I'm So Excited!!! - Fallow Deer Rut!

Sean Howell · #1 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 07:43 PM

Last year I heard and saw a large white fallow deer stag rutting. This year around one large field have seen numerous frayings of trees and bushes, large tracks and scrapes. There is also over 20 does in the area that I have seen continually for a week in the same field. Despite visiting the field a frequent amount of times I have not seen the buck and the buck hasn't been with the does.
Could anyone tell me the chances I have of seeing the buck and how long it will probably be before I see it?

Cheers

Sean

salukiwhippet · #2 (**permalink**) 28-09-2009, 08:34 PM

Our fallow haven't started in earnest yet, it probably won't be long now though. Fallow usually use rutting stands year after year so if you can find the stand, you should see him. Keep an open escape route though, a mate of mine stalked into a black buck on his stand and was charged!

James

Sean Howell · #3 (**permalink**) 29-09-2009, 06:54 PM

Thanks! There's a unused hunting highseat with a direct view across the field which includes most of the scrape's and where the stag had frayed. Which will give me a good view and hopefully avoid being charged!!

Also when would be the best time to see him rutting and how I could tell which is the main stand the stag uses from the many scrapes and fraying I have seen?

Cheers

salukiwhippet · #4 (**permalink**) 30-09-2009, 06:32 AM

All our stands are in woodland, fallow don't tend to rut in the open (at least on my ground). I have stalked our ground for 4 years and keepered it for 6 so I know where the stands are. The best way for you to find out is probably to use your ears and listen for the buck 'belching' his dominance, then stalk in slowly, paying attention to the wind of course.

Hope that helps, do ask if you need any more info.

James

P.S., Male fallow are bucks, only red and sika have stags (of our 6 wild species anyway)