21st October 2007: Deer Rut

9 members successfully found the locked venue! This included 2 new members. The early morning start was important, as it meant that the group missed the other recreational users e.g. dog walkers.

Local intelligence had informed us of 3 deaths of the mature stags in the area, so the group was not sure what would be found in this area.

2 harems were found, one containing 17 hinds and one with 8. Both stags were young animals, with poor sets of antlers, as can be seen in the photograph.

In another area, a much better stag was seen with a smaller number of hinds. It will be interesting to see if more mature stags move into the area in the near future. The group was privileged to get close views of the deer.