INTRODUCTION
Since the last glaciation, fallow deer have had a natural range in southern European regions, Asia Minor, along the Mediterranean Sea, and possibly in northern Africa and Ethiopia. They have been widely introduced to 38 countries in North and South America, the Leeward Islands, Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
The fallow deer (Dama Dama) is a ruminant (hooved animal that digests its food in two steps) mammal belonging to the family Cervidae. It has a brown coat with white mottles which are most pronounced in the summer. Bucks are about 34” in height and 110 lbs in weight. Fawns are born at about 12” and weigh around 10 lbs. The lifespan of a fallow deer is around 12 years. Only bucks have antlers that are broad and webbed. They are grazing animals whose preferred habitat is mixed woodland and open grassland. During their fall rut, bucks will spread out and females will move between them. At this time of the year, fallow deer are relatively ungrouped compared to the rest of the year when they try to stay together in large groups.
These animals live in a variety of climates ranging from cool-humid to warm-dry areas. Their preferred habitat is usually a combination of vegetation types. They prefer old, deciduous, broad-leaf forests and varying densities interspersed with grassy areas, but they are also found in mixed forest, broad-leaf forests, subalpine vegetation, grasslands, woodlands, low mountains and savanna.
The Hunting
The hunting method usually is stalking through the bushes, one hunter – one guide (PH ). Shoots are usually no larger than 150 yards, except with the blackbucks, they usually seek for open areas.
Each hunter will have available an experienced guide, expert in the field and in the habits of the available species, ensuring the hunter an excellent hunting experience.
