The Fallow Deer Rut has been going on for 4 weeks and is now in full swing with at least a dozen bucks in the ancient deer field at Ashridge.
10 days ago, a Buck with a fine set of Palmate antlers in a hurry.
He already appears to have some battle damage on his flank.
He already appears to have some battle damage on his flank. 
He reaches a small group of does with two bucks in attendance.
This weekend the stags were still rutting hard. Activity increases towards dusk. This buck is having words with a young year old male deer with the begining of antlers called a prickett and also trying to keep his does in check.
Patience and hard work pay off with a buck mounting a doe just before dusk.
The other does are keeping their options open by sitting around!
The other does are keeping their options open by sitting around!