The view from one of my favorite vistas offered the same scenery, but something was different. While the leaves on the trees have yet to exhibit brilliant fall colors, they are changing just the same.

It happens about this time every year as trees begin to make ready for winter. Even with recent rains, tree leaves are beginning to appear dull.

And there are additional telltale signs that a change is on the way.

Over the past several weeks I’ve invested time removing excessive vegetation from wire cages. The enclosures were installed to protect young trees from browsing deer.

When the project first began, nearly all the vegetation was lush and green. However recently a larger percentage of brown has crept into the mix. It is an indication that fall is not far away.

However it is not just the vegetation that signals a change is on its way.

Bucks have led their lives in a mostly reclusive manner since they began developing antlers back in late spring.

The fast growing bone is covered in “velvet” which provides blood to nourish the growth. But now antler development is coming to a halt. Now the buck’s antlers begin to become hard, and bucks are displaying fully developed racks.

Over the weeks to come the “velvet” covering will be stripped, and once again bucks will soon be seeking out does. Fall is fast approaching.

For some time bucks and does have been kept busy. The main reason is does have given birth. Since then the task of teaching their young the ways of the wild have kept both occupied.

Up until this point this year’s crop of bucks has been laying low. In some cases the boys have appeared to be pretty much nonexistent to those who enjoy seeing deer. And there is a reason for this.

As antler development begins, the growing bone is soft and the “velvet” covering the soft tissue is sensitive to being touched. After all, the covering supplies blood to the bone. If the “velvet” is broken, blood loss can occur.

Another reason for the sensitivity of the developing bone is to keep it from being deformed. This also gives the buck a sense of where his antlers are as he moves about from one day to the next. With this sense of awareness, the buck will be able to move and run when needed and avoid twigs, branches and other obstacles he may encounter with ease.

Throughout the summer the hot, humid days have resulted in whitetails being less active during daylight hours. Early morning and later in the evening when the temperature moderates are the times of day when deer are more readily observed.

About this time of year watching farm fields and reverting fields are the places to watch. Early morning then during the evening hours are when deer readily reveal themselves.

This time of year staking out a field in the a.m. or p.m. requires patience. Not every field will produce the results you’re looking for every time.

In my case the evening hours fit my schedule the best. A portable camp chair or other suitable place to sit is a must. Insect repellent also comes in handy.

But number one on my list of deer watching gear is a pair of high quality binoculars. I prefer 10 power binoculars with an objective lens as large as possible. The reason for this is because the large objective lens is able to bring in an additional amount of light. And under low light conditions, like at dusk, the binoculars will provide a good image.

Another trusted piece of equipment is a spotting scope affixed to a tripod. The tripod is important because it provides a solid platform needed when viewing long distances or under low light conditions.

As the evening shadows begin to grow long, this has been the best time for me to see deer. Generally a doe will emerge from the woods line into the field. Over time additional deer may follow. It may take a while for the deer to become comfortable and feed in the open field. Generally though, additional doe will follow. But often the best is yet to come.

Bucks often make their appearance as daylight begins to diminish.

Right now wildlife populations are at or near their peak. The time is fast approaching when wildlife that does not migrate will begin preparing for winter. Stores of fat reserves will need to be bolstered up for when weather conditions can be brutal and readily available food sources become scarce.

Here we are, mid-August, and the thoughts of winter seem to be a long way off. But take a close look, the signs of a season of change is at hand.

Charlie Burchfield is a past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, and the Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America. To contact Gateway Outdoors the e-mail address is GWOutdoors@comcast.net