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Not a technically brilliant photograph I know..
Those of us who enjoy watching the rut PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
I was put on my backside by a this chap yesterday.
I had been following him for most of the morning keeping a respectful distance when he decided to lay down for a little rest... I moved to within 80 ft of him and knelt down, he then got to his feet and charged at me, I took v1, I thought he'd stop? he didn't.. he kept coming, bellowing as he ran, I got up, started to run backwards and slipped over... he stopped 2 ft from me head down,.. v2 taken after I managed to get up and retreat.
I know some will say "what do you expect, you fool", but I consider myself very respectful of these wonderful animals, but I was reminded, they might be in the park, but they are wild animals... so please take care!
The most embarrassing thing was, I cried out like a girlie! 
I met Mike, (HUMIE) after, he was disapointed he didn't catch it on camera!.. cheers Mike 
Jon
| Camera: | Canon EOS 50D |
| Lens: | Canon 100-400IS |
| Recording media: | JPEG (digital) |
| Title: | WARNING TO TOGS! |
| Username: | 
SurreyHillsMan |
| Uploaded: | 5 Oct 2009 - 9:05 AM |
| Tags: | General, Landscape / travel, Wildlife / nature |
| Votes: | 55 |
 | Variant - Report |
Comments
Glad you got the shots Jon, and yes you are quite right, you do have to be careful, we have followed the deer for years and had quite a few close encounters. The red deer are far more of a threat. the fallow are not so bad. Just have to try not to get between the stags and his females, as then you really are pushing your luck. Have had a few reds charge, but thankfully like you they have stopped within feet. Somehow you've just got to stand your ground, run, and they'll come after you.
Anyway - great shots !
Chris
Two great shots,very scary story though.The game keeper here says stay downwind. and out of sight. never see them anyway except when they come on to the road at night or in a very bad winter when they come down into the village foraging for food..
Regards Mary
A worthwhile cautionary tale mate....as I said yesterday I got a lot closer and even tried to emulate a stag to get my target stag to roar. It's easy to get complacent but a lesson learned here with no harm caused I think in that circumstance I'd follow our guide in alaskas advise , to stand your ground and shout/talk to the animal.....and believe me a hungry bear can run equally as fast as a stag !
V2 's a cracker BTW Jon.
*Mike*
Great reportage captures Jon. Glad you're o.k. and this may be an invaluable experience for future occasions anyway.
Andrew
What a great expression.... seems you paid dearly (arghhh) for it tho'. If that charged at me I'd have been terrified, but then I'm frightened of cows. Great story too, made me smile (sorry!)... helen
at least you lived to tell the tale and will remember this for all time, I want to go but cant run and will be keeping my distance - good shot was it worth your effort (only you can say) I would not worry about crying like a girlie I am sure you had reason, I am with Mike and wish I had been there for a photo of you - the expression on your face would have been something else - two great shots tho
Quote: Lucky man! Bet you kacked your pants mate.
still, you got 2 great images.
Ian
Lovely shots and great to see the rich autumn colours.
And a cautionary tale and interesting to read Mike's comment too - I also got a lot closer last year in the fog, but kept low and didn't seem to be disturbing them; reading your experience maybe I was just lucky.
So we have a choice of standing and shouting, or your approach of tripping over and convincing him that you're harmless
Tim
Firstly a couple of crackers Jon. All action as you say and have to agree with you about respect for these beasts. Ron and I nearly had the same the other day. Failing that go out with a 76 year old but have caution because he can outrun us as well...Linford Maiwand
Scream like a girlie....never
Seriously though, these are spot on Jon and terrific nerve to get that shot charging.
Richard
I saw the photo before I read your tale
Thought the stag looked strange...Then I read your story
Explains it all
I am totally impressed you took V2
But it is a cautionary tale to us all
Where we look at the deer there is a sadly a fence between us
Perhaps now I will think twice about that fence and be grateful it is there
Where were you ?
2 outstanding shots Jon, great write up too, glad you are ok though my friend,
Geoff.
Fine shots Jon, and a timely warning too. But the images are great.
Dave.
Nice story Jon. Under preasure but you continued clicking.
Chris
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