In Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, I came across a beautiful whitetail doe with a peculiar feature: long hair. It was not just her; I noticed several other deer with similarly extended coats. Upon closer observation, I realized that this was a weather-induced phenomenon.
Whitetail deer typically shed their fur in the spring and grow a new coat in the fall. The coat’s thickness and length vary depending on the deer’s location and the weather conditions. In Oklahoma, the winters can be harsh, with temperatures dropping to below freezing for extended periods.
The deer in this region have adapted to survive these cold conditions by growing longer and thicker coats, providing them with warmth and insulation. This adaptation helps them to conserve energy and survive through the harsh winters.
To capture this beautiful sight, I used my Fujifilm X-T3 camera, paired with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens, attached with a Fringer EF-FX Pro. I rested the setup on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup, allowing me to capture the stunning details of the doe’s long hair.
In conclusion, witnessing this whitetail doe with her long hair was a reminder of the remarkable ways in which animals adapt to their surroundings to survive. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is a natural wonder that continues to surprise and awe with its unique features and wildlife.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Aperture f8.0
- ISO 1600
- Shutter speed: 1/350 sec.
- Focal Length: 400 mm