Red Deer

To capture the full majesty of a Red Deer stag, camera placement is everything. Because they are significantly taller than most backyard wildlife, mount your camera at least 4 to 5 feet high and angle it slightly downward. If you place the camera too low, you’ll likely only capture legs and bellies. Look for 'game trails'—well-worn paths through the grass or woods—and set your camera about 10-15 feet back from the trail to ensure the wide-angle lens captures the entire animal, including the antlers.

During the autumn rut (September and October), focus your efforts on 'wallows.' These are muddy depressions in the ground where stags roll to coat themselves in scent. A camera positioned near a active wallow or a 'rubbing tree' (where stags scrape their antlers against the bark) is a goldmine for dramatic, high-energy footage. Use a fast trigger speed (0.3s or less) if your camera supports it, as Red Deer move with a surprisingly long and quick stride.

Video mode is highly recommended for this species. A 20-30 second clip will capture the social dynamics of a herd or the vocalizations of a stag, which are far more impressive than a still image. If your camera has a 'Hybrid' mode, use it to get a high-resolution photo followed by a video. Red Deer have a very keen sense of smell; always wear gloves when handling your camera and try to approach the site from downwind to avoid leaving a scent trail that might spook them for days.

For night captures, ensure your camera uses 'No-Glow' or 'Black' IR LEDs. While Red Deer are less sensitive to light than some predators, a visible red glow from a standard IR camera can sometimes make them curious or uneasy, leading them to stare directly into the lens or avoid the area. In the winter, place your cameras near evergreen cover or supplemental food sources where legal, as they will be more desperate for calories and less cautious about where they wander.