share mine.
Love your bright colors
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on December 23, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Great pose on that portrait, Jeff.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on December 23, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Very nice portrait Jeff. #2 seems like the sky is a bit dark for some reason.
A couple tips on the antelopes. I spend some time around them so I know a little about their behavior. In the late winter and August-September you might find them to be a little more calm and a little less likely to pay attention to you. They are hunted in early October and tend to get skittish.
Also, you may have better luck coming up on them if you find out where they've laid down the night before. If you have access to a pasture where they are found, try to go out in the late evening, stay in your truck, keep your distance and see where they go. Then the next morning, try to get into that area quietly and see how you do.
Antelopes, like alot of animals tend to be bothered less by a vehicle than by a person. If you stop the engine and get out, they'll surely pay attention to you, but if you leave your vehicle idling, they'll often ignore you thinking you are a rancher out to feed cows.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on December 23, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Also, I think #1 might be an unusual antlered female. The males have black patches on their cheeks while the females do not. Its hard to say for certain due to the angle.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on December 23, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Thanks for the comments. And thanks for the tips Mel. In #2 the sky and mountain backdrop are in the shade. There wasn't very much sun exept for the mile wide sliver we just happened to be in. For the protrait I was still in the vehicle and for #2 I was out but it was still running. I've seen them take off at first sight of a vehicle, man are they fast.
I like the 2nd image colors and contrast with the cold mountains. The portrait would work better as a vertical, IMHO. It's suddenly pronghorn season at RMNP!
Posted by Gabi Lach on December 24, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Very cool, Jeff.
Posted by Dan Walters on December 28, 2008 at 5:14 PM
Nice images! I really like the inclusion of the enviroment in the second image.
Discussion
10 repliesLove your bright colors
A couple tips on the antelopes. I spend some time around them so I know a little about their behavior. In the late winter and August-September you might find them to be a little more calm and a little less likely to pay attention to you. They are hunted in early October and tend to get skittish.
Also, you may have better luck coming up on them if you find out where they've laid down the night before. If you have access to a pasture where they are found, try to go out in the late evening, stay in your truck, keep your distance and see where they go. Then the next morning, try to get into that area quietly and see how you do.
Antelopes, like alot of animals tend to be bothered less by a vehicle than by a person. If you stop the engine and get out, they'll surely pay attention to you, but if you leave your vehicle idling, they'll often ignore you thinking you are a rancher out to feed cows.