White Tail Buck

I didn't know how else to rephrase, but what are some techniques you have used in order to get that buck shot that rarely happens? About 2 weeks ago I was at the Dog Park in my city with my dog, it was probably around 4 or 5 p.m. when we saw this large buck just come out of nowhere in the field next to the 1 acre yard, I didn't have my camera on me, by the time I did he was too far and into the bush. I've bought some feed and sweet stuff that claims to draw deer in, and some buck urine, can anyone tell me what else I can do, besides waiting patiently?

This is the fall rut (time to mate) so the deer are more active than the rest of the year. I think you will have better luck going to someplace the deer are in abundance. In Virginia, it's Shenandoah National Park. They are very used to seeing humans so you can drive up next to them and they will not move. Great for photography. Like shooting any animal, early morning and evening are best when they are most active. Good luck.

Andrew

Andrea,

Be careful about "baiting" for deer. There are some places where it's illegal (and, a lot where it's legal). The hunters in northern Wisconsin will put out piles of apples and corn before the beginning of the hunting season to condition the deer to come to those places (so that they can be shot). In terms of hunting, I don't consider that too sporting.

You might be able to find bags or buckets of "deer corn" at the local hunting store, feed store or possibly a hardware store that also caters to hunters.

The other thing to do is to build/create a blind and just sit there and wait. A lot of the great wildlife photographers will spend days sitting in their blinds, camps, hidden, waiting to get that perfect photograph.

Also, be extremely careful during hunting season!!! I actually don't like to go out hiking, etc., during deer hunting season. There are TOO many hunters here in Wisconsin (actually, there are too many deer). Think about wearing blaze orange this time of year if you're out in the woods, fields, on the edge of town, etc.

Also, for a good time, watch the movie "Escanaba in da Moonlight"! I died laughing the first time I saw it!

Good luck,

Tim!

Thank you both for your advice, right now my best place is right next to the dog park in the city and hunters are not allowed there. That will be my first spot.

I would find some local or regional state parks (where hunting is prohibited) where the local deer population is acclimated to humans camping and walking nearby. I've always had my best luck with deer photos in these areas, and I wouldn't bother with baiting and waiting. Good luck and make sure to report back when you have some photos to share.