Whitetail Doe on High Alert

Whitetail Doe Sniffing The Air

by

While visiting the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I captured this image of a Whitetail Doe sniffing the air. She was assessing if I posed a threat, a typical deer behavior when sensing something unusual.

Whitetail Doe on High Alert
A Whitetail Doe sniffs the air cautiously at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.

Setup and Approach

I took this photo while parked on the auto tour road. To minimize disturbance, I used my Canon EOS 7D Mark II with a Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens. I stabilized it on a bean bag draped over the open window of my truck. This setup allowed me to remain steady and discreet, ensuring I didn’t alarm the doe.

Technical Details

  • Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II

  • Lens: Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

  • Settings:

    • Mode: Aperture Priority

    • Aperture: f/5.6

    • Shutter Speed: 1/400 sec

    • ISO: 1000

    • Exposure Compensation: +0.3

    • Focal Length: 400mm

  • Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma

  • Date & Time: March 17, 2019, at 7:51 AM

Observations

The soft morning light created a natural glow, highlighting the doe against the dry grass backdrop. This gentle lighting emphasized the texture of her fur and added depth to the surrounding grass, enhancing the overall composition. Her alert posture and focused gaze are evidence of her heightened awareness, perfectly capturing the cautious and intuitive nature of Whitetail Deer.

The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent location for observing and photographing wildlife, thanks to its diverse habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands, which attract a wide range of species. Using a bean bag for camera stabilization proved to be a simple yet effective way to keep my shots steady without disturbing the scene.

Final Thoughts

Photographing wildlife like this Whitetail Doe requires patience and respect for the animals and their environment. Ethical photography means prioritizing the well-being of wildlife over getting the perfect shot and avoiding actions that could cause distress or harm. Moments like these highlight the importance of preserving natural spaces where such wildlife can thrive. If you’re visiting Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, take your time and be prepared—you’re bound to witness something memorable.