Red Deer Rutting in Northern Bavaria

Key Facts:

1. Rutting Season: End of September to mid-October
2. Rutting Calls: Deep, roaring sounds made by male red deer
3. Location: A forest area in Northern Bavaria
4. Activity: Deer are most active at dawn and dusk
5. Article Focus: Observing and photographing red deer stags and does
6. Equipment: Camouflage clothing, camera, binoculars, and a red-light flashlight
7. Challenges: Darkness, fog, and the sensitivity of the animals
8. Result: Unforgettable moments and an impressive photo series

Table of Contents

1. The Magic of the Rutting Season: An Unforgettable Experience
2. The Silence of the Forest and the First Deer Calls
3. Looking for the Deer
4. The First Sightings: A Special Moment
5. The Deer Retreat
6. A Day Full of Emotions
7. The Following Days of the Rut

The Magic of the Rutting Season: An Unforgettable Experience

It was a cool autumn morning in late September when my wife and I decided to go on a special adventure: watching the red deer rutting season in a forest area in Northern Bavaria. While many wildlife photographers visit popular places like Müritz or Darß in East / North Germany, we chose to experience this event closer to home.

The Challenge: Getting the red deer in our area in front of the camera is a real challenge. They are extremely shy due to hunting pressure and the presence of the local wolf. This is also the reason why red deer are not seen in open areas during the day and only become active at dusk and night.

Our plan was simple: Wake up early, grab the camera, and search for the majestic red deer.
We kept our preparations minimal: binoculars, a camera with a fast lens, quiet clothing, and a red-light flashlight to move safely in the dark. Patience and attention were the key to success. This first trip was more of an exploration to find where the deer were, so we could return for better photography later.

The Silence of the Forest and the First Deer Calls

It was still dark when we started our adventure through the wet forest. The rain from earlier had left the ground damp, and the sound of dripping water surrounded us. We used our red-light flashlight to avoid stepping on toads crossing the path. After about 250 meters, we heard it: the first rutting call of a red deer broke the silence. It was a deep, roaring sound that echoed through the forest.

In these moments, your senses sharpen, and the experience becomes intense. There were no everyday noises—just the animals and us.

Looking for the Deer

We followed the calls quietly, using our red-light flashlight to stay unnoticed. The peacefulness of the early morning was striking. It felt like everything was standing still while the deer's "concert" continued.

Soon, we reached a small hill with a view of a large meadow. Mist was rolling across the open land, creating a mystical atmosphere. We couldn’t see the deer yet, but we could feel their presence through the sounds.

The First Sightings: A Special Moment

We moved closer to the open meadow, staying hidden in the forest. We stayed quiet and careful, trying not to disturb the deer. Then, we saw a group of female deer (does) on the other side of the meadow. Slowly, we crouched down to avoid alarming them. The sight was breathtaking, watching the deer in their natural behavior.

Then it happened: A majestic male red deer (stag) appeared. His huge antlers glowed faintly in the dawn light. The stag stood proudly for a moment, giving me the perfect opportunity to take out my camera and snap a series of shots. My Sony A1 camera and 400mm f/2.8 lens worked great in the low light, allowing me to capture the moment.

It was an amazing moment—seeing the male deer in all his glory, unaware of our presence. The quietness of the forest, the powerful calls in the background, and the close proximity to these animals made it an unforgettable experience.

The Deer Retreat

As the dawn continued and the light changed—about 15 minutes before sunrise—the deer began to retreat into the forest. This pattern repeated itself every day, like clockwork. The mist grew thicker, and the deer disappeared into the safety of the woods. We sat quietly, listening to the fading roars.
About ten minutes after sunrise, we headed back as well. The calmness of the forest after such a spectacular event was comforting. Our mission was more than successful: not only did we hear the rutting calls, but we also experienced and photographed the red deer in Northern Bavaria—a fantastic feeling.
But this wasn’t the only memorable moment. On our way back, we noticed a set of antlers sticking out from behind some bushes.

We crouched low and approached quietly. There was a bush between the deer and us, which allowed me to take a shot without being seen. It was an impressive moment—we were only about 20 meters from the forest giant. My wife and I stayed crouched until the stag slowly disappeared into the forest.

A Day Full of Emotions

The rest of the day was filled with memories of what we experienced in the morning. The deer's roaring, the misty atmosphere, and the closeness to the animals left a lasting impression. We had not only experienced nature up close but also captured the beauty and power of the red deer—an unforgettable moment.

The Following Days of the Rut

In the following days, we went out again, setting up in the same spots to take more pictures and audio recordings. While we got great sound recordings, the weather didn’t cooperate for more photos—the thick fog made it impossible to see the deer.

Even though the calls were close, the animals remained hidden. As before, the deer disappeared about 15 minutes before sunrise into the forest—like they were on a schedule. Still, these outings were successful as we captured unique audio recordings.

Facts About Red Deer Senses and Tips for Photographers

The following facts will help you stay unnoticed during the rutting season and avoid disturbing the deer.

1. Strong sense of smell: Red deer can smell humans from a long distance.

   • Tip: Avoid strong-smelling products like perfume or deodorant, and use scent-free soap. Stay downwind so your scent doesn’t reach the deer.

2. Wide field of view: Red deer have nearly a 300-degree field of vision and can see movement early.

   • Tip: Use natural cover like trees and bushes. Move slowly to avoid being seen.

3. Limited color vision: Deer see red tones as gray, but they can detect blue and green tones better.

   • Tip: Wear muted colors like gray, brown, or green to blend into the environment.

4. Sensitive to blue and UV light: Deer can see blue and UV light well, so blue can act as a warning color for them.

   • Tip: Avoid clothes with UV-reflective fabrics and use laundry detergent without UV brighteners.

5. Good night vision: Deer can see well in low light, which helps them find food and avoid danger at dawn and dusk.

   • Tip: Use a red-light flashlight since red light doesn’t disturb them as much.

6. Sharp hearing: Red deer have excellent hearing and are sensitive to small noises.

   • Tip: Wear quiet clothes and move slowly to avoid making noise.

7. Ears move independently: Deer can hear sounds from different directions by moving their ears independently.

   • Tip: Avoid sudden or loud noises. Try to use a camera with a silent shutter.

8. Quick to flee when sensing movement: Deer will quickly run away if they detect suspicious movement.

   • Tip: Move carefully and slowly, taking breaks instead of rushing.

FAQ about the Rutting Season

1. When does the red deer rutting season start in Germany?
The rutting season starts around mid-September and lasts until mid-October. This is the best time to observe the animals.

2. How close can I get to the deer without disturbing them?
It’s best to keep a large distance, which is safer for you and the deer. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to get great shots from afar without bothering the animals.

3. What should I keep in mind when photographing during the rut?
Stay patient and quiet. Make sure to stand downwind so the deer don’t smell you. Always remember that you are a guest in the wildlife’s home, so treat the animals and nature with respect. Also, male deer are full of hormones at this time, so they can be easily provoked.

4. What equipment do I need for deer photography?
A camera, a fast telephoto lens (at least 400mm), and a tripod are recommended. Camouflage clothing and a red-light flashlight are also helpful.

5. Why do the deer roar during the rut?
The roaring calls are to intimidate rivals and attract females. It’s a sign of strength and dominance.