DiscussionBradgate rut yesterday, people getting way too close

Went up Bradgate yesterday at first light for the rut, first time this year, the stags are well into it now, roaring the whole time, one big lad with about 15 hinds down by the river, brilliant stuff

but honestly the people, there was a bloke with a phone walking up to about 10 metres off the big stag for a selfie, and a couple with a dog off the lead, ranger was trying to move them back and getting abuse for it

I stayed on the path with the R7 and the 100-400, which is 640mm equivalent so plenty, got some nice ones of him with his breath steaming in the low sun, but it does make you wonder how long before someone gets hurt

anyone else been out for the rut yet, and do you say something to people or keep out of it

andyp_1974 said:

do you say something to people or keep out of it

Richmond Park was much the same last weekend. The stags are running on adrenaline at this point. They've barely eaten for a fortnight, they've been fighting, and a couple of hundred kilos of red deer doesn't care in the slightest that you only wanted a selfie.

I'll say something once, politely, and only if I can do it without walking towards the animal myself. Then I go and find a ranger. Getting into an argument in front of a rutting stag helps nobody, least of all the deer, which is the one that ends up stressed and pushed off his hinds.

The other thing I've started doing is setting up well back from the main groups, so the phone crowd has somewhere to stand that isn't right in front of the stag. People tend to copy whoever looks like they know what they're doing.

640mm equivalent from the path is exactly the right way to do it. Wait for him to come to you.

We have the exact same problem with elk in the Smokies every fall, people walking right up to them like it's a petting zoo, and the rangers out there have a pretty thankless job too. Good for you staying on the path. Breath steaming in low sun sounds like a lovely frame, I hope you'll post a description in Showcase!

Say nothing. Tell the ranger. Not worth it.

5amJim said:

Say nothing. Tell the ranger.

fair enough mate, the ranger was already on it tbf, just felt bad stood there watching her get shouted at

Same story with the elk up on the Mogollon Rim come September. Folks see a big animal standing still and assume it's tame... FWIW the bugling bulls out there have sent more than one tourist home in an ambulance. You did it right. Long lens, stay put, let the animal decide how close it wants to be.

And 640mm equivalent on an R7, I'll allow it, even if it is a Canon.

• Walt

Rut season is the one time I'd happily see fewer photographers out.

going back Saturday, will try the far side up by Old John where its quieter and the sun comes over the ridge a bit earlier, there was a younger stag hanging round the edge of the main group trying his luck so might be some sparring if Im lucky, if anyone local fancies it give us a shout