"CHANGING OF THE GUARD"

Mule Deer (Males) - 7 Photos

With the end of November fast approaching, the contests for the male Mule Deer as to who will have the right to a selection of does for mating, are in full swing.

One huge buck appeared to be the first on the scene (Photo #1), sniffing the grasses where the does had been but it wasn't long before, a second large buck appeared from out of the thicket (Photo #2). This second buck had the same number of points and wasn't quite as bulky as the first but what was quite surprising was his coat colour, almost a chocolate brown. It definitely wasn't a trick of the light as the photographs of the two together, definitely demonstrate the colour differences (Photo #3 & Photo #4).

The second surprise was that these does were obviously the second buck's and although, the first moved in for a challenge, his was a quick retreat (Photo #5 ).

Upon reviewing the photographs, one can clearly see that although the gray deer had more bulk on his side and a wider spread of antlers, he shows the ravages of previous fights, eg. a slightly damaged right ear and scarring and possible damage to the right eye area. He also appears to have lost some muscle and/or condition in this back quarters, possibly a sign of age (Photo #5 & Photo #6).

"Chocolate" (Photo #7), (who also appears to be missing some skin below his right eye), followed "Gray" down the meadow and eventually into the woods below, escorting him off the property. Only those two know what happened after that.

This does appear to be a "changing of the guard". From the condition of the older buck, he probably won't be winning any more Autumn challenges and will be most likely seeing his days out alone. However, one can assume there are Mule Deer out there carrying his strong genetic make-up, whether these be males or females.

And if anyone was wondering where the photographer was. Well you probably couldn't see her for the trees. Refuge was taken in a small grove where the trees are fairly tall and wide and created a protective circle. Mule deer can be very unpredictable particularly at this time of the year, with their brains otherwise engaged. This includes the does as well as the bucks. 

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

PHOTO #3

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #4

PHOTO #5

PHOTO #6

PHOTO #7