RED DEER RUT EXMOOR update 18 10 2010

The Rut is now going strong, I have had a brilliant 2 weeks on Exmoor. Aldermans Barrow seems to be the best place to see Rut action at the moment. I watched 2 stags fighting for at least 20mins very early there the other day. In 25years it was one of the most aggressive fights I have ever witnessed. Got some great shots and video!! Everything was eerily quiet, there was no bolving at all and I was watching one stag who was fast asleep with his hinds, suddenly a second larger stag appeared. In stead of the usual bolving, bluffing and head rolling/shaking, they just charged at each other like 2 freight trains and their horns/antlers remained locked for at least 20mins, neither one wanting to give up. Eventually the smaller stag saw off the larger one, both were completely worn out after the battle, fantastic!!!

Unfortunately I have had to remove one of my hides, due to inconsiderate people trespassing on the owners land, we were both worried about unnecessary disturbance of the deer.

(I heard my first one last year a week ago), still plenty of time yet, the rut was very early last year. Sorry the picture is a bit ‘hazy’ it was actually pouring with rain!!

 Thanks to B, A and S for all your help. I will post new images as soon as I can. The Stag below was not where I normally see him, he still seemed perfectly happy to have other stags around his hinds. I have only heard one ‘bolver’ so far this year

PS DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A SHOP/GALLERY THAT MAY SELL MY WORK? I ALREADY SUPPLY GALLERIES IN SOMERSET AND DEVON, BUT UNFORTUNATELY ONE OF MY BEST ONES HAS JUST BEEN SOLD, SO I NEED A REPLACEMENT. I AM TRYING TO RAISE FUNDS TO OPEN MY GALLERY, BUT ALL THE BANKS WANT MASSIVE DEPOSITS THESE DAYS!!!

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Jack