Peak District rutting deer caught on camera

The rut is the mating season where stags start fighting each other, as they pursue the females.

Nature loving Gerald Robinson has spent the last few days photographing the wild red deer stags on Big moor up at Longshaw as they prepare for rutting season.

"A lot of South Yorkshire folk do not realise that only a short 15 minute drive out of Sheffield we are blessed with these magnificent beasts and you don't have to walk onto the moors to see them" Gerald said.

"The large Stags and female deer can be spotted from one of the many Lay-bys just up from Owler bar on the B6054 road to Fox house most days of the week"

Gerald has sent us a selection of photographs he's taken.

Tips for Deer watching

- Watch out for tell-tale signs of the animals including tracks, damage to trees, eaten autumn fruits, and deer poo.

- Use your nose to detect the scent of deer and their droppings.

- Once you've located the deer's favourite habitats, be patient and watch quietly for the action to unfold.

- The best time to watch the deer is just after dawn and at dusk when they are most active.

- Listen for the bellow of this herd's dominant stag during the rut. Whistling is also common.

- Keep quiet and wear camouflage colours when watching the deer because they are easily disturbed.

- The fiercest fights can happen towards the end of the rut when the Alpha male stag becomes weaker and others may try their luck.

- Remember to keep a safe distance from the stag and his females!