As a wildlife photographer, I’m always on the lookout for majestic scenes to capture through my lens. Recently, I had the immense pleasure of photographing two stunning seven-point white-tailed bucks at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
It was an early August morning when I arrived at the refuge, hoping to spot white-tailed deer. As I drove along the auto tour road, I suddenly spotted both bucks feeding in a soybean field. I quickly parked and positioned myself quietly, waiting to see if they would come nearer. Sure enough, the two regal bucks with impressive seven-point antler racks slowly made their way in my direction, completely at ease. Their antlers were still covered in soft velvet, signalling the prime summer season.
As the deer drew closer to where I sat invisible in my pickup, I was able to admire their antlers closely – the seven points branching out impressively from each rack. The velvet coating gave them an otherworldly, almost mystical appearance. I swiftly readied my camera and began photographing as they gracefully grazed on soybeans just yards away, capturing the magnificence of these two white-tailed bucks in velvet.
Moments like these are why I love photographing wildlife at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. With over 14,000 acres of protected wetlands and forest, it’s an ideal habitat for white-tailed deer and a top destination for photographers. I’m already looking forward to returning soon and discovering what majestic scenes I might be able to capture next.
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: August 18, 2022 (07:31 A. M.)
- Program Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/640
- ISO: 6400 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 500 mm
Here is another Whitetail Buck in a cornfield: 6-Point Buck Standing To Eat