Last Saturday morning I awoke and walked out of the camp house over an hour before daylight. I heard the rolling of rocks as my presence had evidently spooked some of the deer that feed and water near the camp. A few seconds later, I heard the unmistakable sound of two bucks fighting. The clashing of the antlers, rolling of rocks and breaking of brush lasted less than 30 seconds but is a sure sign that the rut is very near. Fights regularly break out as bucks compete for territories. The older more dominant bucks prefer to control high traffic areas as their chances of encountering a receptive doe is increased. Bucks make scrapes, paw the ground and leave their deer scent from periorbital glands on overhanging branches to mark their territories as well.
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