Donal Hickey: Keep your distance from strong stags as the annual rut gets underway

We don’t exactly know how many deer are in the country because a national count has not been carried out. But the national deer population is increasing and deer are now seen in unusual places, including front gardens

Morning light in Killarney National Park as a native Red Stag, searches for his hinds during the annual rutting season. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan

It’s the time of year when deer become more active and more visible. The unmistakable roar of stags echoing through the hillsides tells us that the annual rut, or mating season, is well underway.

One of the finest sights in nature is of a wild, red stag in peak condition, trotting imperiously along sloping ground, fighting off rivals and rounding up harems of hinds. A case of ensuring the species continues to the next generation.