The Story Behind “Mule Deer and Jim Mountain”
Mule deer are so common that they aren’t often the focus of wildlife photographers. Yet there are stories within the every day to capture.
On a spring drive in Wapiti, the mule deer were thick in their wintering grounds. I found myself appreciating the beauty of how they come together and then disburse each year in smaller family groups.
These two mule deer does caught my attention as Jim Mountain dominated behind them. Pulling to the side of the road and using the long lens, I began composing the shot. The doe in front was calm and unconcerned, but the one in the back never took her eyes off me. I didn’t want her uncomfortable, so I worked quickly and moved on, thanking them for their cooperation.
But it was while processing the image I noticed more closely how the light wrapped around the pregnant belly of the one in front – and the fierce attention from the one behind. My guess was mother and daughter. This image captures the commonality between species – the younger one unconcerned and the elder having had more experiences that increase caution, watching out for family. The bond between women in a family and especially the love of a mother can’t be denied.
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Janet Jones
Owner of Cody Journal and SnowMoon Photography
Janet has a rich history in Cody with her grandparents moving here in the late 1930s. Her grandfather started Wyoming Well Service. Janet is a writer, photographer, graphic designer and webmaster. Cody Journal and Cody Calendar blends her skills and talents with her love of the area.