As I drove the auto tour road around the Sandtown vicinity of the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I headed westwards and later made a U-turn in the parking area near the river. It was during my drive back towards the east that my attention was caught by a Whitetail Doe bedded close to the road. Surprisingly, I had missed noticing it earlier. Without hesitation, I used my camera and lens, stabilizing them on a beanbag that was draped over the open window of my pickup, and managed to take a few photos. As I was about to conclude my photography session, another Doe emerged from the same location. It was truly remarkable how adeptly both deer had managed to camouflage themselves despite their proximity to the road.
Here are some facts about Whitetail Deer bedding:
- Deer typically bed in areas that provide them with concealment, security, and a good view of their surroundings.
- These areas are often found in thick cover, such as brush, timber, or heavy vegetation.
- Deer also prefer to bed in areas that are close to food and water sources.
- During the winter months, deer may bed in areas that are protected from the wind and snow.
- Deer beds are typically oval-shaped depressions in the ground.
- The size of the bed will vary depending on the size of the deer that bedded there.
- Deer beds are often found in clusters.
- This is because deer are social animals and they like to bed together for safety.
- Deer beds can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and even urban areas.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: April 7, 2023 (08:40 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/500
- ISO: 2500 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: +2/3
- Focal Length: 500 mm