On November 11, I made an early morning trip to J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve in Oklahoma. I try to make this trip each year. This time, I saw lots of deer, but most stood deep in thick brush that didn’t give me much to photograph.
I did manage a few shots of a young whitetail doe that stepped into better light. She seemed curious but cautious, keeping one eye on me while browsing near the trail edge.
Wildlife Notes: Whitetail Doe Behavior in Fall
Whitetail does often separate from larger groups in late fall, especially younger animals. This doe appeared to be on her own, browsing in mixed vegetation along the preserve’s edge habitat. Does typically feed heavily this time of year to build reserves before winter.
Her alert posture and large ears show she was aware of my presence. Whitetail deer rely heavily on hearing and scent to detect threats. She tolerated my vehicle at a distance but never fully relaxed, a common response in areas with moderate human activity.
The habitat at J.T. Nickel offers a mix of open areas, woodland edges, and dense cover. This creates ideal conditions for deer to feed, bed, and move safely. The preserve is also home to elk, though I didn’t see or hear any on this visit.
Photography Notes: Shooting from the Vehicle
I photographed this doe from my pickup using it as a mobile blind. Staying in the vehicle keeps my profile low and allows deer to approach more closely than they would on foot.
Camera settings for the first image were:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- Lens: Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM
- Aperture: f/9
- Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec
- ISO: 8000
- Focal Length: 800mm
The high ISO was necessary in the low morning light under the tree canopy. The Canon R5 Mark II handles noise well at ISO 8000, and I was able to pull clean detail from the doe’s coat and face. At f/9 and 800mm, I had enough depth of field to keep her sharp while the background foliage stayed soft.
I used my truck’s window frame as a support, which gave me more stability than handholding at 800mm. The slow shutter speed of 1/320 sec was right on the edge for this focal length, but the lens stabilization helped. I took several frames to ensure at least one was tack sharp.
Light was soft and even, which worked well for her gray-brown coat. Harsh sunlight can blow out highlights on deer fur, so overcast or early morning conditions usually give better results.
Closing Thoughts
I wish I had seen the elk, but the morning was still worth the drive. J.T. Nickel is one of those places that rewards patience and repeat visits. If you’ve photographed deer or elk at this preserve, I’d like to hear about your experience. What time of year do you find works best for elk activity?
You can read more about the preserve in my earlier post: Exploring The J.T. Nickel Family Nature And Wildlife Preserve
Steve, these are beautiful photos…I especially love the first one. It has energy, intrigue, and color.
It really draws me in. Thanks for taking me there!
Sue
Steve your Photos are very nice of the Whitetail Doe. They are always nice to look at and these look in nice shape for the winter to hit in your area.