Autumn in Val di Pejo is magical. The woods are coloured in a thousand shades and the air becomes crisp. Every year at this time, between the end of September and mid-October, the voice of the king of the woods resounds : the deer.

During this period, in fact, one can easily witness the bramito, a particular courtship ritual of the deer, ungulates with crepuscular habits that can be observed in the clearings at the edge of the woods.

The most powerful and healthy males challenge each other to conquer all the doe to the sound of bramito (a very particular, deep and powerful cry). And, if the bramble is not enough, the contenders move on to physical combat, antlers against antlers. Their goal is to control as many females as possible with which to breed, defending them from any contenders.

The roaring of the deer awakens incredible emotions in the listener, a feeling somewhere between fear and wonder.

In Val di Pejo, in the Stelvio National Park (Val di Sole-Trentino) one can fully enjoy this true spectacle of Nature. Especially at dusk and dawn, the deer duel in a ritual of powerful and continuous calls.

This makes it easy to observe these ungulates, taking care not to disturb them at a fundamental moment in their lives.

With the photographic equipment in our possession we can easily spot and photograph them during their fighting.

Programme:

• Meeting point at 15:00 in Pejo village
• Easy hike to Masi Zampil and Masi Vallenaia. During the walk we will stop to learn how to observe the signs of animals and look for them with binoculars and a telescope.
• 6 p.m. arrival at the hut. Before dinner, a short photo projection on the park's fauna, how to recognise them and how to behave. The ethics of the naturalist and nature photographer.
• Dinner at the hut, self-organised.
• 9 p.m. 1-hour night outing to observe and listen to the fauna in the forest. During the outing we can hear the roaring of the deer.
• Overnight stay in the hut.
• Wake up early (5:30 a.m.) to go out to observe and photograph the deer in love. A simple hike awaits us, equipped with binoculars and camera. With a bit of luck we will be able to observe the deer and listen to its loud bellowing.
• 8:30-9:00 a.m. return to the hut and breakfast.
• 11:00 a.m. return to Pejo Paese.