New Mule Deer

A few new mule deer bucks from Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR. The new VC is on schedule for a March, 2011 opening. The new entrance will be Prairie Parkway at Dick's Sports Park. There will be new trails and a great transition away from the Army era.

The mule deer are quite active for this late in the season. Anyone that's interested should be able to find active deer along the entrance road from Havana to the VC or to the north of the VC. There's a trail that goes around the Russian olive thicket near the Egli house - I saw an enormous buck with a big harem there yesterday. For the most part, they aren't concerned with humans - if you stay near your vehicle and/or just give them some space.

Same buck

With the doe that he was fixated on.

And a tallgrass shot.

Nice shots Dave. Believe it or not, my favorite is that 3rd one. Really draws my eye to the deer because of the DoF.

Oh man, that last one is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! But how did you know these were new mule deer? Did they still have that new mule deer smell? I notice the anti-theft device is still on that one in the background of #3. Did they all have the price tags still on them?

Geez those are big, Love that last one.

Not my favorite animal, but that's sure a handsome specimen. I really like the first shot, such a great profile. The last is pretty sweet too.

Great catch Dave. The rut should be on now.

These are great, Dave! I like them all, but really like number 3, even with the collar. That image certainly tells an interesting story.

Todd- funny comment!

Very impressive animals and images! I like #'s 1 & 4 quite a bit.
VC = visitor's center?

Hey Dave- Like that 3rd one a bunch! Unique shot!

Thanks for the comments - I wasn't sure about the buck and doe shot, but it's an image I have to make, if only for story-telling. What I really want is a panned buck chasing doe, but haven't been able to get that yet. And for those that are unfamiliar with RMA, the refuge is known for some of the largest mule deer in North America. I don't know who keeps track of these things, but there are some very big boys out there. Jackson, it cracks me up that mule deer aren't your favorite animal...it would be interesting to know why. Yes, VC=Visitor Center. I've attached an image of the new VC under construction. New mule deer in rut smell? hmmm...

Another voter for 1 & 4. Very nice set!

Beautiful series!
Great "Catch Light" on #1.

#3 is fabulous Dave! I love the light, the eye contact, the beautiful color and the dreamy feel!

All are great but #4 is surely my favourite !

Very nice stuff Dave! I especialy like the first shot....like the concept of #4, but wished for just a bit more visible eye for my taste. Anyhow, still great stuff. Thanks for the info on the new entrance.

Nice! Im not big on blurs, so im with Kurt in his comments.

Great light! That first one makes for a great portrait!