There is something special about viewing wildlife, particularly whitetail deer as this beautiful animal transitions through its life cycles of the year.  Seeing bucks begin to grow new velvet covered antlers in the Spring.  Glimpses of whitetail doe with fawns in early summer.  Bachelor groups of bucks in late summer followed by the breeding ritual or courtship of the dominant buck with doe in the fall.  The majestic images of whitetail deer are captivating to outdoor enthusiasts as well as hunters who play vital roles in the management of these animals and deer herds.

Popular wildlife and sporting artist, plus regular TOJ Cover Art contributor Dallen Lambson’s “Love at First Light” has capture such a scene.  Fall has arrived and bucks and does begin to pair up as breeding commences.  Procreation by design is there to sustain the specie but it is somewhat natural to “humanize” these wild animals in ways much different than actually occurs.

There are moments in time when a sighting becomes portrait-like as a whitetail pair both react and freeze to being observed by people.  That split second before both bolt for cover becomes the image that lingers in the minds of people that protect, manage and hunt these revered creatures.  It is part of the respect and responsibility of those that love whitetails particularly when “Love at First Light” is observed.

For more information on “Love at First Light” and other fine works of art or commissions by Dallen Lambson, visit www.lambsonart.com, email dallen@lambsonart.com or call (208) 351-5530. – Bill L. Olson