Red Stag

During the early autumn months, I have been looking at the level of Red Deer activity in the area as the rut commenced and concluded. A different year to last with the popular area from last year, which held several Stags and multiple Hinds, having no activity.

Another area did show some activity and the Stag in the photos below did hold this area for approximately 3 weeks. I only ever saw one another Stag with him. As you can see in the photos, whilst he is in good condition, he is not a particularly old Stag ( approx. 4-5 years old). With a large number of Hinds in the area, the low number of mature Stags is something which could do with more work to understand if the population dynamic for the Reds in the area is balanced and healthy.

Young Stag out with Hinds and calves middle of October.

A Stag with the photo taken in early Nov. If you look on the right hand side the antlers of a larger Stag are visible.

A Red Stag from October nearby to the one above.