Fallow Deer

Dark Fallow Buck

Fallow deer became established in New Zealand following 24 releases between 1860 and 1910. Fallow deer  males are termed bucks, the females doe and the young. Bucks are somewhat larger than does at 140-160 cm long and standing around 90-100 cm at the shoulder.They wigh in at approxamatly 60-85 kg in weight. Does are around 130-150 cm long and stand 75-85 cm shoulder height weighing in at 30-50 kg in weight. Fawns are born in spring and the rut takes place in Autumn.

In New Zealand the Fallow rut start in April and follows through to the end of May.  The roar of a Fallow is distinctly different to other deer. It can be described as a croack, not unlike a frog.The life span is around 12-16 years. Fallow deer vary in their coat colour, many have a light brown coat with many white mottles. Some are a charcoal to black colour and some are albino or white.

In terms of terrain Fallow deer are predominantly grazers and prefer grassland with some forrest for cover. For most of the year Fallow prefer to stay in large groups, apart from the rut when the bucks spread out and the does move freely between the Bucks to find the Buck of their choice. Fallow are natives to Europe and the Mediteranian.

Fallow Stag most common colour

Distribution of Fallow NZ

Does

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