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.
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.
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.
Northern Desert Photography 
Almost didn’t want to put a ‘like’ to that last picture. Hope that eye manages to heal. It looks pretty nasty. I bet he didn’t even get the girl after all that ! I miss seeing Pronghorns and remember our one visit to Sheldon Antelope Refuge with longing. Don’t remember exactly what time of year it was, but all we saw were the wild horses. Thrilling in their own way.
I know! I gasped when I first saw and was sure he had lost his eye. I was relieved to see that his eye was intact.
Great post!
Thank you!
Wow, great pictures of the pair and the bucks fighting! What an exciting trip to Sheldon.
Thank you! š
Nice work! Love sneaking into the middle of things during the rut, knowing that anything can happen at any time and the best plan is to simply be there and be ready!
Thanks Nick! Absolutely love the opportunities this time of year affords the photographer. š
Good morning sir
I enjoyed your article and of course your photos.
Thank you so much!
Beautifully written with excellent photos ! Thank you for sharing ā¤šš
Thank you!
My pleasure š¹