HOW TO WATCH DEER

Want to see the rut or get close to deer? Wait until after the stalking season or go places where stalking won’t be taking place to make sure you don’t spook them. For the best chances of seeing the rut without disturbing the deer, it’s best to hire a guide. Other than that, here’s some advice from the BDS for best success.

■ Go out at dawn or dusk, when deer are searching for food and grazing.

■ Move slowly and quietly, upwind of the herd.

■ Use binoculars to look ahead or into trees and undergrowth.

■ Use landscape features to hide your approach.

■ Look for signs such as prints, droppings, hair or indicators of browsing, like bark stripped from trees.

■ Carry a camera with zoom capability – the more powerful the better.

■ Keep your distance. Stay at least 50m away and at least 100m from rutting deer.