Fallow deer hunting in South Africa

Fallow Deer is not indigenous to Africa and were introduced some hundred and fifty years ago to South Africa from Europe. This species has adapted well to most habitats and has been listed as a problem animal in some provinces and regions where they may not be introduced or are shot on site by the wildlife authorities in some areas. Most Fallow deer are reddish-brown with spots but do vary from black to white. Only the males grow branched antlers. They are mainly hunted in the Free State, Mpumalanga, Eastern, Western and Northern Cape provinces. Being a deer species the males shed their antlers each year around November and take approximately four months to grow back. During the growing period the antlers are covered in velvet and as the animal matures, so does the antler length and the width of the palms, peaking at six to seven years of age. Their meat is delicious and recommended when hunting for the pot. As is the case with most species, venison from a hunted female or younger male is far more tender than a trophy buck. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, no special hunting permits are required.