A deer browsing at the edge of an open field is not the easiest thing to stalk. First thing you need to do is spot the deer before it spots you.

A deer’s life depends on constant vigilance. That’s why it’s so hard to get the first sighting when walking out in the open. But if ya do just remember to freeze when the deer’s head comes up for a look around.

Once the deer starts browsing again – move slowly. Remember we’re playing a slow version of ‘Red Light – Green Light’, rushing the deer won’t get you anywhere.

RED LIGHT!

Here’s where it get interesting. I had Pookey with me and she doesn’t know the rules. Let me zoom out so you have a better idea.

To say ‘That dog don’t hunt’ is an understatement. I figure she actually sees only 3% of the deer I do.

I figured wrong. I didn’t expect to get any closer but the deer was so focused on the clueless dog that I was able to inch forward.

Pook was so busy following her nose around I was actually able to leave her behind a ways. The deer was so focused on her I thought I just might get close enough for a good shot.

That’s when Miss Fearless had a panic attack and came running back into my ‘cone of protection’. The deer finally had enough and was gone in a flash. In the end I managed to get within 200 feet of the deer. Pook never did see it but she did have a nose treat when we got to the spot the deer was standing.

Now I know why the deer haven’t been ringing my doorbell and asking for handouts this year. They’ve found easier pickings thanks to a nearby farmer that didn’t harvest all his corn.

Can you find the deer in this photo? I did but I had the advantage of seeing some movement.

I’ll make it easier and zoom in. This is the same photo – only cropped and displayed without resizing the image smaller.

This time it should be easier. I did try to get closer and managed somewhat before my wildlife repellent gave me away. Following her nose the dog never did see the deer but they sure noticed her. There are two deer in the photo.

Same photo cropped for a better look at one of the deer. This photo is linked to one sized 1024 x 768 to use as desktop wallpaper.

One last look before turning tail. This image is also available to use as wallpaper

In all there were 4 deer in that spot. At the other end of the corn field I caught sight of a couple tails flashing as more deer bolted for the woods. I might leave Pookey behind tomorrow and see just how close I can get.

Rumor has it that Spring is making an appearance on Long Island this week-end and temps are supposed to be 50+ F for days on end. The temptation is too much for me to resist so I’m headed south to soak up some ‘heat’. Soon as I post this I’m out the door.

With the ground here still frozen the grass on the other side of the fence (Adirondack Mountains) is definitely greener. I’ll take me about 3 hours to drive through the mountains and I expect a noticeable change in the climate as I approach Albany. By the time I hit NYC I’ll be at least 3 hardiness happiness zones higher.

It’s too bad some residents are stuck here. Not that I feel sorry for them, I just want to get rid of these pests. These photos were taken on the last day of February. Since then the snow has pretty much melted.

I saw these deer in a neighbor’s driveway as I drove by.

Tryouts for a chorus line. They’re out of step but young and learning. Too bad they learn I put out a nice salad bar in the garden.

Who knows when I’ll return? I’ll be gone at least a week. With a days drive on both ends of the trip I hate to stay less than a week. I’ll be back by the 19th at the latest.