The Stalker

[Nighthiker]

I have been observing a small herd of deer for most of this year. This herd includes three does with fawns (yearlings). Today I was in position to observe them when I noted a coyote stalk the does and the fawns. I was able to observe the coyote approach. When the coyote got to within forty yards of the deer, I noted the coyote started to crawl including keeping its head close to the ground. The coyote was apx. 30 yards away when one of the does noted it approach. The doe faced and stared at the coyote at times stomping one of its rear feet at the ground the other does also did this followed by the fawns. At times the does (all three of them) and two of the fawns would urinate. This went on for apx 20 min. before the does closed the distance with the coyote to apx. 20 yards. The does stopmed the ground with their rear legs (alternating them) and were joined by two of the fawns who also repeated what the does where doing. The third fawn stayed back but was twitching its tail quite a bit. This went on for another 10 min. when the coyote crawled backwards apx. five yards and got up and backed away for apx. 10 yards before turning and walking off. The deer kept a look out for another 20 min. before resuming grazing.

[Wiz]

In response to Nighthiker's reply:
Wow! That sounds like something you'd see on Wild Kingdom or something. You must be very good at keeping yourself hidden, or else the herd has gotten used to you, for you to get such a terrific view.
How do you do it? Whenever I encounter a herd of deer I always try to look as non-threatening as I can, move slowly, etc. but they always run anyway. And how did you determine it was the same herd each time? Recognizable markings, or what?

Thanks for the great description, this is by far the best thing I've seen on this site in months!

[Daryl]

In response to Nighthiker's reply:
I always try to look as non-threatening as I can

[Wiz]

In response to Daryl's reply:
:A2:

[olesma]

Now that was a funny exchange.

[hack] - don't make me laugh so hard.

[Nighthiker]

Is the same group, one of the does is slighter larger always on the lookout (faces out from the group) and one of the fawns is smaller than the other two and is always prancing about. I was in position to note their approach including the coyote (who was alone). Read the terrian, take position, be quiet and you will be rewarded.