Thread: Assessment of Fallow buck

Commenced my study of the local fallow herd, that was established here about 5 years ago, by putting up my first camera in an area they’ve been seen on a reasonably regular basis. This one wandered through a day later and at 1.08pm.
Have zip experience hunting fallow so would appreciate some feedback on this particular head. The photo’s not the best but a quick and dirty assessment will be fine. Have put up another camera yesterday and will check them both tomorrow. Weather has cleared for a bit so hopefully they’ll start moving about a bit more.

Thank you. Cheers, Sidetrack

Better than average. Good bey tines and guards. Right palm a little weak. No bad splitting which is a sign of good blood lines. Hard to tell from a pic but maybe Douglas score around 170?? NZDA trophy book entry is 200 DS.

Originally Posted by Sidetrack

Commenced my study of the local fallow herd, that was established here about 5 years ago, by putting up my first camera in an area they’ve been seen on a reasonably regular basis. This one wandered through a day later and at 1.08pm.
Have zip experience hunting fallow so would appreciate some feedback on this particular head. The photo’s not the best but a quick and dirty assessment will be fine. Have put up another camera yesterday and will check them both tomorrow. Weather has cleared for a bit so hopefully they’ll start moving about a bit more.

Thank you. Cheers, Sidetrack

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a lot of hunters would be happy to shoot that but in terms of a fallow trophy its small - but for some one it maybe their trophy - but its small and sorry not really in real trophy class - the hunt for it now that can be priceless

potential....yeah may get better given a bit more time... better than a LOT out there but not quite the 'moose' every fallow hunter dreams off.

Thanks, confirmed my suspicions. Have two other rough blocks to monitor over the next year which should give me a rough idea of what the resident population’s potential is. Am taking a management view and will cull out anything as the opportunity arises. A very promising buck was shot last year by another, probably around 3-4 years old. Was a bit miffed that it wasn’t left to grow into it’s full potential but what can you do. It’s not my land and if there’s one, there will be others.
Looking forward to the whole exercise and will post any interesting photos as the year progresses.

Pretty grunty looking Bez tines, wonder what his brows look like? Has guards which is a good start, some fallow especially in the southern herds just won't ever have them. I'd say he's got all the hallmarks of a good animal just needs age to fill out the palms

Yeah Like the others, I suspect hes young. But can be a bit deceptive at this time of year as they will have lost alot of body mass. Given the age of the heard i think leaving him a few more years is not a bad option.

Will be interesting to see what comes up on the cameras over the next week. Went for a wander in the mist and rain yesterday and sorted a good glassing spot a few hundred yards away with good cover, overlooking most of this area so will park up when I’ve sorted a free day. Will be good to get actual eyes on and educate myself on how to assess Fallow in general.

Same as any breed of deer. As soon as it’s a good one you will just know and there will be no second guessing. There will be no doubt in your mind. Trophy’s are in the eye of the beholder

Let home grow some more if you can , still a fairly young animal I reckon