Thread: Trying to bag a Fallow

Hi all so I'm based in the Waikato and in trying to get my first Fallow and I'm just wondering where could they be hanging out? I managed to get a 14 pointer Red stag a few weeks ago and I'm trying to get a big fallow I've tried messaging doc for a permit for Te Miro and the surrounding areas but DOC are being slack as and its starting to frustrate me a bit hahah. I've heard that Te Puke has some around but access is hard? Dunno if that was a yarn or not? I've also heard down Wanganui ways but during the roar period I'm stuck in Waikato or BOP so any places around there would be greatly appreciated. Cheers for the non sarcastic replies

I would persisit with DOC you only need to find one local staff member who is supportive ( yes many staff say involved in huts tracks or Historic sites cant be bothered ) and you may get ahead you need one of the Bio-Diversity staff involved in Threats ( possum goat deer control) maybe a visit to your local Office may help

Plenty of fallow in Te Miro but it’s mostly horrible bush with lots of supplejack. The fringes are the best as the fallow love to jump the fence and spend lot of time grazing the farms. I think it’s worth visit DOC in person

I’ll swap a fallow hunt in waikato for a 14 point red stag hunt haha

DOC blocks around Waitomo and King Country hold Fallow

There are access points around Te Puke into DOC land. There area a lot of areas with deer if you have access across private land also.
Trophy wise it’s probably not the best area for a big buck but you never know the odd good one turns up.

Don’t do what I did Iv hunted them my entire life and missed a wall hanger today because I didn’t dial my scope back Saturday

Originally Posted by Kelton

Don’t do what I did Iv hunted them my entire life and missed a wall hanger today because I didn’t dial my scope back Saturday

Stripped?

Originally Posted by Kelton

Don’t do what I did Iv hunted them my entire life and missed a wall hanger today because I didn’t dial my scope back Saturday

Yeah that sucks, you kick yourself don't you? I had a version of that - loaded the rifle in the dark but didn't chamber a round for the walk in, got to where I was hunting and worked the bolt but didn't check. Lined up on a stag, click - yeah empty chamber the bolt hadn't picked the top round up and chambered it.

Te Puke is a bit of a hard one, when you find areas that hold deer stick with them - but you need to be a little careful that you don't stray onto land that isn't DOC and also a lot of the blocks are now flagged for no hunting for some reason. Lots of animals around on private land so there should be a few about on the doc blocks.

Originally Posted by Kelton

Don’t do what I did Iv hunted them my entire life and missed a wall hanger today because I didn’t dial my scope back Saturday

You're only a youngster, plenty of time to right things. Something to look forward to.

Started deer hunting in the spring (so a newbie) and spent quite a few failed attempts stalking too high in the hills. I prefer the open hills to bush stalking, but in my short experience have seen many more fallow deer lower into the valleys than in the hills (even though they venture there and there is sign). Some I've spooked, some I've missed, but evening has been better and near to bushline. I've set some trail cameras up near to where I live and have seen a few decent bucks around here - have only got 2 x Hinds so far, so would be excited to get some antlers like you! - Good luck mate

those big boys really keep their heads down cunning as but come the roar can be idiots

I haven’t bagged a fallow yet but plenty on my trail cams on public land. The cams are not far from a farm edge in native bush and the fallow are always on my camera between 11am and 4pm moving about, reds tend to be before 10am and after 6pm.

when I came to Taranki had not shot fallow an experienced hunter here said keep a good eye out midday they will come out for a feed and yes they do- shot many at 12-1 midday reds dont generally do that

I bagged my first Fallow a couple months ago and it was sunning itself in the ferns.. the reds were long gone by that time . But the Fallow were still out in the sunny spots