FALLOW BUCK DEER HUNTING IN NEW ZEALAND
All hunters who are familiar with Fallow deer will describe them as slender, dainty, flighty (and producers of succulent venison!) Fallow deer also have an innate ability to feed on the best and most nutrition locations within their range and that is why, with a good moist spring followed by a kindly summer, Fallow bucks grow antlers which seem in proportionately large for their body size.
Like their giant cousin the moose Fallow bucks grow palmated antlers, which do not reach the full potential blade width until a Fallow buck is at least six years old.
Fallow buck will stand about three feet at the shoulder and weigh 175 to 200 lbs.
What is a trophy? Firstly, does it appear that the Fallow buck you have in your binoculars is master of the group he is consorting with? As with other species of deer lesser males will hang close to females in oestrous, in hope. Your ‘Team Patterson’ guide will need to determine if one of the bucks is indeed the Master Fallow.
Palm width & palm points – After that it is important to study palm width and palm points. Antlers should be close to 30 ins in length and outside spread about the same. It is only after an adult Fallow buck is six years and beyond that his antlers will display full blade potential.
If you are a hunter living in the United States programme your mind on whitetail hunting; this will prepare you well for Fallow buck hunts in our New Zealand forests.
Do you have any questions about hunting in New Zealand or at Manuka Point?
US Freephone: NZ Telephone
