Experience the rutting season up close in the Weerterbos
It is that time again, one of my favourite natural events of the year: the rutting season of the red deer. This special spectacle takes place every year from mid-September to around mid-October. In Hart van Limburg, the Weerterbos is the place to be during this period.
A fresh autumn morning
I set off for the Weerterbos very early in the morning. You can tell autumn has really begun. The mornings are much cooler and the trees are starting to change colour. Today, the morning began very cloudy. No ground mist and no morning sun, but that is part of autumn too. The silence of nature is broken now and then by birds calling. From the observation tower, which looks out over the large meadow, you have the best chance of spotting red deer. You can hear them from far away, but they do not always show themselves straight away.
Spotting red deer from the observation tower
From the observation tower, I look out across the open plain. I was certainly not the only one who wanted to admire this special natural event that morning. Suddenly, something moves in the distance. A small group of deer runs through the meadow. I grab my binoculars and see the females, the hinds, start running as soon as a male loudly bellows behind them. Understandable. This is his way of making an impression, not only on the females, but also on the other males nearby. His call sounds low and powerful, as if he wants the whole area to know this is his territory.
More than bellowing deer
Even without the bellowing deer, the Weerterbos is worth exploring. You can spot all kinds of birds there, from woodpeckers to robins, and horses often graze in the surrounding meadows. The trees slowly change colour, the air smells of wet leaves and the forest floor is full of chestnuts and acorns. Typical autumn. It is a lovely place to simply look around and enjoy everything you come across along the way.
The Weerterbos is part of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere area KempenBroek, a cross-border nature area that stretches across the Netherlands and Belgium. You can enjoy beautiful walks here, from short routes through the forest to longer trails through heathland, marshes and open fields.
Practical tips for your visit
Would you like to experience this spectacle yourself? The rutting season runs until around mid-October. You will see the most activity in the early morning or around sunset.
- Location: the Weerterbos lies between Weert and Nederweert and is easy to reach. You can park on the Heugterweg, close to the observation tower.
- Bring binoculars so you can see the deer clearly.
- Dress warmly, as it can be chilly on the tower, especially early in the morning.
- Be quiet and stay on the paths. The deer are shy, so give them the peace they need.
Make it a full day out
After a fresh morning in nature, it is lovely to warm up at one of the cosy places nearby. For example at De Sluis, Hostellerie Munten or Domein Laurabos, where you can enjoy coffee with vlaai or a tasty lunch.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nature area or visit Natuur- en Milieucentrum De IJzeren Man, where you can learn more about the landscape and the animals that live here.
