For most of human history, winter was a hard time. Food was scarce and shelter was essential. The same applies to deer, especially in the season of snow. Deep snow makes it almost impossible for deer to move about with their sharp, narrow hooves. They, therefore, "yard up" in sheltered valleys often filled with cedar. They beat down trails in a very limited area, and so can move about with great restriction. I was attracted by the long, low, winter light making patterns on the freshly fallen snow. - Robert Bateman