Wildlife Battles: White-Tailed Bucks Clash at Camas National Wildlife Refuge

Fierce Battles of Whitetail Bucks at Camas Refuge

On an early Thanksgiving morning, I witnessed a dramatic scene at Camas National Wildlife Refuge. My headlights illuminated two white-tailed bucks in a fierce fight. The battle continued for about ten minutes before one buck staggered into a ravine, while the winner joined a small doe heading toward a nearby hayfield.

Earlier in the week, I learned from a photographer that these two bucks had clashed before. One was exhausted and resting, while the other chased a doe. Over the next few days, I observed a total of thirty-four whitetails in the area.

On Tuesday, a track hoe had been clearing Camas Creek. This disturbance pushed deer out of their resting spots into private land. That evening, I noted deer grazing in a hayfield and saw bucks chasing and mounting does.

By Wednesday morning, many young and some mature bucks had left the hayfield. Most of the activity characterized earlier weeks seemed to fade, as herds of does and fawns scattered around the refuge. A few mature bucks lingered near small groups of does, indicating that most breeding had likely occurred.

Most mature does had gone through their first estrous cycle in October, lasting about 24 to 36 hours. About 80% of older does are bred during this first cycle. If not successful, they go into the next cycle in about 28 days. Young doe fawns will also reach their estrous cycle later on.

With fewer does available during recent cycles, bucks were more active, chasing both does and other bucks in the early mornings, late evenings, and overcast days. This chasing led to weight loss as bucks burned off their pre-rut fat in search of fertile females. More battles between bucks took place during this time.

The winner of the Thanksgiving morning battle stayed close to the young female while they feasted on hay. Meanwhile, I kept an eye on the loser. After resting, he began feeding and moved closer to my hiding spot before noticing me and trotting away.

Later, I made it home for a Thanksgiving dinner. After two years with few whitetails in Camas, it was wonderful to observe them again. As I returned, I encountered a large mule deer crossing the road.

During my observation, I also heard sandhill cranes and snow geese flying south. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend.