In Italy, hunting ungulates is greatly beloved by both Italian and foreign hunters. Among these types of hunting, alongside roe deer, red deer, mouflon, wild boar, and chamois, there is also fallow deer hunting.
Fallow deer hunting in Italy is not among the most widely practiced types of ungulate hunting and often takes a back seat compared to others, but true enthusiasts know it to be one of the most captivating!
Elegant and mysterious, yet strong and cunning, the deer is the prince of the Valle within the Cascina Emanuele reserve, a wildlife hunting company located in Grondona.
Here, you can engage in deer hunting in a unique reserve, frequented by few hunters and abundant in game.
The Cascina Emanuele deer hunting reserve
Located in the province of Alessandria, on the Piedmontese Apennines bordering Liguria, is the Cascina Emanuele reserve. An untouched territory spanning 2,200 hectares, straddling the Valle Spinti and Val Borbera.
The reserve’s landscape is authentic, characterized by dense forests, expansive meadows, and water-rich valleys. This extraordinary habitat hosts a significant number of fallow deers, making it particularly suitable for these cervids.
A unique environment unlike any other, minimally influenced by human activity, thus becoming the ideal place for hunting big game in Italy.
The main attraction is the fallow deer, which surprises even the most experienced hunter with its cunning. Fallow deer are challenging to hunt, usually living in groups and preferring milder climates.
Even seasoned hunters cannot help but be thrilled at the sight of the bucks’ antlers peeking through the vegetation.
Fallow deer hunting is a perfect blend of beauty and thrill. Spotting the distinctive white-spotted coat of the fallow deer among dense woods allows the hunter an exceptional and exciting stalking experience.
The hunting lodge: Locanda del Daino
Amidst the dense forests and valleys of the reserve lies the hunting lodge, which recently reopened with a new identity: “Locanda del Daino.”
This 19th-century hunting lodge, once exclusive to reserve members, is now a restaurant open to the public, featuring a refined traditional menu where game and local products take center stage.
In the renewed “Locanda del Daino,” tradition meets modernity where elements typical of a hunting lodge blend with refined and thoughtful design, evoking nostalgic and evocative atmospheres.
It’s not just a restaurant offering spaces for lunch, dinner, and snacks, but also features four rooms for overnight stays.
At the end of your hunting day, you can enjoy the bounty of the surrounding valleys: from game, hunted in accordance with the law and respect for natural balances, to locally sourced vegetables and fruits. Here, hunters and their companions can spend time and embark on a sensory journey through the flavors of nature.
Adding to the uniqueness of the experience is the warmth and hospitality of the reserve manager, who ensures a splendid welcome.
Fallow deer meat
Fallow deer meat, less known compared to other meats, is a true culinary treasure. Its tenderness and delicate flavor make it unique, winning over even the most discerning palates. Rich in protein and low in fat, it is an excellent choice for those who want a healthy diet without sacrificing taste. A natural source of essential vitamins and minerals, fallow deer meat is not only delicious but also beneficial for health.
Discovering and savoring this prized meat means embarking on a journey into the heart of nature and wellness. Fallow deer meat, with its tenderness and delicate flavor, lends itself magnificently to the preparation of numerous traditional Italian dishes. Here are some examples:
- Fallow deer ragù: A refined alternative to the classic beef ragù. Fallow deer meat, slowly cooked with tomato, red wine, onion, carrot, and celery, creates a rich and flavorful sauce ideal for homemade fresh pasta such as pappardelle or tagliatelle.
- Fallow deer stew: Prepared with chunks of fallow deer meat, potatoes, carrots, and peas, all cooked in an aromatic broth with rosemary and bay leaves. This dish is perfect for winter days, served with steaming polenta.
- Roast fallow deer: Fallow deer meat can be slowly roasted in the oven, marinated in red wine, aromatic herbs, and spices. The roast will be tender and succulent, ideal for a Sunday family lunch.
- Fallow deer carpaccio: Thinly sliced and served raw, dressed with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Parmesan shavings. An elegant and light appetizer that highlights the quality of the meat.
- Fallow deer sausages: Fallow deer meat can be used to prepare artisanal sausages, flavored with fennel, garlic, and black pepper. Excellent grilled or cooked in a pan, served with rustic bread and sides.
- Braised fallow deer: Slowly cooked in a rich stew of red wine, broth, onions, and carrots, braised fallow deer melts in your mouth. Served with mashed potatoes or seasonal vegetables, it’s a dish that enchants diners.
Many of these dishes can be enjoyed at the kitchen of our hunting reserve La Montefeltro in Rivergaro. The versatility of fallow deer meat allows for the reinvention of many traditional recipes, enhancing the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine with a touch of originality and sophistication.
The wine valleys of Oltrepò
The reserve is located in an area also suitable for a day trip. Heading towards Pavia and crossing the River Po, you’ll encounter the famous Wine Valleys, including Val Versa, Valle Scuropasso, and Valle Coppa.
They are about an hour away from the reserve and are renowned for their prestigious wines.
The varied taste and olfactory expressiveness they offer contribute to making the experience even more evocative.
This is enhanced by the ancient origins and significant historical past of these places, as well as by the remarkable medieval and Renaissance artistic heritage of the city of Pavia.
The Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
The fallow deer, or Dama dama, is a majestic cervid belonging to the deer family. It is known for its reddish coat with white spots, which has a characteristic lighter hue in summer and a darker coat in winter. Originally from Asia, it has been introduced to many regions of the world for ornamental and hunting purposes.
Characterized by palmate antlers, developed primarily in males, the fallow deer is an elegant and graceful animal. It is famous for its territorial behavior and distinctive call, known as “rutting,” which occurs mainly during the mating season in autumn.
The Fallow Deer (Dama dama) typically feeds on herbs, leaves, shoots, and occasionally fruits and bark. It’s an adaptable animal that can live in various habitats, from woodlands to open meadows, but prefers wooded areas with good vegetation cover.
Additionally, the fallow deer is an important resource for hunting in many regions worldwide. Its meat is considered delicacy, and its antlers are prized as hunting trophies. Deer hunting is regulated by specific laws and regulations in many jurisdictions to ensure sustainable management.
In terms of social behavior, fallow deer herds can consist of females, young, and non-dominant males, while dominant males tend to be more solitary or form small groups. The fallow deer is also known for its ability to produce a wide range of sounds and signals to communicate within the herd.
The fallow deer is a fascinating creature, admired for both its beauty and its role in ecosystems and hunting, serving as an important resource for many rural communities and hunting enthusiasts.
Hunting Season and Recommended Firearms
Fallow deer, which prefer to graze at dawn or dusk, can be hunted from September to February.
The rutting season occurs between October and November, making it perfect for those seeking an exciting hunt, walking through the woods and listening for the distinctive call of this fascinating cervid.
The choice of rifle and caliber for fallow deer hunting depends on various factors, including shooting distance, environmental conditions, local laws, and the hunter’s personal preferences. However, there are some commonly recommended calibers and types of rifles for fallow deer hunting:
– 7mm Magnum Calibers: Calibers like .270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, or .300 Winchester Magnum offer power, flat trajectories, and ideal penetration capabilities for fallow deer hunting.
– .30-06 Springfield: A versatile caliber widely used for big game hunting, including fallow deer. It provides a good combination of power, accuracy, and moderate recoil.
– .308 Winchester: Another popular and widely accepted caliber for fallow deer hunting, with a wide range of ammunition available and good medium-range hunting capabilities.
– .300 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum): This caliber offers similar power to traditional Magnum calibers in a more compact rifle, ideal for hunting in tighter terrain or dense woods.
– Bolt-action or Semi-automatic Rifles: Bolt-action rifles and straight-pull rifles are often preferred for their accuracy and reliability. Semi-automatic rifles can be used depending on local laws and the hunter’s personal preferences.
The Benelli Lupo hunting rifle available in various calibers
Choosing the caliber and type of rifle should be done carefully, always considering local regulations and the specific requirements of fallow deer hunting. Before deciding, it’s crucial to consult hunting laws in the specific region and consider your shooting abilities and personal preferences.
The Sako 90 Bavarian continues the legacy of elegant hunting rifles with walnut stocks. The geometry of the stock pays homage to Central European tradition regarding the hog-back shape of the rear stock.
Although not a weapon, the hunting binocular is an indispensable accessory for the selective hunter. Fallow deer are less crepuscular than red deer, but the right specimen can still appear in low-light conditions at both dawn and dusk. Therefore, a good pair of binoculars can always make the difference between a successful hunting action and a disappointing flop.
A weekend of fallow deer hunting in the Cascina Emanuele reserve is an experience not to be missed!
