During a recent hike at Chaffee Crossing in Fort Smith, Arkansas, I was carefully walking along a game trail, scanning the dense brush and trees for any sign of movement. That’s when I caught a glimpse of antlers—a nice 5-point buck standing perfectly still, staring right at me. We made eye contact and both froze, equally surprised to see each other.
I swiftly raised my camera, determined to seize this chance. Hand-holding my gear, I composed my shot through the tangled branches and clicked the shutter just as the buck took off running. I managed to capture a clear image of him standing alert, and another as he bounded away.
This unexpected wildlife sighting was over in seconds, but it left me feeling thrilled and accomplished. Pure luck brought me face-to-face with this whitetail in the woods, but having my camera at the ready turned that luck into a memorable photo. Moments like these make all the effort worthwhile.
I can’t wait to get back out on the trails to see what other encounters await. For now, I’m glad to add this buck photo to my wildlife portfolio.
Setting the Scene in the Thicket
During this time of year, bucks are active. They’re driven by instinct as they establish territory and seek mates. This brings them out from the denser, secluded cover into more visible areas, but they don’t stray far from protection. Their survival depends on staying within easy reach of escape.
- Bucks use the brush not only to hide from predators but also to stay out of sight of other deer during the rut.
- Dense vegetation provides them with easy access to food sources, which they can graze on without exposing themselves.
- As a photographer, you’ll see bucks moving cautiously through low light areas under tree canopies, often only partially visible.
This blend of caution and instinct makes for dynamic photographs if you understand their movements and anticipate their actions.