Last August, I came across two white-tailed deer fawns at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. I had not shared these images before, and they were too good to leave sitting in my files.
Both encounters happened in the morning. Both gave me a quick look at young deer before they slipped back into cover.
White-tailed Fawn Photos in Late Summer at Sequoyah
These photos were taken in August, when white-tailed fawns still showed their spotted summer coats. That pattern helps them blend into grass, weeds, and shaded woods. It also makes this short stage easy to remember, because it does not last long.
The first scene happened near Dockery Field, an overgrown field next to the woods. A doe and fawn stood near the edge and looked back at me from a distance. The second happened a few days later in the wooded area southeast of Shug’s Pond. That fawn gave me a much closer look before it scampered off with its mother.
I always enjoy seeing young deer this time of year. Their size, posture, and spotted coats make them stand out right away. Even so, they can disappear fast when they step into cover.
Photographing a Doe and Fawn from the Auto Tour Road
I made the first image while driving the auto tour road at Sequoyah. When I spotted the doe and fawn, I stopped and photographed them from inside my truck. I rested my camera and lens on a beanbag over the open window, which gave me a steady setup without leaving the vehicle.
The second image came in darker woodland cover near Shug’s Pond. The light was limited under the trees, but I was close enough to get a nice portrait before the fawn moved off. I was pleased with the result, especially given how dim it was in that spot.
Here are the camera details from both photos:
Photo 1
- Date: 8/11/22
- Time: 7:06:30 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon 100-500mm
- ISO: 6400
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter Speed: 1/500
- Exposure Compensation: +0.3
Photo 2
- Date: 8/24/22
- Time: 7:13:26 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon 100-500mm
- ISO: 6400
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter Speed: 1/320
- Exposure Compensation: 0.0
Why These Young Deer Moments Stayed with Me
Getting the chance to photograph white-tailed deer is always rewarding. Getting a good look at fawns is even better. Their big eyes, alert faces, and spotted coats make these encounters hard to forget.
I am glad I was able to capture these two young deer before they lost their spots. Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge remains one of my favorite places to photograph deer and other wildlife, and I always look forward to my next visit.