Commitment in the Depths

Bucks on the Move at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

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I visited Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma on November 26th. My main goal was to photograph the Snow Geese arriving at the refuge. You can watch a video and read my post on the Snow Geese here: The Spectacle of Snow Geese at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.

Deer Sightings Near Poker Tree

After photographing the geese, I drove through the refuge. I saw a few deer and was able to photograph a young buck and a doe until I reached the end of the auto tour road.  Near the Poker Tree parking area, I saw several deer in an overgrown field to the west. Two White-tailed Bucks were chasing a Doe. I parked to photograph them, but the thick brush made it difficult. However, I did manage to photograph one of the Bucks when it came close to the road. My friend Mia McPherson, also a photographer, joined me.

Early Encounter with a Stalking Buck
One of the first White-tailed Bucks spotted upon arrival, this dominant male pauses briefly while tracking a Doe through the brush.

Bucks in the Water

Mia noticed two Bucks entering the water near us. The water was a large pool called “Little Scarborough.” Both Bucks struggled to breathe, and the first Buck had a broken antler. It swam across the pool, exited near us, and continued in the direction of the Bucks chasing the Doe. The second Buck followed for a while, then turned west and exited on the same side it had entered. I wasn’t sure if the second Buck was trying to chase the first one away.

Pausing on the Edge
A White-tailed Buck pauses near the water’s edge, scanning the horizon before returning to the thick brush.
Trailing in the Wake
The second Buck follows the path of the first through Little Scarborough before deciding to turn back, illustrating the complex dynamics of the rut.
Commitment in the Depths
The second Buck ventures deeper into Little Scarborough, following the lead of the first Buck before reconsidering its course.
Buck Swimming Little Scarborough
A White-tailed Buck swims the wide expanse of Little Scarborough, showcasing the determination often seen during the rut.
South Bank Retreat
The second Buck, after following briefly, changes course and exits the water onto the south bank.

Movement into the Brush

The first Buck moved into thick brush, where it seemed to meet another Buck that had been bedded down. The Buck with the broken antler appeared to rest, as it soon disappeared from view. Later, a smaller Buck emerged, and I managed to capture a photo before it disappeared back into the brush.

I saw two Does leave the area without any Bucks in pursuit.

In the Thicket
A mature Buck stands tall among dense vegetation, a calm moment amidst the chaos of the rut.
Watcher in the Grass
Antlers and ears emerge from golden grass as a Buck remains hidden yet alert, demonstrating its ability to vanish into the environment.
Hiding in the Grass
A young White-tailed Buck peeks through tall grass, blending into its surroundings while keeping a cautious watch.

Harsh Light and Challenges

This all happened around 11:00 A.M., making the light harsh for photography. Despite the challenging conditions, I managed to document the story. The rut continues at the refuge, so these moments can happen at any time.

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