If asked to describe the lower Deschutes canyon in late Fall I would have to say cold, dry and beautiful with lots of wildlife around. The wildlife itself is always there. During the hotter days of late summer they use the dozens of caves and crags that dot the steep canyon walls to avoid the heat. During this time of year however, after hunting season, the wildlife comes down from the high and cold wind sweped ridges to Winter in the valley. Most of the West side rain never makes it over here. By the time it finaly gets here it comes as snow and shuts down the oasis for the rest of winter. For now its time to feed.


The Road to Mack's Canyon


Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer Enjoying the Cool Afternoon Together



Many of the local mule deer bucks are now visable and can often be seen chasing the doe around. This is considered a second or late rut for these bucks. This buck lost a left antler, it is possible he lost it in a battle for the very doe he is chasing. This was not his only doe.


Deschutes Canyon in Full Fall Color




Lets Take a Closer Look!

The wildlife uses these caves as shelter from the boiling hot summer sun. Temps here average above 85 during the day for almost 3 months! I have seen the big rams walking into a cave for the day around 9:00 am after the sun has been high in the wall for an hour or so. The temps now even during the day are cold and the higher up the ridge you are the colder it gets. This mature ram was just not ready to come down from the mountain with his group. He is way up at the top and up there it is cold and bitter. Miles away from us I could hardly get a shot. For now he still has the saftey and shelter of the caves and you can bet he knows exactly where they all are. He will come down when the time is right, when he is ready. Not even he can escape the natural instinct to winter low in the valley, like the rest of the game animals will.

The second pack of large male rams was spotted by Ryan Kelner across the river about a mile off. Most of the game was at the bottom of the walls by now but they are still far off. The largest keeping their distance. When you see them across the canyon they are already for sure at least a half mile away. IM surprised my small lens was able to even capture them at all. My 300x lens was left at home on accident. Although in a few spots I was able to get close, this was the typical scene.





I have lots more photos I would like to show off in a second part to this post but I only have room for a few more so allow me to share these two as personal favorites of the day.


Saying Goodbye for the Winter



And a perfect exit.......


Pleasure hangin out on the D with you this year Ryan, lets do this again next season : )