Anyone being to Richmond Park for deer

[adrian5127]

I want to get some good pics of deer, ideally the stags fighting as the rutting going on.
Can anyone give me any tips on where in Richmond or Bushy parks are the best places to go and what time of day?
Thanks

[AlexMN]

I must have spent around 35 hours with the deer in Richmond (always had more success here than at Bushy) this rutting season. Due mainly to the warm weather the deer have been a little erratic in their behavior, a nice cold snap is really needed now to set them off again! It looks like tonight might get chilly so fingers crossed. I was there this morning and there wasn't much action.

The deer obviously roam wherever they want so it is hard to say where they will be at any one time. Just follow the roars! If you want pm me the day before you go I will let you know where I last saw them or if I am around we could meet up.

As to when to go, red deer are always more active at the start and the end of the day, and this applies just as much during the rut, plus you get the sweet morning and afternoon light.

Please keep in mind that these are wild animals and should be treated with respect, 2 photographers and a walker have already been injured this month because they approached the deer too closely!

Hope that helps
Alex

[HSK]

^ ooh damn, what's the recommend safe distance? 50 metres, 100?

[AlexMN]

^ ooh damn, what's the recommend safe distance? 50 metres, 100?

You will be fine closer than that, just be very aware of a few things,

Never get between 2 stags.

Never get between a stag and any females.

If a stag is making eye contact and snorting or lifting a leg or pawing the ground, or indeed you feel that he is taking an undue interest in you its is time to back off quickly!

Try and stay close to a tree, not only will it provide you cover and enable you to get closer to the animals it is also gives you some shelter.

If you see any dog walkers approaching be extra aware, dogs love to chase deer and it seems a lot of owners do not realize the danger these animals present to themselves and their pets, if a dog does get amongst the deer, all hell can break loose with deer flying in all directions!

I have spent a lot of time with deer both in deer parks and in the highlands and they truly are magnificent creatures, but as a game keeper friend said to me once, "during the rut the males are about as stable as a crack addict!"

I would recommend a visit to anyone, just take care.

Alex

[HSK]

Thanks for the information Alex, I plan on going down one day, I don't live too far - Just need to pick up a telephoto lens of some sort.

[adrian5127]

Alex
Thanks, I hope to get down there this Thursday or Friday. What sought of time would you recommend? If you are free it would be great to meet up.
Secondly my lense only goes to 200mm excluding the crop factor, do you think that will be long enough?
Thanks
Adrian

[AlexMN]

I have used everything from a 17-40 to a 500 plus TCs on deer in the park, great shots can be had with any lens here, depending on whether you are shooting environmentals or portraits. My most used lens, I guess would be the 100-400, the versatility of this much maligned lens is perfect here ( until the light starts to go!) so your 18-200 should serve you well.

As for time, the sun is rising at about 7:30am at the moment, I like to be in position with the deer by then, so aim to get to the park at around 6:45am, an early start but worth it (especially for those breathy snorting shots), the light and activity tends to last until 10:30/11:00, when the deer settle down, often moving into the trees. The activity really starts again at around 3pm and then continues until nightfall.

I am planning to do a morning and afternoon session tomorrow, and will let you know how it goes and what the activity is like. I Will probably be going down on either Thursday or Friday as well, depending on weather and other work commitments, and will let you know when I decide.

When I get the chance I will post some shots in the sharing section to hopefully wet your appetite.

Alex

[adrian5127]

Good luck and I look forward to seeing your shots

[AlexMN]

Just got back from a few hours with the deer, the cold weather has really set them off again, witnessed a couple of brutal fights between the largest of the stags, can't wait to look through my shots now! I am heading back out this afternoon, fingers crossed for some more action!

[adrian5127]

Alex

Have you posted your pictures yet and where abouts did you see them

Regards