Hunting fallow deer in South Africa

General information

Fallow deer scientific name: Damma damma damma

Male fallow deer are known as bucks and females are known as doe's. Bucks start wearing antlers from the age of three years and up. The difference between antlers and horns are twofold: firstly, antlers develop velvet and are shed at the end of the breeding season, while horns are never shed. If broken, horns never regrow. Horns consist of calcium, surrounded by keratin making it impossible to be referred to as antlers.

In general fallow deer bucks are not territorial but will disperse during the rut and mate with groups of doe’s moving past.

Fallow deer are strict grazers who prefer wooded areas with large open fields close by. Fallow deer are agile and sprint well over short distances.

In South Africa there are mainly two color variations present: the brown or common and then a white colored fallow deer.

Information on hunting fallow deer

Average fallow deer shooting distance

The average expected shooting distance is 100 to 200 yards depending on the terrain you are hunting in.

Importance of shot placement for fallow deer hunting

It is important to note we regard shot placement as more vital than caliber. With a smaller caliber you can still inflict a fatal shot, if your shot placement is correct. However, margin of error is more forgiving when using the correct, larger caliber. 

Accurate shot placement is crucial for a successful and ethical fallow deer hunt. Here’s why:

• Humane kill: A well-placed shot ensures a quick and humane death for the animal, minimizing suffering.
• Trophy quality: Proper shot placement is essential for preserving the quality of the trophy. A poor shot can damage the hide and horns.
• Ethical hunting: Accurate shot placement is a cornerstone of ethical hunting practices.

The ideal shot placement for a fallow deer is a broadside shot aimed at the heart and lungs. This area offers the largest vital zone, increasing the chances of a fatal hit. However, other factors like the animal’s position and the hunter’s skill level can influence the best shot placement in a given situation.

Practice and proper training are essential for developing the skill of accurate shot placement.

Challenges in achieving accurate shots

Achieving accurate shots involves overcoming various factors that can impact precision.

Here are some common challenges and potential solutions:  

External factors:

• Wind: Wind can significantly affect bullet trajectory.
• Solution: Practice estimating wind speed and direction, use windage adjustments on your scope, and consider ballistic calculators.
• Distance: Longer distances introduce variables like bullet drop and atmospheric conditions.
• Solution: Practice at different ranges, understand ballistics, and use a rangefinder.
• Terrain: Uneven ground, vegetation, and other obstacles can hinder shooting stability.
• Solution: Find stable shooting positions, use shooting sticks or bipods, and practice shooting from different angles.
• Light conditions: Low light can affect sight acquisition and target visibility.
• Solution: Use optics with good light-gathering capabilities, practice in low-light conditions, and consider using a red dot sight for quicker target acquisition.

Equipment factors:

• Rifle accuracy: Inaccurate rifles will produce inconsistent shot groups.
• Solution: Choose a high-quality rifle, ensure proper bedding, and regularly clean and maintain your firearm.
• Scope quality: A poor-quality scope can affect zeroing and clarity.
• Solution: Invest in a good quality scope with clear optics and proper mounting.
• Ammunition: Different ammunition types can produce varying results.
• Solution: Experiment with different ammunition brands and loads to find the best performing combination for your rifle.

Shooter error:

• Breathing: Improper breathing can affect shot stability.
  • Solution: Practice controlled breathing techniques.  
• Trigger control: Jerking the trigger can cause shots to deviate.
  • Solution: Focus on smooth and consistent trigger pull.
  • Stance and position: An unstable stance or improper body positioning can impact accuracy.
  • Solution: Practice different shooting positions and find what works best for you.
  • Follow-through: Rushing or anticipating the shot can affect accuracy.
  • Solution: Maintain focus on the target even after the shot.

By understanding and addressing these challenges, you can significantly improve your shooting accuracy and increase your chances of a successful hunt.

Tips for hunting fallow deer

To walk-and-stalk when hunting fallow deer is the traditional way of going about it. Fallow deer like to hole up in tall grass and lay in wait till slightly before being stepped on. When they feel in too much danger they will take off at a dead run and mostly stop after about 100 – 180 yards. It is at that time that the hunter should be ready to take the shot.

Best time of year for hunting fallow deer

The best time of year for hunting fallow deer in South Africa is March to the beginning of September when the fallow deer stags start shedding their antlers.

When hunting fallow deer in the Free State the terrain opens up to large open plains and even mountainous areas. This is where the skill of the hunter is tested with regards to marksmanship.