I was out training this morning with 2 others on a ride between two blocks of woodland. We had been out for about 20 mins, launching dummies in front and behind. I launched one for my friend Pete. As his dog got towards the dummie a deer appeared on the edge of the wood. My initial thought was what a great training situation but then the deer decided it wanted to have a punch up with the labrador. We managed to shoo the killer beast away but Petes dog was a bit shocked. I used to have a little deer farm and there is nothing a red deer likes more than a bit of a punch up but i have never seen a wild roe take on a dog in open ground before.
This is rut behaviour. Normally the roe deer rut at the end of July and for a period of about two-three weeks, the males become quite aggressive, and may lose their fear of people and dogs (to the point of occasionally attacking them).
It seems that the rut is starting a little early this season, possibly because of the hot weather we had earlier this year.
During the rut, roebucks are also attracted to odd noises and whistles, so this could have been a factor as you were training.
I didnt know that could happen I came face to face with two on Wednesday when out with the dogs I thought they were being a little brave coming as close as they did, I never thought that they might have a go
I bet your dog was very surprised
I would not want my dogs coming a cropper with a deer!
Yep rutting has started around here and there are lots of lone males roaming and puffing chests.
Only this morning I lined Basil up for a blind and realised I was directly pointing to a fine stag, didn't half make me do a double take....Basil seemingly didn't either notice or care though.
I got quite close with a bit of arm waving before it moved on.
Blimey Don't think I'm far from you Ian, hope the same doesn't happen to me, I wouldn't have a clue what to do. Though I did know Hampshire deer were tougher than my Shropshire ones as one jumped onto my OH's car last year pranced around on it a bit before bounding off into the woods!
The rut has not yet started here and the culprit was a doe. The roe kids are up and about now so she would not be protecting them. I think she was just having a bad hair day. My reds would often have a go at dogs who got to close to the fence. Does tend to attack with their feet and are lightning fast. I remember getting the s**t kicked out of me by a red hind in a trailer once. You soon learn to read the warning signs and get out of the way
" I remember getting the s**t kicked out of me by a red hind in a trailer once. "
...Ian how many times do I have to tell you to not date Pompey girls who live in Hillsea Static Caravans???? Its GOING to happen....
" Though I did know Hampshire deer were tougher than my Shropshire ones "
...Sorry but just have this image of Muscle Mary herds of Hampshire deer roaming the M27 with High Protein shakes in one hoof and flick knives in the other... Tins of Stella scattered everywhere and chants of 'Play up Pompey!!! lets kill the Southampton bucks!!' echoing across the Solent.....
...Well it is Friday...
Di
____________
The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
Sure she was a Hilsea doe?? Seen many a stroppy red hind in Leigh Park!!
Love the image you have of the Pompey deer, yes I think the ones in Shropshire tend to drive Range Rovers, wear tweed and spend their time reading the FT with memories of when they lived "in town" as Merchant Bankers in their youth!
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I came face to face with two on Wednesday when out with the dogs 
I thought they were being a little brave coming as close as they did, I never thought that they might have a go 
