Get closer to deer?

[ThyJones]

Morning all,

Just got back from an early morning trek over one part of cannock chase, looking for some deer. No pics sorted yet..

I've seen 100's this morning (even one with only 3 legs), but I was struggling to get close enough. I went on my own this morning and was as stealthy as I could be, and being as quiet as I could be too, but still couldn't get close enough to get any particular impressive shots, and found I was zoomed in with my 55-250 as much as I could, just go actually get something half decent.

I also struggled a little with the light(i was using my tripod) but some of the photo's look a little grainy. It was extremely foggy though and i'm wondering if I should have waited a few hours for more light.

Anyway, any tips would be appreciated, some people have amazing close shots, now are these with better and longer zoom lenses, or is it a case of just sitting and waiting for them to come into your path?

Thanks all

 

[markyboy.1967]

If the deer are trully wild like here in Scotland ( highlands etc ) then they will be hard to get close to and for good reason..When im out looking for deer then see which way the wind is blowing as you want to be downwind,i dont were deodorant either:shrug:, i try not to move quickly and usually take my binoculars and always wear camouflage clothing which is quiet when moving

There are several places you can get close-just look at the wild and free section-places like Bushy park, Bradgate park etc where the deer are more used to humans may see you having much better luck.

Poor light means either slow shutter speeds or high ISO--depending on your equipment whether it can take the higher ISO or not..

 

[chris954]

try Bradgate Park near Leicester,the deer are a little more used to people and you can get quite close.

 

[johnb]

Just got back from the wilds near the Great Lakes in America. The shops there sell deer urine in bottles that you tip over yourself so you can stalk them & not smell out of place!!!

Just a thought

 

[benny the jet]

Just got back from the wilds near the Great Lakes in America. The shops there sell deer urine in bottles that you tip over yourself so you can stalk them & not smell out of place!!!

Just a thought

 

[tezmed]

Get closer to deer?

how close do you want to get???

you could dress up like a angry male deer and go and try pinch some female deers!! that guarantee some close up, physical action shots.... just get some one else to hold the camera lol

 

[ThyJones]

Lol, not sure if im that keen mate

 

[ThyJones]

how close do you want to get???

you could dress up like a angry male deer and go and try pinch some female deers!! that guarantee some close up, physical action shots.... just get some one else to hold the camera lol

Close enough to get a decent shot but not too close to get violated by one lol, i just see some people taking decent shots which are pretty close, ill try the suggeations about the national parks, thanks

 

[siblingchris]

Wollaton Hall deer park in Nottingham is easier to get close also...although you have to just be a little cautious in rutting season

I was tracking 3 stags moving across the golf course there the other day and they were making a right racket, was glad to be behind the ha-ha wall in the formal garden...but don't have a long enough zoom unfortunately

 

[Milligan]

Close enough to get a decent shot but not too close to get violated by one lol, i just see some people taking decent shots which are pretty close, ill try the suggeations about the national parks, thanks

Wind is the main consideration, deer feed into the wind so if you do get downwind you can get quite close.

If it's woodland deer you're after you could try a high seat.

Don't wear noisy clothes; also worth pointing out deer are colour blind but can spot contrast and movement very well.

 

[DTS]

camouflage is a big advantage if you want to get close, and good camo is imperative not the cr*p you can buy on ebay (although you can buy good brands on ebay too of course)

If your serious about it kit yourself up with a good quality and quiet camo. Realtree do a line called quiet tech that doesnt rustle much at all - just gives you the advantage of being hard to see, hard to hear, and if your downwind hard to smell.

with all that, youve got what you need for a good shot - but it isnt cheap!

 

[fracster]

Or, jump on the quad and go for a drive around the fields..............

....Seriously,advice above is good. Roe are reliant on hearing and smell, Sika more on sight.

 

[sturs]

Morning all,

Just got back from an early morning trek over one part of cannock chase, looking for some deer. No pics sorted yet..

I've seen 100's this morning (even one with only 3 legs), but I was struggling to get close enough. I went on my own this morning and was as stealthy as I could be, and being as quiet as I could be too, but still couldn't get close enough to get any particular impressive shots, and found I was zoomed in with my 55-250 as much as I could, just go actually get something half decent.

I also struggled a little with the light(i was using my tripod) but some of the photo's look a little grainy. It was extremely foggy though and i'm wondering if I should have waited a few hours for more light.

Anyway, any tips would be appreciated, some people have amazing close shots, now are these with better and longer zoom lenses, or is it a case of just sitting and waiting for them to come into your path?

Thanks all

Cannock chase is my local spot so hopefully I can help. The Fallow deer at the chase are prob one of the easiest to get close to. What you have to is firstly find them. The best time to see them is at first light or last light around the Brocton area. Once you see them stay back and take the time to watch them, understand what direction they are heading and also their behavior. Once you know what direction they are heading go ahead and position yourself upstream as to speak. Try and use a tree etc for cover and stay very still. The deer will continue on their merry way and as long as you are still etc then they will not mind at all.

Hope this helps.