Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
Originally from Europe, the first fallow deer were introduced into New Zealand in 1864 and although there were 26 different liberations, not all where successful. Today these timid animals have established into 13 wild populations, with most herds occupying small-forested areas surrounded by private farmland scattered over both North and South Islands. They are now the second most widespread deer in New Zealand, both in the wild and on farms. Despite its small size, the fallow buck is very aggressive, especially during the ‘rut’, when vicious and often fatal fights occur between bucks. Many venison aficionados maintain that Fallow venison is the best tasting of all.
The Challenge of the Hunt
Fallow can be tricky to hunt , they are agile and capable of reaching speeds up to 65km per hour, and they are able to clear obstacles over 2m in height. They are extremely wary and have a well-developed sense of smell and excellent eyesight, and will often spot an eager hunter from high on an open ride. When disturbed they will often travel only a few hundred metres and circle around the source of the disturbance. Fallow deer spend much of the day laying up in heavy cover and feed mainly at dawn and dusk. They have readily adapted to the mixed forest/grassland habitat.
Typical Trophy
The antlers differ from red deer and are more like the moose, round near the bases and palmated out towards the ends. The Fallow deer exhibit three distinct color phases: the most common being black or chocolate brown (melanistic), then the brown and spotted coat (menil), and also the white fallow. Only males have antlers and it’s becoming common to get bucks scoring greater than 230 SCI.
New Zealand Record
Douglas Score: 200
Best Hunting Times
Fallow bucks can be hunted from March through to September. The “rut” starts in early April and finishes in May. The ‘Rut’ then is the prime time for trophy hunters. It’s also the period when the maximum number of bucks can be found out and about in the comparative open country, rather than hiding in the scrub and tree lines watching out for danger. Late season is also a great time to hunt Fallow as the bucks group up, where we often find bucks that haven’t been seen all season. But……. Fights between bucks are a regular occurrence and can be vicious even leading to death. The intensity of the fighting can lead to points being broken off so it can also pay to hunt early in the season.
Hunting Method
We offer both wild free range and estate hunts for fallow buck, on large private sheep and cattle properties that feature rolling hill country interspersed with areas of native forest and scrub. The hunting is usually accessed by 4WD and ATV and typical hunting method is spot and stalk. In some places both Red stag, wild boar and Fallow buck can be hunted at once.
Weapon
Rifle & Bowhunt
