What is the deer rut? | Parc Animalier Sainte-Croix

Every year, as autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a veritable stage. At Sainte-Croix Wildlife Park, the deer’s rut call attracts both nature lovers and curious visitors seeking a thrill. But behind this hoarse, impressive cry lies a fascinating story of courtship, rivalry, and survival.

When does the deer rut take place?

The deer rut doesn’t happen just any time. It generally occurs from mid-September to mid-October, when temperatures begin to drop and the days grow shorter. These seasonal changes send a clear signal to the deer: it’s time to mate. At dawn and dusk, the forest comes alive and echoes with impressive calls that can carry for several kilometers. If you think you hear a kind of distant thunder, it’s probably the king of the forest making his declaration… in his own way.

A unique experience to enjoy in Sainte-Croix!

At Sainte-Croix Wildlife Park, we offer you the chance to witness the mating season in ideal conditions. You can listen to the bellowing at sunrise or sunset, enjoy our guides’ passionate explanations, and, above all, experience this moment without disturbing the deer. It’s an immersive experience that combines emotion, learning, and respect for wildlife.

The morning bellow

Starting at 7:00 a.m., at first light, the deer plain is bathed in light and morning mist! Our guides are waiting to share their passion for these magnificent deer with you. This nature tour includes breakfast 

The Rutting Season Evening

As night falls, experience the thrill of the deer rut during a 2-hour guided tour that brings you up close to the deer. Round out this unique experience with a delicious woodsman’s meal, enjoyed in the warmth of the outdoors.

The Brame Vacations

During the rutting season, enjoy a unique experience by staying in a lodge nestled in the heart of nature. At dawn or dusk, let yourself be enchanted by the powerful calls of the stags echoing all around you.

The deer rut: Is it all about decibels?

The braying: the impressive chorus of the males

The stag’s call, so impressive, is actually called a bellow. It isn’t always the same: there are several types of bellows, ranging from the deepest to the longest and most varied. These nuances allow stags to recognize one another and gauge the strength of their rivals. In short, the forest becomes a veritable concert hall, where each stag tries to make his voice heard louder than his neighbor’s to win the doe’s heart.

Seduction and Battles: When Strength Makes Itself Known

The rut is not just about decibels. To attract the does, the stag deploys all his weapons: a proud stride, impressive antlers, and often fierce battles. These confrontations, where antlers clash, help determine the dominant males and establish a hierarchy within the group. It’s mainly about proving his strength and intimidating his rivals.

Meanwhile, the females lead a much more peaceful life than the males. In fact, the does gather in a herd, united and supportive of one another throughout this period. They watch the stags fidget, fight, and bellow, as if they were attending a show of which they are the privileged spectators. In the end, it is they who choose the winner of this great competition!

The rut at a glance!

The rut is a period of several weeks filled with tension, bellowing, and battles… all for a very brief outcome—enough to make many people smile. In fact, the female is in heat for only a few days during the rut, sometimes just a few hours. The male, on the other hand, devotes all his energy to this single moment. And yet, the mating itself lasts only a few seconds!

Then comes the season of births

The gestation period for deer lasts about eight months. The following spring, between May and June, the doe gives birth to a fawn, or sometimes two. During the first few weeks, she hides her fawn in the vegetation, out of sight and safe from predators. In fact, if you come across a fawn that isn’t moving, be sure not to touch it: it is likely waiting for its mother, who is always watching over it from a distance.

Continue the Brame experience: nature getaways!

Enjoy a unique experience by spending an unforgettable night in a nature lodge, falling asleep to the sound of the rut, which is in full swing just a few steps away! Immerse yourself in the rut throughout your stay by taking part in nature activities such as a twilight tour dedicated to this natural phenomenon.