Fallow deer hunting is among the types of ungulate hunting practiced in Europe, along with roe deer, red deer, wild boar, chamois and mouflon.
Although sometimes lagging a little behind the more popular hunting practices and not arousing the deserved interest, it is a truly fascinating hunt.
Globally widespread, the fallow deer is strong, shrewd game that is difficult to hunt, usually living in more or less numerous groups, depending on the environment it chooses as its home.
Particularly fond of olive leaves and vineyards, it loves to graze at dawn and dusk and, given its aversion to too frigid a climate, usually does not go beyond a thousand meters.
Sweeping white brushstrokes color its characteristic coat, which recalls feelings stemming back to childhood memories.
Perhaps this is why every time the male antlers emerge curious and noble amid the vegetation, emotion takes over for a moment and you stand there, admiring the sight of nature.
The star of delicious game recipes, thanks in part to its nutritional properties and its low-fat content, the fallow deer can be hunted with different techniques, including fallow deer hide hunting, stalking and the so-called “girata”.
Hide hunting is a solitary hunting practice, almost meditative, in balance between action and expectation.
If you practice selection, this fallow deer hunting technique is certainly one of the easiest and does not require excessive effort, with the exception of becoming perfectly familiar with the habits of the quarry you are going to bag.
Careful choosing of the spot where you position yourself is essential – after careful evaluation of the features of the proposed hunt area.
It can be practiced from a position located on the ground or raised – such as in a hunting tower – usually where the game passes or near its places of pasture.
While wild boar and roe deer have an excellent sense of smell, fallow deer are not as sensitive, so staying downwind is enough to avoid detection.
On the other hand, their sight and hearing are highly developed. So, camouflaging in step with the surrounding environment is important for successful hunt.
To go unnoticed, green or camouflage clothing is more than suggested, and so much the better if you have a camouflage rifle.
The rifled bore is definitely a must for hide hunting, and bolt action rifles – given their intrinsic precision – the perfect instrument to rely on.
A good caliber for fallow deer hunting ranges from 6 to 7.62 mm. The extremes that should not be exceeded are the “small” .243 Win and the .30-06 Springfield.
Horizon bolt action rifles, available in various configurations including the ultra-modern camo livery Strata, feature a precision-machined, cold hammer forged floating barrel.
All Horizons feature a fluted bolt which reduces friction, making the locking operation very smooth, and a detachable magazine.
Furthermore, the bolt with three locking fins guarantees a 60° opening and easy rearming when dealing with large scopes.
A very important element for aspect hunting fallow deer is precisely the choice of scopes.
Given fallow deer habits, the scope should be bright, offer medium magnification (max 6x) and with a well-marked reticle.
Accuracy is a must, and all Horizons guarantee 3 shots fired in 1 M.O.A.
