It was an early August morning when I arrived at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, hoping to spot white-tailed deer. The air was still, with only the soft rustle of leaves and the distant call of birds breaking the silence. As I made my way along the auto tour road, I kept my eyes peeled for any movement in the vast stretches of soybean fields that bordered the path.
Suddenly, I spotted them—two majestic bucks feeding, their large antler racks clearly visible above the lush green soybeans. I quickly pulled over, parking the car at a distance that wouldn’t disturb them. Silently, I positioned myself, hoping they would come closer.
Sure enough, the two regal bucks began to move slowly in my direction. Their impressive seven-point antler racks were still covered in soft velvet, signaling that the peak of the summer season was upon us. Their relaxed demeanor as they grazed on the soybeans was mesmerizing—completely at ease in their natural habitat.
I readied my camera, adjusting the settings to capture every detail of this special moment. As they grazed just yards away, I captured images that showcased their strength and grace.
The experience of watching these magnificent creatures in their natural environment was unforgettable. The calm, slow movements of the bucks, combined with the serenity of the surroundings, made it one of those rare moments where nature reveals itself in full glory. These images capture the essence of that peaceful morning—one I’ll carry with me on every future outing.