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DEER SENSES

An introduction to understanding deer senses and how to succeed with deer photography

In order to achieve success with photographing wild deer it helps to understand how they perceive the world around them. Territorial deer are intimately familiar with their surroundings. Any abnormal sounds, smells and sights will make them suspicious.

Deer are astute observers of people and will notice anything out of the ordinary or threatening about how we behave. Habituation is therefore a preferable approach for photographing Roe deer compared to camouflage and concealment.

Roe Deer, Norfolk
This mature buck now carries antlers that pale in comparison to when he was in his prime.

The application of knowledge from this guide on deer senses, will as I learnt, allow for deer to accept you more readily than before. By reducing any unfamiliar or unnatural scents you introduce into their territory, you pose less cause for alarm.

Minimising the amount of noise and through mindful natural movements, these shy creatures will be more accepting of your presence without feeling especially guarded.

Understanding deer senses is essential for their habituation. Combining these techniques will enable you to explore the secret life of deer. In doing so, you will be able to capture unique moments and create intimate photographs.

SCENT

Deer will recognise your scent no matter how hard you try to conceal it

The most important defence system a deer has is its ability to smell. Deer can smell at a level many times greater than us. A deer can detect the whiff of approaching danger several hundred metres away. Therefore do not do anything to create a negative association with your scent.

A mature roe buck selectively browsing in a pasture during the summer rut
A mature Roe deer buck selectively browsing during a crepuscular feed in a meadow

Below are two tried and tested techniques for lowering your scent profile to wild deer:

  • Ensure your clothing is to some extent infused with the scents of the deer’s habitat: familiar smells are important for lowering your threat level to deer.
  • Avoid perfume, cologne or heavily scented deodorant: unnatural smells are easily detected by deer and will cause alarm.

SOUND

Deer will pick up the sound you make no matter hard you try to conceal it

The large manoeuvrable ears of deer are highly adept at picking up the faintest noise from pretty much any direction. Deer can discern the noise of a predator’s approach from less threatening everyday sounds. Therefore do not do anything to create a negative association with the sounds you make.

A young doe points her ears towards the source of a potential threat.

Below are two techniques to decrease the amount of noise you make in the field:

  • Keep your own noise to an absolute minimum: zips, velcro straps, tripod leg clips all make sounds which will puncture any hope of keeping deer at ease.
  • Make sure your camera is set up before getting into position: fumbling with lens, camera body, tripod and any other accessories will typically lead to failure.

SIGHT

Deer will see any movement you make so it’s best to conceal it!

Deer have a good sense of sight, but it is not their most dependable sense. Deer eyes do have plenty of rod cells, which means their eyes are particularly sensitive to movement. Therefore do not do anything to create a negative association with the way you are moving.

If a deer hears you, pinpoints you, and stares directly at you, the best thing you can do is stay completely still. Deer often cannot distinguish between a motionless object and its background. If you start moving right then, the deer will think you are a threat and flee in panic.

Roe Deer, Norfolk
An adult buck stares intently at the photographer.

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