Skiing and snowboarding are obviously the biggest attractions at Brundage Mountain, and our light, fluffy snow is what we’re best known for.

But during the summer, our landscape changes dramatically, and so does our focus. We are still a hub for outdoor recreation with our Mountain Biking and Whitewater Rafting programs.

But Brundage Mountain is also a hub for wildlife and those who take the time to slow down on our slopes are often treated to special glimpses of nature.

I had one of those moments this week as I was tromping around to take pictures of our slope conditions. My goal was to give an update on the late-season snowpack for those looking forward to the opening of our mountain bike trails.

I nearly missed a special family moment taking place a few feet away. I was hiking near the top of the Bear Chair when I heard the crackling of branches underfoot.

It’s not uncommon to spot a deer on the slopes of Brundage Mountain, or really anywhere around McCall.

I was pretty pleased that I managed to snap these photos before the deer pranced away. They normally disappear even more quickly than they appear.

As I crept closer, I was puzzled that this doe didn’t turn and bolt off into the woods.

A few minutes later, I understood why.

Her scrawny off-spring was hiding in the shade of a nearby tree. This child is not a newborn, but young deer often stay with their mothers for 1-2 years. As we saw earlier this spring in our entry on the Adventures of the Fox Family, mothers can behave strangely when they are looking out for their young.

But this little family must have sensed that I meant no harm. The mom was nowhere to be seen as I slowly tracked the skinny little deer across a hillside.

My camera doesn’t have much of a zoom, so I was excited to be close enough for pictures like this.

I never expected the small, wobbly creature to step out into the sunshine and give me an even better view.

The fawn paused for a moment and looked back at me before turning and trotting back toward its mother…

…both of them disappearing into the shadows of a thicket of trees. Truth be told, I see at least one deer as I’m driving to work almost every day of the summer. But those brief interactions go by in a flash, and through a pane of windshield glass, it’s simply not the same. Sharing a moment up close with a wild creature in its own environment is a much different experience, and one that never gets old for me.

If nature’s relationships are something that interest you, I’ve got a book you will want to add to your summer reading list and proudly display on your coffee table. This new release, A Forgotten Wilderness, takes you on an amazing journey of discovery about the weather, the geography and the wildlife unique to Central Idaho. Check it out – it’s worth at least twice what it costs. And in our fast-paced world, your own special glimpse into nature can be absolutely priceless.

– April