Thursday, November 1, 2012

Twilight Buck and More Thoughts on SNP Whitetail Management

Pennsylvania Buck At Twilight: Canon 5D MK III -Canon 500mmf4-ISO 6400 1/40sec. f4
The rut is picking up here in southcentral Pennsylvania, but many of the bucks are seen either very early or extremely late.  These conditions put the low light capability of the MK III to the test.  Even the larger bucks in our area cannot ordinarily compete with those in Shenandoah National Park when it comes to antler mass and they are definitely a lot harder to see.  With that being said, it is possible that I will be spending less time than ever in Shenandoah National Park since many of the bucks at Big Meadows have been fitted with radio collars.

My last two posts have dealt with this in depth and Todd Mann, another wildlife photographer from Pennsylvania recently wrote an excellent post about the situation titled, "Deer contraception, politics, and the future of deer in the US".  Be sure to visit Todd's blog and read this timely article.

Originally published at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill.

8 comments:

Nancy J said...

I have read Todd's words and left a comment. Sad beyond belief, and his words told me iow much he cares about this tagging, collars etc. I feel for you too with the wonderful photo shoots no longer there, the cruelty inflicted, is it needless, and why??? thank you for your words and the link. Greetings from Jean

Dina said...

That is a beautiful portrait. I'm sure bucks would not look this handsome wearing a collar. I'd better go read the article you link to.

Unknown said...

Nice looking photo of this buck in twilight. Thanks for link to Todd blog. I sent Larry Brown the link to your blog.

Willard said...

Thanks for all of the comments and thanks to you, Jim for giving Larry the link. I meant to, but it slipped my mind.

Peggy said...

Love your shot of the buck! And your post about those awkward radio collars was very interesting! Too restrictive is an understatement with those collars! Hope the rut blesses you with great encounters!

Lindsjö taxar said...

Great picture.....lovely!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks Willard! Great job blogging about this problem! I think I will keep going to the park to photograph what I can find, and to chat with people about the issues. Might not be as many non-collard bucks around to photograph, but I am up for the challenge

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing and I will read Todd's blog.