Fallow Deer
Fallow Deer
Identification
Being the medium of the Spanish deer, the fallow deer differs from its close relatives due to its palm shaped horns and its colour, characterized by rich brown and white spots during summer and dark brown in winter. In terms of size, an adult male can weigh up to 160lb and measure up to 60 inches in length.
Hunting
Due to its coat colour and the shape of its horns, the fallow deer is one of the most eye-catching species to hunt in Spain. Although the terrain where this species is hunted is not difficult, hunting them during rut is extremely interesting. The sound of the fights between the big males in the thick forest is simply amazing to hear. We encourage hunters to try and harvest their trophy at the beginning of the season as antlers tend to break as a consequence of the fighting during the mating season.
Habitat
Found in isolated parts across the whole Spanish territory, this species is normally present in private properties, mainly distributed in the regions of Extremadura, Castilla y León, Castilla la Mancha and Andalucía.
Habits
Although they are usually quite active during most part of the day, it is easier to find them during the early and late hours. Being gregarious, they live in big herds of animals in which there is usually at least an adult male. However, the old males prefer to live separated from the large groups until the rutting season which usually takes place in mid-October, just when the red deer rutting season finishes. Fallow deer feed mainly on grass, bush, fresh buds, bark and leaves.
Distribution
Extremadura, Castilla y León, Castilla la Mancha and Andalucía.
Season October – February.
Recommended Calibre 270 Winchester
CIC Medal Bronze: 160 points; Silver: 170 points; Gold: 180 points
SCI Medal Bronze 170 points; Silver: 215 1/8 points; Gold: 240 3/8 points