Red stags are at their most magnificent during the annual rutting season, when males compete for females. Their antlers grow larger, their necks widen so that they can roar louder and their posture becomes regal and commanding. But all this effort takes its toll.

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ABOUT THIS FILM
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Red deer rut

The annual red deer rut takes place every autumn. At this time, red stags compete for females, or hinds, in loud and often dramatic standoffs. The name of the game is to collect as many hinds as possible and prevent younger males from stealing them. The name 'harem' has been borrowed from Arabic to describe a males' herd of hinds.

Wild Scotland

This year I travelled to Ardnamurchan in the Highlands of Scotland to watch the red deer rut. I could hear the roaring of the stags ringing across the valleys from the moment I arrived.

Red stag roar

During the rut, a red stag's roar becomes louder and deeper. This is because their necks actually grow wider, a biological change that is thought to be triggered by autumn’s shortening days and makes space for their larynxes to fully open.

Red stag antlers

Stags grow new antlers every year, especially for the event. Hunters classify stags according to the number of points to their antlers. During my trip I watched an Imperial Stag, with 14 points, each gleaming with sharp white tips, and a Royal, with 12 points.

Red stag posturing

As the females come into season, testosterone surges through the males and they become visibly more aggressive and can clash antlers in dramatic duels. Their entire focus becomes about gathering hinds and guarding them. There are always competitors waiting in the wings to steal away a few females.

All this takes its toll

But the rut takes its toll on these magnificent beasts. Dominant stags get little time to eat or rest and can lose up to 30% of their body weight during this time.

Exhausted royal stag

This film follows my journey as I watch a handsome royal stag become increasingly weary as he tries to keep track of his harem and fend off numerous interlopers determined to steal away his hinds.

ABOUT ME
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I am a British wildlife artist and filmmaker on a mission to share my love for wildlife with the world. As well as creating detailed animal film and art portraits, I promote wildlife tours around the world and do all I can to help conserve and protect wildlife here at my home in Yorkshire. I hope that by putting nature in the frame I can foster a deep love for wildlife amongst my followers.

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© Robert E Fuller

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