Russian hunter and a red deer. Hand-to-hand combat… Many so-called animal defenders, after watching this video, would start to panic. "A bloodthirsty hunter mocks and torments a kind deer." But only hunters and real experts in the field of fauna will be able to really understand what is happening on the video: None of the 3 hunters present are trying to shoot the deer. One hunter is trying to defend himself, and the hunter in white wants to scare the deer. The third one films the fight between a deer and a hunter on video and is very amused by what is happening. It is obvious that the deer is in the rut, it has a mating season. At this time, they are very aggressive and, under the influence of hormones, attack everything they see. And the hunters, apparently, do not have the appropriate license to kill deer, and they do not want to break the law, they are just trying to protect themselves. During the rut period, which is the mating season for deer, male deer (bucks) can become highly aggressive and territorial. This behavior is driven by hormonal changes and the intense competition for mates. Here's how deer can potentially attack hunters or other threats during this time: INCREASED AGGRESSION • Hormonal Surge: During the rut, testosterone levels in bucks rise significantly, making them more aggressive and less cautious than usual. This heightened aggression can lead to confrontations with perceived threats, including humans. • Territorial Behavior: Bucks often establish territories and defend them fiercely against rival males. If a hunter enters what the buck perceives as its territory, it may view the hunter as a threat and respond aggressively. CHARGING BEHAVIOUR • Direct Charges: Bucks have been known to charge at people or animals they perceive as threats. They use their antlers and body weight to try to intimidate or physically harm the intruder. • Bluff Charges: Sometimes, a buck will perform a bluff charge, running toward the threat but stopping short. However, if the threat doesn't retreat, the buck may escalate to a full charge. USE OF ANTLERS • Weaponized Antlers: Bucks grow new antlers each year, and during the rut, these antlers are fully developed and sharp. A charging buck can use its antlers to gore or knock down an opponent, including a hunter who gets too close. • Sparring Instincts: Bucks frequently spar with each other during the rut to establish dominance. If a hunter inadvertently mimics sparring behavior (e.g., standing still or making sudden movements), a buck might interpret it as a challenge and attack. REDUSED FEAR OF HUMANS • Tunnel Vision: During the rut, bucks can become so focused on finding mates or defending their territory that they lose some of their natural wariness of humans. This reduced fear can make them more likely to approach or confront hunters. • Desperation: If a buck feels cornered or threatened, it may lash out in self-defense, even against larger predators like humans. AMBUSH TACTICS • Stalking Behavior: In rare cases, bucks have been observed stalking perceived threats before launching an attack. While deer are generally not predatory, the combination of aggression and territoriality can lead to unexpected behavior. Safety Tips for Hunters During the Rut • Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and watch for signs of nearby bucks, such as fresh scrapes or rubs on trees. • Avoid Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be interpreted as a challenge, so avoid staring at bucks for extended periods. • Keep Your Distance: Give bucks plenty of space, especially if they exhibit aggressive posturing (e.g., lowering their head, stomping, or snorting). • Retreat Slowly: If a buck approaches you, back away slowly without turning your back on it. • Carry Protection: Consider carrying pepper spray or another non-lethal deterrent in case of an aggressive encounter. While attacks on humans by deer are relatively rare, the rut period increases the likelihood due to heightened aggression and territorial instincts. Understanding deer behavior during this time can help hunters stay safe and respect the animals they pursue.