A Mule Deer Buck stepped into view near Phelps Lake during my June visit to Grand Teton National Park. A young boy nearby spotted him first and pointed him out to me.
I slowly turned my camera and made a few photos before the buck moved on toward the lake.
Mule Deer Buck Growing Velvet Antlers Near Phelps Lake
I photographed this buck on June 5, 2017, near Phelps Lake. This area is close to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve in Wyoming.
The buck was not alone. Another deer was with him, and I believe it was a female.
Both deer grazed as they worked their way toward the lake. After that, they climbed a hill and disappeared into the thick timber.
What stood out to me was the new antler growth. Mule deer bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year. Early in the season, the antlers are covered in velvet, which helps supply blood while they grow.
That fresh growth made the encounter feel tied to the season. It was a quiet June moment, but it showed one of the changes these animals go through each year.
Photographing the Buck as He Moved Toward the Lake
I was handholding my Canon EOS 7D Mark II with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached.
The buck was already close when I turned toward him. I moved slowly and kept the camera steady as he continued toward the lake.
Camera settings:
- Location: Wyoming
- Date Taken: June 5, 2017
- Aperture: f/6.3
- Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec.
- ISO: 1000
- Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
- Focal Length: 135 mm
Handholding gave me enough freedom to react quickly. The moment did not last long, so I had to make the most of the angle I had.
Why This Grand Teton Deer Encounter Stayed With Me
Grand Teton National Park has a way of mixing big scenery with small wildlife moments. This was one of those times.
The buck, the nearby lake, and the fresh antler growth all came together in a simple scene. It reminded me to stay alert, even when I am focused on the landscape around me.
That same June trip also gave me time for Grand Teton Landscapes From a June Photo Trip, which added another side to the visit.