Fallow Deer
The Best Fallow Deer Hunts
Starting at $2,500
OVERVIEW
Fallow Deer hunting has become one of the most common exotic hunts in Texas.
I offer these hunts on several ranches, one of which has the biggest fallow deer I’ve ever seen. That ranch usually has over 100 of them at any point in time, so there are always numerous giant bucks to choose from.
The average buck harvested on this ranch scores 'Gold Medal' This ranch has also produced several huge bucks, both typical and non-typical, that have made the TGR Top 10 All-Time record book.
Fallow Deer meat is great venison. September is a terrific time to kick off the fall hunting season and fill your freezer with some of this great organic protein. And, with their three color phases (white, spotted, and chocolate), and their unique antler configurations, they make beautiful mounts.
Everything you need to know
WHO, HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE
WHO THESE HUNTS ARE FOR
Fallow Deer hunting is an excellent option for hunters at all skill levels — for the novice hunter looking for an exciting way to kick off their hunting career, as well as for the experienced hunter looking for a different species, or looking to add variety to their fall hunting calendar.
HOW WE HUNT FALLOW DEER
I do most of my Fallow Deer hunts safari-style / spot and stalk. I will, however, also hunt out of blinds if that's your preference, or a better fit for your skill level.
On the safari style / spot and stalk hunts, we drive around until we locate a herd, or a nice buck, and then stalk into position for a shot. On the hunts in the fall and winter months, when natural food sources are more scarce, we’ll also hunt out of blinds overlooking feeders or a natural food source.
A typical hunting day starts before daylight with a quick breakfast, and then we’re off to start the hunt. Late morning we’ll break for brunch/lunch, after which we’ll hunt until late afternoon or early evening. After getting back to camp for the night, we’ll have a hearty, hot-off-the grill dinner and a relaxing evening before heading to bed.
It’s worth noting that I don’t have a big camp where you will be in a lodge with a bunch of people you don’t know. When you hunt with me, you or your group have exclusive rights to the ranch for lodging and hunting.
ABOUT FALLOW DEER
Fallow Deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and Asia Minor, and were imported into Texas in the 1940s. Today they are found in 93 Texas counties. Fallow Deer have really flourished in Texas because they have very few natural predators, and they are naturally resistant to disease.
They come in 3 different color phases: spotted, white, and chocolate — they are a truly beautiful deer species.
Fallow bucks typically have palmated antlers, with multiple points on each side. My big mature 'Gold Medal' Fallow typically weigh 250 pounds or more in September, and about 200 pounds in November and December. Fallow does are smaller and typically weigh between 100-125 pounds.
Fallow Deer bucks are the only deer to have an Adam’s apple. They are primarily browsers, but they also consume forbs and woody browse.
These animals rut from late September through early November with the peak being in October. During the rut, Fallow bucks become very aggressive and grunt (or make a croaking sound) at each other. During the rut, they wander around looking for receptive does.
WHEN AND WHERE WE HUNT FALLOW DEER
There is no closed season on hunting exotics in Texas, so you can hunt Fallow Deer year-round. The best time, however, is from September through December — when the bucks are hard-antlered. In January and February, they have been through the rut and there’s a risk that they will have broken or rubbed points. I do most of my Fallow Deer hunts in the fall.
Fallow Deer can be found in the Texas Hill Country, Edwards Plateau, and South Texas. I do most of my my hunts in the Hill Country, around Kerrville. The ranch that consistently yields the best trophies is a 3600 acre ranch in Real County.
If you are traveling by air, fly into the San Antonio International Airport. Rent a car there and drive to the ranch.
PACKING LIST
To prepare for your hunt, take a look at my packing lists. Some of the links on those lists are affiliate links — that means that I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Note, however, that I only recommend products that I use myself. In addition, take a look at my recommendations for hunting gear.
The weather in Texas can be unpredictable, and change quickly and abruptly. Make sure to check the weather forecast and pack appropriately.
Generally, summers are very hot, winters can get quite raw (especially in West Texas), and summer and fall days often have huge temperature swings with cold evenings, nights and mornings, and warm or hot afternoons.
For most hunts, prepare to dress in layers so you can add or take off clothing as temperatures shift throughout the day. For warm weather hunts, pack clothes that breathe, are well ventilated, and keep the sun off of you. For mountain hunts, avoid cotton — wool or synthetic works best.
For hunts in the late spring, summer and early fall, Sawyer Products Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent is invaluable. We do a lot of walking through tall grass, and chiggers and ticks can be a problem. With Sawyer Permethrin you don’t have to worry about them. It's sprayed on your clothing and once it dries it’s odorless and colorless. I LOVE this product, and literally never leave home without it!
And one last - but very important - note: Do NOT wear new boots! Make sure your boots are well broken in!
Comfortable boots/shoes
Snake boots (I typically wear snake boots to keep the cactus/thorns/brush off my legs)
Jeans/Pants/Insulated Overalls (Lighter weight pants for the Spring/Summer and heavier weight for the Fall/Winter)
Camo shirts: Long Sleeve Shirts & Insulated Long Sleeve Shirts
Uninsulated & Insulated underwear
Darn tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion socks are my favorite. They last close to forever!
Comfortable camp clothes
Backpack – a water bladder in your pack is helpful
Rifle & Ammo or Bow & Arrows
Personal Toiletries & Medicines
Valid TX hunting license
PACKING DETAILS
PRICING FOR TEXAS FALLOW DEER HUNTS
Rooms sleep two
Typical Fallow Deer – $9,000
Non-Typical Fallow Deer – $10,000
$325 per room
Daily Rate
$9,000 to $10,000 per animal
Trophy Fee
Fallow Deer Trophy Hunts
$2,500 per hunter
Deposit
Meals
Lodging
Transportation around the ranch
Field care of your trophy
Valid Texas Hunting License (Non-resident Special 5 Day Hunting License – Type 157 – $48)
Gratuities
Transportation to ranch
Skinning, caping, quartering of your trophy
Drinks besides water and coffee
Non-hunting guests – $100-$250/person/night depending on the ranch
Skinning & quartering of your trophy – $100/animal
Caping & freezing hide for transport home – $50/animal
