November brings a unique challenge for photographing whitetail bucks in Arkansas. The rut, combined with hunting pressure, makes them wary. They stick to thick cover, moving cautiously through the brush.
But persistence pays off. I had a memorable encounter with a mature 8-point buck at Chaffee Crossing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Hiking along a game trail, I scanned the area for any sign of deer activity. A sudden movement caught my attention — the 8-point buck walking down the trail, right in my direction.
The buck’s focus was unwavering, likely driven by the intensity of the rut. With his guard down, he hadn’t noticed me yet. I quickly took cover behind a nearby tree and prepared my gear, keeping my movements minimal and quiet. The buck continued toward me, completely unaware of my presence.
As I readied my shot, the sound of the camera shutter betrayed me. Though he didn’t see me directly, the buck sensed something was off. Without hesitation, he turned and disappeared into the woods, blending seamlessly into the thick cover.
The encounter was brief but rewarding. Photographing this buck in broad daylight is rare during the rut. Moments like these remind me why patience and dedication are essential in wildlife photography. Arkansas’s wild spaces hold many more encounters, and I look forward to returning to these trails to document them.