Deer Hunter The
The deer rutting season has become an attraction in itself in Killarney National Park. Photographer John Burke explains what it means to him. As October approaches, preparations begin for the annual pilgrimage to the beautiful Lakes of Killarney. Equipment is checked, weather forecasts monitored on a daily basis and phone calls and emails are made to every contact in Kerry as to the movement of the stags. All wildlife photographers are waiting for just one phrase: “It’s starting!” This coming year will be my 10th time to capture the thrill of the rut. For me, it’s been a yearly adventure on multiple weekends trying to capture the magnificence of the red deer living in or around Killarney National Park. As with all nature photography, there is a great deal of anticipation. Sometimes you get that perfect shot. Another day they all hide 6
I KILLARNEY Magazine
2022
deep in the forest, and you see very little. For me personally, that’s the fun of it. If all I wanted to do is take a picture of an animal, then I’d go to the zoo. But to capture the stags, the hinds, bucks and fawns in their own environment, makes it so worthwhile. Each year brings its own rewards. One year I’ll shoot a herd in the lake. Another, it’ll be rutt after rut. On a wet year, I take some shots over the river into the woods and see the stag bellowing and waiting for a reply. Once you enter the Park from St Mary’s Cathedral end, that wonderful sight of the mountains in front and the call of the stags reignites the heart. Photographers are easily spotted. Lots of camera gear, camouflaged
