Hunting a trophy fallow deer
Hunting a trophy fallow deer (Dama dama dama)
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Best recommended caliber to hunt |
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Fallow deer |
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270, 30-06, 308, 7mm (all), 300 (all) |
Hunting notes when hunting fallow deer:
Fallow deer was introduced to South Africa in about the 1860’s by the British who had started occupying the country at that time. Since then they (the fallow deer) have adapted well to the local conditions and some really good specimens can be harvested. Hunting fallow deer in open terrain can be a challenging hunt.
Fallow deer like to hole up in tall grass and lay in wait till slightly before being stepped on. When they feel in too much danger they will take off at a dead run and mostly stop after about 100 – 180 yards. It is at that time that the hunter should be ready to take the shot. The average hunting distance for the fallow deer is mainly 100 – 180 yards.
The best suggested caliber to hunt fallow deer is 243 and up. In South Africa fallow deer occur mainly in open- and hill country.
Description:
Color of the hide varies from dark black-brown to cream white. There are four different color variations. A pertinent white stripe occurs over the length of the animal. A general characteristic is a bright cream white dot above the eye banks. The body hair thickens during the winter to withstand cold conditions.
Habitat:
It has adapted successfully in South Africa to a number of habitats since it’s introduction by the British in the 1860’s. It is not particular about its habitat and does well in agricultural areas, forestry areas, mountains and grass plains.
Reproduction:
A mature male (stag) will gather 10 – 20 females (hinds) and stay with them in his territory for the duration of the rut that lasts for 3 – 4 weeks.
General:
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Gestation period |
230 days in summer (late November in South Africa) with twins making up 2,5% of the birth rate.
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Average shoulder height |
Stags |
36” – 38” |
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Hinds |
28” – 32” |
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Average weight |
Stags |
140 lbs to 240 lbs |
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Hinds |
80 lbs – 120 lbs |
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Antlers |
Only the stags have antlers that are shed after the breeding season. |
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