When do Deer Rut in the UK? An honest answer to this question would be that the question is far too general for any of the three species of deer found in the UK. However, the seasons for the rutting seasons for Roe Deer, Red Deer and Fallow Deer do extend throughout the summer months into November.
Roe Deer Rut Comes First
Roe Deer – The smallest of all the UK species start to get excited in midsummer, with the largest groups of bucks seen in late July and early August. However, their ‘rubbing post’ can be used at any time of the year and it is not uncommon to see a lone buck during the summer months. As Roe Deer are typically solitary animals for most of the year it is rare to see large groups of Does, with the odd exception to the rule, although it is not uncommon to see small groups of Does with their young.
Red Deer Rut Is the Main Event
The main event is with the red deer. The red deer rut normally takes place between late September and November with the peak in mid-October. During this time males advertise their status by roaring. They gather females into a harem and on occasion will challenge other males in physical combat using their antlers. Most battles are settled by noise and by posture with very few ending in injury.
Fallow Deer Rut in October
Fallow Deer generally rut in October, although this can sometimes be a little later than the red deer. A deep groaning or belching noise is typical of the fallow buck. This is often made from a spot on the ground called a rutting stand or scrape, and the buck will return to this spot night after night during the season. Male fallow deer are referred to as bucks not stags. In an earlier post, every living thing has a label, we looked at how each species gets its name.
Rut Timing and the Stalking Season
You may find that the deer rut overlaps with the season for stalking deer. There are fixed close seasons for various species and sexes, with varying restrictions for England, Wales and Scotland. For example, stags are at their most vulnerable during the autumn months when they are distracted by does in season and therefore it is generally recommended that they are protected by close seasons as well.
Best Times and Places to Watch
The best time to see deer is at dawn and dusk. The animals are more active at these times and are generally more vocal in lower light conditions. There are many locations around the country where you can see deer rutting including Richmond Park and Bushy Park in London. It’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best results. In estates managed by the National Trust, for example, the best time to see deer are early morning and late afternoon when the animals are most active. – Never get between two stags or between a stag and hinds – Go at dawn or dusk when the stags are most vocal There is more on when do deer rut uk at https://trivialmouse.co.uk/nature/every-living-thing-has-a-label-and-it-s-more-like-a-tin-of-beans-than-you-d/.
Why 50 Metres Matters
Stags in rut are completely absorbed in the business of other males and females. A sudden approach, the presence of a dog, even the appearance of a human between a stag and a group of does can prompt the animal to charge without warning. Therefore it is essential to give stags in rut a wide margin of safety – at least 50m – and even then be prepared for the animal to change direction quickly and head straight for you should it become agitated and start to behave aggressively such as to begin to paw the ground and roar repeatedly.
Kit, Etiquette and Dogs
Binoculars or a long lens will provide a good view of the deer without having to approach them. People can be very inconsiderate during the deer’s rutting season, but by staying quiet, not taking any photographs using flash and by moving slowly when necessary, you should be able to avoid causing any problems. Keep your dogs on a lead near deer during the rutting season and go for a different walk if you find that they excite the deer too much. An off-lead dog can provoke a stag a lot quicker than a human.
Watching the deer rut is one of the best free wildlife events that take place in the UK each autumn, if viewed correctly.
Checklist for watching the rut safely:
– Keep at least 50 m from deer, more if a stag is active – Use binoculars or a long lens rather than walking closer – Keep dogs on a lead near deer during the rut or go for a different walk with your dog during the season.
