Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

Nature Report: Rattling Antlers
Posted: 12.20.2010 at 7:33 AM
Richard Moore

Richard Moore hosts "The Nature Report" every Monday and Wednesday.

0
Slideshow
Photo:

The clash of antlers breaks the chilly dawn as Terry Neal begins the morning rattle.

You never know what to expect when you hit antlers together, but by simulating a battle you hope to attract a buck looking for a doe or spoiling for a fight.

At first, all you see are antlers moving thru the tall grass. A mature buck has heard Terry's rattling and is coming to check out the ruckus.

As the buck strides into the open where Terry is now crouched, the two briefly make eye contact. The buck continues his steady approach, and when he is just a few feet from Terry, glances at him once again.

Then he suddenly stops and begins making a scrape with his hooves. The buck is marking his territory right in front of Terry, and judging by the wide-eyed look in Neal's eyes he appears to be a little concerned about the proximity of this testosterone driven whitetail.

Next, the buck does a lip curl as he attempts to get the scent of the scene. Lucky, for Terry, he apparently does not smell like a rival, and the buck moves off a few yards to make another scrape and rub.

Terry Neal says, "There were several points there when I was a little concerned, when he kind of rolled his eyes and looked up at me you know. I am the only thing there ok…there is nothing else, but apparently he had something else on his mind and it wasn't me."

Yup, Terry could have ended up skewered like this mesquite limb on the buck's sharp antlers, but enticing him in that close was a coup.

Neal says, "If I had a bucket list that would have to be one of the things I would have to put on my bucket list here to do you know."

With your Nature Report I'm Richard Moore.

Related Links

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Starr County teen killed after being run over by her own car
Nadia Galindo  |  Yesterday at 4:15 PM  |  19 comments
Thumbnail
POLICE: On-line predator lured teenage boy to his dorm room
Sergio Chapa  |  Yesterday at 5:15 PM  |  22 comments
Thumbnail
Child conceals abuse in fear of being thrown out by landlord
Brianna Vela  |  Monday, June 17, 2013  |  18 comments
Follow Valley Central
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
RGV Diabetes Page
News, information and resources about the diabetes epidemic in the Rio Grande Valley.
Pay It 4Ward
Pay It 4Ward is a program where Action 4 News viewers can nominate a person who selflessly gives to others for a cash prize.
KGBT on Twitter
Follow Action 4 News on Twitter
Action 4 Listens
Send a news tip or share a concern with Action 4 News
ADVERTISEMENT