Fallow Deer Hunting in South Africa

Fallow Deer hunting in South Africa is widespread in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the Bedford region. A fascinating trophy animal to hunt primarily during the rut, when stags can be heard calling, and one can detect and stalk stags by the sound of crashing antlers.

There are no seasonal restrictions on trophy Fallow Deer hunting in South Africa. Nick Bowker Hunting offers Fallow Deer on all hunting safaris year-round.

Shot placement should be on the bottom third of the shoulder for fallow deer hunting in South Africa.
Shot placement for fallow deer hunting

Table of Contents

  1. Fallow Deer Hunting Cost
  2. Interesting Facts About Fallow Deer
  3. Difference between Male and Female
  4. About the Fallow Deer
  5. Fallow Deer Trophies in South Africa
  6. Trophy Judgement and Rifle Calibre
Fallow Deer Hunting in South Africa | Nick Bowker Hunting
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Fallow Deer Hunting Cost in South Africa

A Fallow Deer trophy will cost around $950. Fallow Deer can be added to any of our African safari hunts packages.

The Fallow Deer trophy hunting package includes a licensed hunting guide and a hunting license, and all permits.

Fair chase hunting with Nick Bowker in South Africa.
Fallow hunting in South Africa

Fallow Deer in Pictures

Fallow deer antler growth over time.
Follow Deer herd. Social behaviour of Fallow Deer.
Fallow Deer fawns and nursing.
Fallow deer digestion
Fallow Deer distribution across the world.
Herd behaviour and habitat.
Fallow Deer predators
Different sub species.
Different vocalisations of the fallow Deer when fallow deer hunting in South Africa.
Fallow Deer trophy hunting in South Africa.

Interesting facts About Fallow Deer Hunting in South Africa

Fallow Deer African hunting with Nick Bowker.
  • These deer are mostly from the Mediterranean regions of southern Europe. Because of hundreds of years of transporting and selling, their exact origins are unknown.
  • Because of the ease of transportation, they are the most widespread exotic deer in the world.
  • Fallow deer have a very pronounced Adam’s apple. If you can spot the adam’s apple, it’s most likely a fallow deer!
  • There are three color variations of fallow; white, tan with white spots, and brownish almost to the point of being black. You’ll often see spots on a light brown coat, but the coloration is highly varied.
  • Up to 14 variations occur from white through shades of red-brown to dark brown, and some have spotted markings.
Fallow Deer trophy shot with a hand gun in South Africa.
  • The color fallow deer are born will be the color they retain for life.
  • They have a decent sense of smell and hearing but excellent vision.
  • Fallow deer are friendly and compatible with other species, except for the rutting males.
  • Fallow deer have a history with George Washington. He was one of the earliest raisers of “English Deer.”
  •  Bucks do not eat during the rutting season.
  • Fallow Deer hunting is widespread in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Almost black Fallow deer trophy shot in South Africa.

The difference between a male and female fallow deer

Males or bucks are larger than females. Male fallow Deer carry antlers while females do not.

Fallow Deer male lying in the grass
Fallow Deer male
Fallow Deer female
Fallow Deer female

About the Fallow Deer

Adult bucks are 55 – 63 inches long, 33 – 40 inches in shoulder height, and typically 130 – 180 pounds in weight; does are 51–59 inches long, 30 – 33 inches in shoulder height, and 66 – 110 pounds in weight.

Fawns are born in Spring. Their lifespan is around 12–16 years.

Agile and fast in case of danger, fallow Deer can run at a maximum speed of 30 mph over short distances.

Fallow Deer can also make jumps up to 5.8-foot-high and up to 17 feet in length.

Chocolate color Fallow Deer trophy hunted in Bedford.

They have six types of vocalizations:

  1. Barking, which is an explosive alarm call used by females;
  2. Bleating, which is produced by females during parturition or with their young;
  3. Mewing, given by any deer during submission postures;
  4. Peeping, produced by fawns in distress or contacting their mothers;
  5. Wailing, an intense distress sound by a fawn older than two days;
  6. Growling, produced by rutting males.
Dark tan with white spots fallow deer trophy

Fallow Deer Trophy Hunting in South Africa

Vital organs showing the position of the heart and lungs
Vital organs for fallow deer hunting

Shot placement must be in the bottom third of the animal directly above the front shoulder. This will ensure a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots which are high risk.

Safari style african hunting with Nick Bowker in Africa.

Your fallow deer trophy should have an average shoulder height of around 36 inches and weigh about 140 pounds.

Fallow Deer from Europe were introduced to South Africa in 1869 by the British. Since then, numbers have increased dramatically, and many have been trans-located to various regions throughout South Africa.

A fascinating animal to hunt, especially during the rut, when stags can be heard calling, and one can detect and stalk stags by the sound of crashing antlers.

During the rut, the Deer lose all fear of humans and become obsessed with mating – hunting during this time can be one of the most exciting hunts to be a part of.

Light tan with white spots fallow deer trophy.
African hunting safari style with Nick Bowker in South Africa.

The rut for fallow Deer takes place from March – to June, and hunters looking at hunting Fallow Deer in the rut must be advised: the earlier in the rut, the better.

Stags begin shedding their antlers towards the end of September into October, with regrowth starting almost immediately in Spring.

Fallow Deer are widespread in the Eastern Cape, in particular in the Bedford region.

Fallow Deer are also common in the Free State,

Most fallow Deer are shot while hunting other trophies such as kudu, nyala, buffalo, and even springbok or blesbok.

White trophy.

Trophy Judgement and Rifle Caliber

Fallow deer safari hunting in Africa

Deer hunting in South Africa is similar to deer hunting in the united states – active during the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Set up along game trails or near food plots and pastures where he is likely to be grazing.

Your favorite deer rifle will be more than adequate in the taking of fallow Deer.

For those hunters who do not wish to go through the red tape of bringing a rifle into South Africa, Nick Bowker has Sako 300 Magnums fitted with a suppressor.

The rifle is mounted with a Swarovski Z8 tactical scope. We have hand-loaded Hornady ELD-X ammunition.

Brown trophy with spots.
Trophy shot in South Africa

This set up including ammunition is available as part of all hunting packages free of charge.

A medium-sized deer with more color variations than any other. Color ranges from white to chocolate brown/black.

Most are a rich brown with white spots; in Winter, the coat becomes much thicker and rougher, turning a darker color.

The underparts are lighter in color than white.

Males have a prominent Adam’s apple.

Fallow Deer are the only South African deer species available on a plains game hunt.

White fallow deer trophy with spots

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hunt a Fallow Deer in South Africa?

The trophy fee as a standalone Fallow Deer hunt is between $600 to $900. Daily rates vary between $250 and $500 per day.

Included in the Fallow Deer trophy fee is a licensed guide. As well as a hunting license and all permits.

How to hunt Fallow Deer in South Africa?

During the rut, the Deer lose all fear of humans and become obsessed with mating – hunting during this time can be one of the most exciting hunts to be a part of.

Where do you shoot a Fallow Deer?

Shot placement must be in the bottom third of the animal directly above the front shoulder. This will ensure a heart or lung shot. Avoid head and neck shots which are high risk.

When to hunt Fallow Deer in South Africa?

The rut for fallow Deer takes place from March – June, and hunters looking at hunting Fallow Deer in rut must be advised: the earlier in the rut, the better.

Stags lose their antlers towards the end of September into October, with regrowth starting almost immediately in Spring.

African safari fallow deer hunt with Nick Bowker.

Seasonal Restrictions for Fallow Deer Hunting in South Africa

When can you hunt Fallow Deer in South Africa?

There are no seasonal restrictions on trophy Fallow Deer hunting in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

References

Chido Chakanyaa, Adia-En-Michelle Dokoraa,Voster Muchenjea. Louwrens C. Hoffmanb, Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, University of Fort Hare, Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University. The fallow deer (Dama spp.); endangeredor not?Damhirsche (Dama spp.), bedroht oder unbedroht?

Katrina Jensz and Luke Finley, October 2013. Species profile for Fallow deer Report prepared for Woodside Park Estate

Britannica – Fallow Deer

Somerby Safaris – Fascinating Fallow Deer