OPENING SHOT Enough of this Photo: by Bill Sincavage Gear: Nikon D5 Lens: Nikon 200-500mm, f/5.6 Settings: 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 3200 T he rut is the breeding season for mule deer. In northwest Wyoming, it typically takes place from late October through early December. Mule deer bucks pursue does and compete with other bucks for the opportunity to breed. The peak of the rut usually occurs during midNovember when bucks are most active and vocal. On this November morning, I observed a pair of bucks aggressively locking antlers. They shoved and twisted each other around almost without care for their surroundings. Suddenly they stopped and broke into chase. They would stop, face off and do it all again. The periods of battle were short but intense. The sound of antlers rattling and the vocalizations they emitted had a guttural sound. One of the bucks was clearly winning. His opponent seemingly knew it and would break into a run to try to get away. The larger and more experienced buck was not so eager to end the fight. My photograph captures the exhausted young buck trying to avoid another skirmish. Wyoming Wildlife | 7