JUSTIN HOFFMAN
PHOTOS Justin Hoffman
There ’ s more than one way to ‘ shoot ’ a whitetail
AS A PHOTOGRAPHIC subject , whitetail deer are a hands-down favourite . Captured by a camera , they exude strength , charisma , and a certain beauty that is hard to find in most other animals . So , try these tips and tricks to take your whitetail photos to the next level .
KNOW WHERE TO LOOK Actually finding deer is crucial . No point lugging gear around in the bush if the nearest animal is 10 kilometres away . Head for public lands or nature preserves that are off limits to hunting , and that abound in most cities . The deer there are still wild , but more tolerant of human presence and interaction – without pressure from anyone looking to fill a tag .
I do nearly all my whitetail photography within Ottawa ’ s city limits , on public “ green space .” These deer allow me to get quite close , providing opportunities for a wide array of shots .
TIME OF YEAR , TIME OF DAY The best time for whitetail for photo ops is during the fall rut . Nothing beats capturing a big animal with impressive racks making or checking rubs and scrapes , chasing does , or curling back that upper lip to “ smell ” whether a doe is receptive to breeding . It ’ s wildlife in action calling out for an image . Not to mention male-on-male combat .
In fall and early winter there ’ s less understory vegetation or leaves up top , so more light penetrates the canopy , and animals are easier to see . And the colourful splendour of fall will brighten your background pallet .
Summer is a tougher challenge for a photographer . Animals spend most of the day bedded down , and bugs and heat are no fun at all .
Spring can bring fawns into your lens . Newborns can be tough to find , but those a month or two older are less secretive and hidden . They are also darned adorable to look at .
In any season you have to get out there in early morning or late evenings . That ’ s the way of the woods , the time when deer are on the move , but not the best for capturing images . The rut , however , will see daytime traffic ramped up , with movement all day long .
THE APPROACH
Covering ground in search of deer gets the nod over a sit-and-wait approach . Although I have utilized a blind ( or a stump ) for some shots or in areas where you can use it , I ’ ve learned that the more kilometres you hike , the better the chances of good shots .
I GPS all of my photographic forays , and average eight kilometres on most outings , keeping eyes peeled for deer sign . If you see no scat , rubs , scrapes or beds , it ’ s time to move on to a new area .
06 | FISH , HUNT RIDE www . fishhuntandride . ca