Early last week I thought that the Pronghorn bucks on Antelope Island State Park might be in rut, later in the week a buck’s behavior confirmed that they are. For the next few weeks it ought to be more fun than usual photographing them.

Pronghorn doesPronghorn does – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 285mm, natural light

There were several does in the harem…

Pronghorn yearling nibbling on MulleinPronghorn yearling nibbling on Mullein- Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Plus a few young Pronghorn that were born earlier this spring…

Keeping an eye on his haremKeeping an eye on his harem – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

And this buck who kept a close eye on his harem.

Pronghorn yearlingPronghorn yearling – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 328mm, natural light

The fawns born this spring have sure grown a lot yet they are still pretty darn cute.

Pronghorn buckAlert Pronghorn buck – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 350mm, natural light

Pronghorn bucks expend a lot of energy during the rut keeping the does in his harem close to him and by fending off the other males.

Pronghorn buck chasing his doesPronghorn buck chasing his does – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 350mm, natural light

When one of the does or fawns breaks loose from the harem the buck will chase after them to get them back into the herd.

Pronghorn buckPronghorn buck passing by – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 350mm, natural light

I think it is awesome to watch the powerful muscles of Pronghorn as they run, they are the fastest land mammal in North America.

Buck running after his haremBuck running after his harem – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 350mm, natural light

When this buck’s harem ran across the road he followed them close on their heels.

My mother’s visit went great, she saw many lifer birds and wild animals, she loved seeing Utah and spending time with me. I hated to see her leave.

I’ll be slowly catching up on viewing your blogs and images and replying to the wonderful comments you have left here while I was enjoying her company.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Pronghorn photos plus facts and information about this species.