by statesofminds

Created on: July 29, 2009

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This past weekend, a friend called me and asked if I wanted to go for a short hike. I am usually always ready for such adventures and readily agreed; little did I know I would be demonstrating some of my wilderness skills in front of several people, with many questions to follow!

We ended up driving to a dam buried in the Pennsylvania farm country woods. While on the access road, I spotted a large deer at the edge of a clearing on the left. It was a buck! Quickly grabbing my camera, my mind began to race. My friend slowed and stopped, leaning out of my way as I aimed the lens. As I was focusing the camera, the buck jogged behind a large tangle of high weeds! As a plan began to form in my mind, another buck burst from the bushes, heading towards the first one!

That did it for me-I knew I needed to get closer. I quickly but quietly exited the truck and nudged the door shut to avoid any loud noises; I then cleared my mind of everything but those two deer and concentrated on my surroundings as I stealthily stepped into the grass, closing the distance with smooth but slow movements, looking in the direction of the deer, but not directly at them; each time I saw one pop its head up from the corner of my eye, I would gracefully slow and stop-no jerky movements.

I knew I would not be able to get as close as I would like-the wind was blowing my scent directly to them, I was wearing solidly colored clothing (deer do not see color, but a striped or checkered shirt and pants does much to break up the human outline), and there were other dam visitors backed up behind my friend, waiting for him to move. So, I needed to act fast!

Keeping my camera raised with one eye on the viewfinder and the other looking over the camera to a spot between the deer, I edged closer without unnecessary movement. I kept my mind clear of all conscious thought, and melded with my surroundings as best I could. I began snapping shots, moving only my shutter finger, while staying completely still when the deer were looking, and edging even closer when they lowered their heads to browse, until I was only about thirty feet away!

I snapped several shots before the wind picked up, carrying a large dose of my scent to both of the deer. They gave their warning snort, lifted their tails, and galloped into the trees. I took a deep breath, mentally and emotionally thanking the deer for the chance to capture their photographs, and turned back towards my friend's truck-to see four vehicles in front

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