This past Saturday, I visited the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve in Oklahoma with the hope of spotting some wildlife. I wasn’t disappointed. The day offered multiple sightings of Whitetail Deer, quietly grazing in the fields and moving gracefully through the woods.
Signs of Spring: Antler Shedding and Active Wildlife
Although I was hoping to see elk, none made an appearance during this visit. I may need to confirm their presence at the preserve for next time. Among the deer I observed, several were bucks. Surprisingly, they had already shed their antlers, a clear sign that winter is over and spring has arrived.
Capturing the Moment: A Beautiful Whitetail Doe
One encounter stood out from the rest. While standing on the county road that runs through the preserve, I spotted a group of deer near the preserve office. Among them was a stunning Whitetail Doe. She moved calmly from the open field toward the wooded area on the south side of the road. I managed to capture the moment with a quick photograph.
Photography Setup and Camera Settings
For this photo, I used my Fujifilm X-T3 camera paired with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens via the Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter. I shot handheld and used the following camera settings:
- Mode: AV (Aperture Priority)
- Aperture: f/5.6
- ISO: 800
- Shutter Speed: 1/1800 sec
- Focal Length: 400mm
Final Thoughts on Wildlife Photography
Capturing wildlife in its natural environment is always rewarding. This moment with the Whitetail Doe reminded me of the quiet beauty that nature offers when we take the time to observe. The J.T. Nickel Preserve continues to be a special place for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.