Rutting season was the best time, Sumayl thought, to attempt to thin out the herds for them because their Alpha Male, or whatever it was that the head buck could have been considered — thinking that his prey had language and the ability to cognitively think like he did disturbed Sumayl so he tended not to think of it on any sort of basis — given that unless one went for the buck himself or the female he was currently interested in impregnating at the time of the hunt it was easier, in the Ostrega's personal opinion, to take down the young, weak, and sickly. The buck was otherwise occupied and without him charging them down, trying to impale them with his antlers, or bash their heads in with his hooves. Those kind of injuries were usually not seen often but as a Hunter, Sumayl always knew it was a possibility. The consideration was particularly grim to always keep in the back of his mind but Sumayl hadn't forgotten what he had been taught, and the warnings that had been sent his way. Likely, that was the main reason why patience and careful planning was a virtue when it came to hunting. Rushing right into it was a good way to get yourself killed and since Sumayl had no interest in dying any time soon he would take his time with it.
His companion spoke of her approval of his choice, and enthusiastically announced that they should go get them. “Come,” Sumayl commanded, gesturing with a sharp jerk of his muzzle as he began in the direction of the deer herd, knowing that they were drawing closer by the soft bleats of the females as they grazed. Body crouched lower upon instinct as they reached the edge of the woods, using the foliage as coverage, he sent a silent look to her hoping that she followed in his steps. Peering stealthily over the thick foliage he studied the herd, golden gaze seeking out first the buck. Likely, the fawn guarding the elder would take off, spooked but it was the male they had to worry about, if he they didn't wait until he was efficiently distracted. Might as well use the deer's breeding season to their advantage.
There was a small group of fawns gathered around him and as he approached one of his fawns from the back Sumayl let out a small, breathless snicker before he turned his attention, then, towards the back end of the herd seeking the elder out knowing she would be a little bit away from the herd. Intuition proved correct as Sumayl eventually found her where she rested, golden gaze locking upon their prize. Just the thought of the succulent meat the venison would provide made Sumayl's mouth water though he had decided that most of the meat on his half — if they were successful — would go to the Sunspire's caches. “There,” Sumayl whispered to his partner-in-crime gesturing with his muzzle. “That is our prize.” He resumed walking then, so that he was closer to their target. The last thing they wanted was the currently otherwise occupied buck to realize they were there. “Get ready.” He breathed, as he hunkered down, ears slicking back to his head in 'predator mode' anticipating building inside his stomach like the pressure of a gun about to go off. “Go!” Sumayl hissed and shot out of the foliage in a powerful leap, like a bullet out of a gun watching as the elder and fawn jumped to their feet in terror and surprise. Jaws parted and snapped sharply closed as he rushed at her head on, hoping to get her to turn and run opposite of the herd.
The further away from the buck they got her, the better it would be for them.