I hunted in 2009 & 2010 with Mark from Severn Rivers Safaris. I have taken 2 great Fallow Stags.
A rustic hut by the Severn River allows a tranquil time and great fishing (catch & release) with nearby access to huge trophy Fallow stags.
Severn rivers Safaris also conduct quality Buffalo hunts in NT. Contact Severn Rivers Safaris by phone or email. I can recommend this outfitter, AussieJohn
Fallow Deer Hunting Australia
Fallow Deer Hunting Australia
"Fallow Deer Australia" Australia are amongst the most widely distributed around the world of all the deer species. Attractive, particularly when in their summer coat of light to reddish brown with white spots, this medium sized deer (bucks 90cm at shoulder, weight about 90kg; does proportionally smaller at 76cm, 40kg), has a range of colours which include black, white and menil.
The latter is rather like the common fallow's reddish brown and spotted coat, but retains this pelage throughout the year while the common fallow changes to a greyish brown in winter. The black and the white varieties also retain their colour in winter coat. The buck's antlers are very complex with the most striking feature being the broad palm-like blades with trailing points which develop on the end of the main antler beams
Fallow deer were first introduced into Tasmania prior to 1850 with releases taking place in all of the eastern states of Australia - they are not known to be present in either Western Australia or the Northern Territory, but populations are thriving in all other states.
Of more recent times, it is believed that escapes from deer farms, particularly during troubled times within the industry, may have contributed to expansion of the fallow deer range.
A long term inhabitant of Europe with its severe winters, fallow deer have developed a breeding strategy in which a defined mating season or rut (mid autumn) results in calves being born in late spring/early summer - the most favourable time for the species to rear its offspring.
During the rut, bucks attempt to attract the does to rutting stands from which they advertise their presence by 'groaning' or 'troating' (a sound not unlike a loud belch) as they continually move about their stands. Fierce fights in which serious injuries can occur may break out at this time.
Fallow deer prefer an open forest environment with access to denser escape cover and pasture for feeding grounds. They are gregarious and with their exceptional eyesight, evolved no doubt to suit the type of habitat they prefer, can detect movement at a great distance.
Alarm is immediately communicated to other members of the group. Their eyesight is less effective at dusk, when some liberties not possible during periods of strong light can be taken when trying to approach them.
There will be regular updates with a new Fallow Deer 101 Tip for Hunting A Trophy Fallow Buck.
Tip 1:
Read all you can about Fallow Deer. Research via the internet. Hear the vocal sounds of Fallow Deer on the B.G.H.A menu above. Study Fallow Deer at a Deer Farm or local Zoo, watch what they do, there shape and size. Look at the way they blend in to there back ground.
Tip 2:
I use scent free body soap like Hunter's Specialties® Scent-A-Way...and scent free shampoo like - NEW Dead Down Wind® e2 ScentPrevent® Body & Wash
I was all my hunting cloths in Dead Down Wind® e1 ScentPrevent® with UVe Laundry Detergent. I store all my hunting cloths in a scent free plastic bag with a scented waffer of fresh earth smell named - Hunter's Specialties® H.S. Scents™ Primetime™ Fresh Earth Cover Scent. (available at Basspro On-line).
I don't smoke and I don't stand around a fire with my hunting cloths on, I don't cook in my hunting cloths... that way I keep them as scent free as possible.
Tip 3:
I like camo clothing, Stoney Creek make quality QUIET camo or green hunting apparel. I use a face mask in green camo or black, I use mesh camo hand gloves...the less white you show the better.
Tip 4:
I like very lightweight boots...with a very flexible sole eg like beach walking shoes or diving boots...the quieter you can walk and sneak in to your location.
I have some more 101 Fallow Deer tips:
What is the right time to go hunting Fallow bucks? Early morning? After breakfast? Late in the afternoon? Well all the above times are good and you will see Bucks...in fact most of my bucks were taken around 9.00am -10.00am on most trips, but I like to get into my hunting area well before dawn...and get the wind in my favor. Once I am in my chosen pre-dawn area...I can sit, wait, look and listen.
Tip 5: I like to have my Nissan Patrol 4WD parkers on instead the headlights if possible going to my hunting area on a property so as not to spook game, and where its safe to do so.
Tip 6: I like to sit around my Nissan for a while and let the bush settle down after my quiet arrival.
Tip 7: I listen to the bush and her animals often bucks will be near you and your vehicle, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth!
Tip 8: Check the wind often on the way to your location as it changes often in the early morning
Tip 9: Stop every 50 - 100 yards from your vehicle and glass for animal movement, deer watch other animals for early warning so you don't want to spook a roo and send your Buck running off before the hunt started!
Tip 10: Once your in your prime area sit with your back against a tree to hide your outline and scan the area with your binos looking for shapes that don't fit, like the rear of a buck sticking out from a bush, a buck making a scrape, a buck grunting, this is the time to know exactly whats going on and where all the does are!
Tip 11: Remember the does are the eyes and ears of most love struck bucks. Tip: Be ready...at all times for a quick shot at the Buck of a lifetime he will not give you a lot of time...that's why he got to be that big.
Tip 12: But most important...take your time walking...feel the earth under your feet don't kick rocks, don't stand on sticks and don't shuffle and be looking at all times out in front and around you...think of it like dancing a waltz...one two three stop look one two three stop and look.
Tip 13: Quality binos are worth every Dollar like every thing you pay for what you get...at the lower end Nikon make some good low price around $600.00 and Leupold Gold ring for around $1000 and up to Swarovski and Leica for around 2 to 3 thousand dollars but I must say the cut through the black night and early pre dawn light to let you see and same goes for after sun down you can see so much more and that's what your paying for! High quality matched lens and special lens coatings...I know we are all on a budget...but save for quality in this area...and the same goes for your rifle scope...more about that next week.
THE BEST TIP 14: I CAN GIVE THIS WEEK IS: Book a hunt with an Outfitter...you will learn so much.
www.severnsafaris.com for Fallow Rusa Red or Buffalo with Rifle or bow.
www.bowhunterslodge.com for Trophy Chital Deer with a bow.
www.maryvalesafaris.com.au for Trophy Chital Deer with a rifle.
These guides are experts in there field...you will learn, see many great bucks and it will be one of the best experiences you could do, so get in contact with them and book a spot! Outfitter Links are on menu.
Happy hunting until next week Aussie John...PS "remember to share a little of your deer hunting knowledge with a new hunter or friend...as we all had to start some-where "
Tip 15: The rifle... there are so many personal thoughts for each hunter when it comes to rifle and caliber choice.
Here are my personal thoughts on the subject matter: Weight of the rifle and what rifles do you have to choose from?
You may only have a 22 cal and a 30-06, so obviously to 30-06 is the choice.
My personal choice at the moment is the Sauer 202 in a 300 win mag a great all round rifle and flat shooting caliber, the Sauer rifle allows me to change barrels (second barrel is 375 H&H for buffalo hunting).
For the new hunter thinking of buying a rifle for deer hunting every one will have a different thought, so think about these couple of suggestions...will this be my only mid to larger game rifle?
If yes, then perhaps a 308, 30-06, 300 win mag or 300 w.s.m it will allow you to hunt larger Sambar Deer
What is the budget I have to spend? These days there are some great rifles starting of around $800.00 to $3000.00 plus.
What scope will I mount and why? Think about this - what ever you spend on the rifle, think about spending the same on the scope!
Scope power of at least 3x9 or 4x12 or 2.5x16. This also will depend on a couple of factors: a) The money you have to spend. b) Your eye sight. c) The type of terrain your hunting.
Will my rifle choice meet State Laws regarding caliber size?
Most States of Australia 270 cal will meet State Caliber Law.