Fallow Deer

The fallow deer is not a native game species; it was likely first introduced to Hungary in the 15th 16th century into game parks and in much later centuries we find mention of the fallow deer also setting foot in open areas. During the socialist era (1970–1989), fallow deer were introduced at 81 locations and as a result, it is now present in many hunting areas across the country.

Fallow deer are more attached to a specific area than red deer and their annual range of movement is usually much smaller than that of red deer. They prefer loess and sandy soils, as opposed to black, compacted soils. Twin births are common among fallow deer and if habitat conditions are favourable and the golden jackal has not overpopulated the area, fallow deer can reproduce quickly within a given hunting area. Unfortunately, in the Transdanubian region, the overpopulated golden jackal can cause the most damage to fallow deer after roe deer.

The species has a patchy distribution, which also supports its strong attachment to the area. Except for the central mountainous region, it can be found almost everywhere in Hungary, however, continuous presence over a larger area or region is rare, Tolna County is perhaps an exception.

Outstanding fallow deer hunting areas include: Guth, Kelebia, Gyulaj, Pusztavacs, Lábod, Kaszó and Veszprémvarsány.

In Veszprémvarsány, a fallow deer trophy with 240.41 CIC points was presented in 2024, which is a potential world record.

Even in Veszprémvarsány, the species is found in a patchy distribution and in recent years the trophy quality of fallow bucks shot here has culminated towards these impressive sizes. Ten years ago, the trophy weight of fallow bucks shot in these hunting grounds was between 3.5–4 kg.

Hunting of fallow deer:

Fallow deer hunting in Hungary begins on the first day of October and shooting a groaning doe in a forest dressed in a cavalcade of autumn colours is an excellent hunting experience. The hunting method is stalking and driving with horse-drawn carriages. Where fallow deer occur only in smaller populations in open areas, stalking and harvesting an old groaning buck is a true art. In areas with larger populations, groaning areas form, where several or even dozens of bucks may be groaning at the same time.

After rutting, fallow bucks retreat and replenish the calories used during the intense mating period by feeding in wild lands and pastures.

Fallow Deer Hunting Season:

• mature buck (shootable trophy buck): from 1 October until 30 November
• cull buck: from 1 October until 28 February
• doe and yearling: from 1 October until 28 February
• fawn: from 1 October until 31 May

Hungarian fallow deer trophies on the World Ranking List

In Veszprémvarsány, a fallow deer trophy with 240.41 CIC points was presented in 2024, which is a potential world record.

CIC scoring system

• 160–169.99 points: bronze
• 170–179.99 points: silver
• 180 points and above: gold