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Fallow deer

Scientific name: Dama dama

Field notes

Appearance

Males are noticeably larger than females with palmate antlers (typically 60–80 cm spread); females are antlerless. Coat is typically reddish-brown with white spots, though darker and white phases occur; a dark dorsal stripe and black tail with white underside are distinctive.

Size and weight

Males 90–105 cm body length, 60–110 kg; females 80–95 cm, 35–50 kg.

Habitat

Fallow deer inhabit open woodlands, mixed forests, parkland, and grasslands with scattered cover. They prefer areas with nearby water sources and thrive from sea level to moderate elevations.

Distribution

Native to Mediterranean regions; now widespread across Europe, introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Prefer open mixed habitat with escape cover rather than dense forest.

Diet

Fallow deer graze on grasses, clover, and herbs; they browse shrubs, leaves, and acorns seasonally, showing preference for soft vegetation in spring and mast in autumn.

Behaviour

Primarily crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk; gregarious, forming herds that may exceed 50 individuals. Males are more solitary in summer; herds show predictable movement between bedding and feeding areas.

Hunting tips

Look for slots (tracks) in soft ground and clusters of pelleted droppings near feeding and bedding areas; fresh bark rubs on saplings indicate buck presence. Approach into the wind across open ground, using terrain folds for cover; stalk feeding herds during crepuscular periods when visibility is low. Move slowly and pause frequently to scan; exploit their predictable daily routes between water and grazing areas.

Carcass weight

This species is logged by carcass weight — the animal weighed dressed, the way hunting teams normally report it.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 28 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

Current language: en

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.