Turf War ???

I was driving around our cabin property this evening watching deer and hoping to see some new fawns. I stopped to watch a doe with one of last year's fawns grazing in the new grass as a third doe approached (in the background).



This looked like a casual meeting of deer until the first doe turned around and let out a very loud snort. At this point the two deer faced each other and both had their ears folded back. As their eyes were locked on each other I could see all the hair on the two deer were standing on end ...



All of a sudden both deer were on their hind legs and the front feet were flying ...



The fight continued for 10 to 15 seconds and then they separated and slowly walked away from each other. The does are giving birth to this year's fawns and it is clear to see the swollen utter on the one doe. This may have been a turf war between the deer for the birthing area.