I Like Big Bucks and I Cannot Lie…

Pronghorn are perhaps the the most beautiful animals in North America. Their speed, their grace and their exotic markings, make them one of my most sought after photography subjects. The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge produces many fine examples of pronghorn bucks.

In September and October the Pronghorn look their best. I have taken photos of them in Spring and early Summer and they can look a little unkempt. At this time of year their coats are prime, their horns are all shined up and both the bucks and does look beautiful to my eye.

This is also the best time of the year to get close to these speedy and elusive animals. They are focused on females and forget their usual caution. They can hear the camera clicking away and will look at my blind but soon they are chasing the girls and fighting with the boys.

This handsome guy was my favorite this season. He is clearly in his prime and at the top of his game. Just stunning to watch. I hope he passes his amazing genetics on to many this year.

This fella is still impressive but probably a little older and does not have quite the panache the younger buck has. His horns were in better shape a few years ago but he is still an impressive specimen.

Pronghorn

Pronghorn Buck Making his Moves During the Rut.

Autumn may be officially a few weeks off but the first week of September and the Pronghorn rut starting, signals the start of fall on the sagebrush steppe. Cooler weather, less smoke and more photography opportunities with wildlife are motivation to get out. I was able to make a trip to the Sheldon Antelope Refuge this week and the Pronghorn put on a great show.

Two Trophy Bucks Fight for the Opportunity to Pass on Their Genes.

Lots of skirmishing and some epic battles took place between dominate bucks. Most of fights are quick and dirty over before they start with smaller bucks running off before they engage. I witnessed the longest bout I have ever seen. It lasted for over 5 minutes. The bucks horns may have become hooked as it looked like they couldn’t break away. One buck received a nasty gash below his eye and is lucky not to have lost it.

Buck Sporting a Nasty Wound Following a Fight

The thick part of the horn jutting out below the points are called cutters. The damage they can inflict in a fight is evident in this photograph.