Mule deer buck follows the scent to the ladies
A mule deer buck raises its head and sniffs the air. (© Tony’s Takes)

Ah yes, with the rut the hormones are raging and the bucks are chasing the does. As my friend and I were photographing this buck, the doe that he was so smitten with walked right by us. Undeterred by the human presence and lured by what I am sure for him was an irresistible scent, the buck gave pursuit, raising his head and curling his lips (called the flehmen response) to soak in the smell. It was a fun scene to witness yielding some cool captures like this one as the buck came right toward us.

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