The fallow deer is one of the exotic animals that can be hunted on safari in South Africa.
The fallow deer is a non-indigenous species imported from Europe during the early colonization of South Africa. A ruminant mammal and exclusive grazer, the fallow deer adapts readily to most habitats. He can be found in the wooded areas of the bushveld to the open plains and mountain ranges. The fallow deer's coat is bright fawn in color and spotted white during the summer months with a white belly. Both black and white individuals are common.
Only the males carry antlers, which are palmated above the main beams with a number of points evident along the rear edges. The stag sheds his antlers annually during early spring and the new antler growth is usually complete by October or November. The rut occurs during March and April and once mating is complete the stags leave the herd and form bachelor herds. Gestation is 210 days.
Hunt the fallow deer much as you would the white-tail of North America. He is most active during early morning and late afternoon hours. Set up along game trails or near food plots and pastures where he is likely to be found grazing. Your favorite deer rifle will be more than adequate in the taking of fallow deer. Calibers from .270 to the .30 caliber magnums are excellent medicine for the taking of this magnificent beast. Use quality soft-nose expanding bullets and place your shot directly on the shoulder. Take a line directly up the front leg about one-third into the body and squeeze.Never shoot above the halfway point. This shot should penetrate heart and lungs and your deer will not go far.
Fallow deer are an introduced, non-indigenous species in South Africa and are typically hunted on select concessions with suitable habitat and management. They prefer a mix of cover and open feeding areas, so hunts often focus on forested edges, valleys, and open plains where animals move to graze at first and last light. Ask your PH which areas currently offer the best trophy stags.
Browse recent fallow deer trophies and field photos from South African concessions where this exotic species is available. Images highlight typical habitats, color variants (including lighter and darker coats), and representative trophy stags. If you’re planning a safari, these photos help set expectations for terrain, shot angles, and how trophies are commonly presented for commemorative pictures.
