"IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS OR SOMETHING"

Mule Deer - 7 Photos

It's that time of year again when a male Mule Deer's thoughts turn to things other than grazing & sleeping. And yes there certainly is a variety in ages & racks but unfortunately for the younger males they will most likely have to wait a few more years before they actually become contenders.

That being said, I did witness one very large bulky male confronting a second almost its equal but while these two were in the process of a stand-off, a much younger male moved in to try his chances with the doe in contention. I guess one should always keep your eye on the "prize".  The doe was not having any of it, though, ran off and decided to wait for the outcome of Nature's reality show.

And if you are ever in the vicinity of male deer stand-offs, keep a close watch on where all the participants are heading. Even with a huge area with varying terrain, the speed at which mule deer can chase after one another (other rivals or does), is incredible and the darting & dashing can bring a hulking male deer suddenly too close for comfort. A grouping of large trees adjacent to each other can make for a safe viewing platform. :) 

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