Whitetail Buck Near A Very Large Cottonwood Tree

Photographing the Pre-Rut and Rut at Sequoyah Refuge

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Late October and November are excellent times for wildlife photography at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. The white-tailed bucks are in the pre-rut and rut phases, offering unique opportunities for photography.

During the pre-rut, bucks start moving away from their bachelor groups. They roam more often, checking for does that might soon come into estrus. The does, however, stay in their usual routines. They feed and bed down without much change. This makes it easier to observe the bucks because they begin showing more activity while still staying cautious.

When the rut starts, everything changes. Bucks focus completely on breeding. They leave their cover and move with less caution in search of females. This phase makes it easier to spot and photograph them, as they are less concerned about hiding. But keep in mind, the refuge has partial closures during hunting days. Check the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge website for current closure dates. Hunting activity also affects deer behavior, often pushing them into thicker areas or shifting their movements to nighttime.

In my experience, the peak rut usually starts in the second week of November. Bucks become more active and bachelor groups break up completely. Their sole focus is on breeding. Feeding becomes less important. Their priority shifts to chasing and guarding does.

Some mention a “second rut” that happens about a month after the peak. In my opinion, this is likely just late-born fawns maturing or does that did not conceive the first time coming back into estrus.

This year, I haven’t noticed the usual pre-rut buck activity at the refuge. Not sure why. The photo I’m sharing is from November last year, during a more typical pre-rut week. The buck stepped out of the thicket to check a nearby trail for does. Moments like this make it worthwhile to keep coming back to document these behaviors.

Whitetail Buck Near A Very Large Cottonwood Tree
A Whitetail Buck Near A Very Large Cottonwood Tree

Tips for Photographing White-Tailed Deer from a Vehicle on the Auto Tour Road

  • Stay in Your Vehicle: Use your vehicle as a mobile blind. The deer are more accustomed to vehicles than humans on foot, which helps you get closer without disturbing them.
  • Drive Slowly: Move at a slow, steady pace along the auto tour road. This minimizes noise and allows you to spot deer before they spot you.
  • Windows Ready: Keep your windows down and your camera at hand. Quick access is key to capturing fleeting moments.
  • Use Bean Bags or Window Mounts: Stabilize your camera using a bean bag or a window mount to reduce vibrations from the vehicle. This helps keep your shots sharp.
  • Be Aware of Light Direction: Position your vehicle to make the best use of natural light. Keep the sun behind you for well-lit subjects.
  • Watch for Hotspots: Deer frequent open fields, water sources, and areas with plenty of cover. Pay attention to these locations along the auto tour road.
  • Respect Other Visitors: The auto tour road can get busy. Be mindful of other photographers and visitors by not blocking the road or staying in one spot for too long.

Image Information

  • Camera: Canon EOS R5
  • Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
  • Date and Time: November 22, 2022 (08:40 A.M.)
  • Aperture: f/7.1
  • Shutter Speed: 1/800 sec
  • ISO: 1000
  • Focal Length: 500mm

4 thoughts on “Photographing the Pre-Rut and Rut at Sequoyah Refuge”

  1. Steve, I feel like I could walk right into this photo. I feel like I am ‘there’ and that is an excellent way for someone viewing this great image to feel.

  2. Thanks for posting this beautiful photograph and for the information on pre-rut and rut behaviors of Whitetail deer. I appreciate this blog and found it it via Mia McPherson’s blog.

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