A very common hunt in Italy that undoubtedly fascinates the hunter who loves ungulates big game hunting?
There is no doubt: fallow deer hunting in Italy is a perfect mix of emotions and beauty. Sighting, among the thick woods of the Ligurian Apennines the characteristic white spots of the coat of this wonderful deer, gives unique emotions to the hunter.
Are you looking for a magical place to practice this fascinating and evocative hunt? On the Piedmontese Apennines on the border with Liguria, there is an area highly suited for ungulates.
John and his wife from Colorado with Luca Bogarelli and the huge fallow deer trophy just hunted
And it is exactly in this area that for the coming season, we offer our customers the opportunity to hunt fallow deer and other species of wildlife according to the quotas.
An uncontaminated place not at all anthropized and very rich in game: wild boar, deer, roe deer, and fallow deer populate this area in large numbers.
It is a private reserve of about two thousand hectares frequented by very few hunters and recognized as the Private estate with the greatest hunting culture and quality in Italy thanks to obsessive attention to its wildlife management which has produced a considerable number of beautiful “palanconi”(huge trophy fallow deer).
A highly exclusive hunting reserve where fallow deer are the main attraction as the area is particularly suitable for this cervide: dense thickets alternating with meadows and abandoned crops and closed valleys rich in water where the “Dama” finds its ideal habitat.
Even the most experienced hunter upon spotting the noble antlers of the buck will be overwhelmed by emotions and will get lost in admiring the beauty of nature.
Our selective program includes two hunting days in the beautiful setting of the Ligurian-Piedmontese Apennines near the tiny medieval village of Grondona.
The roaring fallow deer hunt in the hunting period between October and November, it is very exciting as well as stalking hunting or the more restful from the high seat. For fallow deer hunting we recommend rifles between 270 and various 30 including 7 mm.
It’s prudent to steer clear of the “small” .243 Win, which may wound the animal without ensuring a clean kill, and the overly potent .30-06 Springfield, risking irreparable damage to substantial portions of the game meat.
To evade detection, attire in green or camouflage is strongly advised, ideally complemented by a camouflaged rifle.
A pivotal aspect of fallow deer hunting is the selection of optics, which should offer brightness and a reticle equipped with a red dot for optimal targeting precision.
Fallow deer hunting in Italy: a solitary pursuit of balance
Fallow deer hunting, a widely practiced activity in Italy, is a solitary endeavor, almost meditative, finding equilibrium between action and anticipation.
Engaging in this pursuit demands minimal physical exertion, yet considerable mental effort is requisite; one must become intimately acquainted with the habits of the quarry and exercise extreme patience during the waiting game.
Strategic selection of the positioning locale is paramount, following a meticulous evaluation of the hunting ground’s features.
Whether from a ground-level or elevated vantage point, such as a high seat, it is typically positioned where fallow deer frequent for grazing.
While wild boar and roe deer possess keen olfactory senses, fallow deer are less sensitive, thus vigilance to wind direction is sufficient to avoid detection.
Conversely, their vision and hearing are highly acute. Hence, blending seamlessly with the surroundings is crucial for a successful hunt.
The fallow deer trophy stags
The beauty of the fallow deer trophy stag lies in several key attributes that make it a highly prized and admired animal among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the factors that contribute to the allure of the fallow deer trophy stag:
Majestic Antlers: One of the most striking features of a fallow deer trophy stag is its antlers. Unlike the simpler antlers of other deer species, fallow deer antlers are broad, palmated (flattened), and often adorned with multiple points or tines. These antlers can reach impressive sizes and shapes, creating a visually stunning and unique appearance. The symmetry, spread, and the number of tines are all factors that contribute to the desirability of the trophy.
Unique Color Variations: Fallow deer exhibit a variety of coat colors, ranging from common brown and reddish-brown to the rarer black, white, and menil (spotted) variants. This range of colors adds to the aesthetic appeal of the fallow deer, making each trophy stag unique. The diversity in coloration can also reflect the deer’s age and the specific characteristics of the herd.
Elegant Body Structure: The fallow deer has a sleek and elegant body structure. Their physique, combined with their graceful movements, makes them one of the most visually appealing deer species. The stags, in particular, develop a robust and muscular build, especially during the rutting season, which further enhances their majestic presence.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Fallow deer have a rich history and cultural significance in many parts of Europe, including Scotland. They were often kept in royal parks and estates, symbolizing nobility and wealth. The historical context adds a layer of prestige to hunting and possessing a fallow deer trophy stag, linking it to centuries of tradition and heritage.
Conservation and Management: Trophy hunting of fallow deer stags plays a role in wildlife conservation and management. Ethical and regulated hunting practices help maintain healthy deer populations and ecosystems. Knowing that a trophy stag comes from a well-managed and sustainable environment can add to its value and appreciation.
Trophy Presentation: The way a fallow deer trophy stag is presented can also enhance its beauty. Skilled taxidermy can preserve the stag’s natural elegance, capturing its majestic antlers and distinctive coat colors in lifelike detail. A well-mounted trophy serves as a lasting tribute to the deer’s beauty and the hunting experience.
The beauty of the fallow deer trophy stag lies in its majestic antlers, unique coloration, elegant body structure, and the rich historical context of its species. Combined with the scenic hunting grounds and the role of conservation, the allure of the fallow deer trophy stag is both aesthetic and deeply rooted in tradition. For hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, a fallow deer trophy stag is a symbol of natural beauty, skill, and respect for wildlife heritage.
The hunting lodge
The hunting lodge “Locanda del Daino” is located among the most unspoiled nature of the reserve. The structure is a charming building with an “olden time” atmosphere with lounges bedrooms and common areas that have remained unchanged at the beginning of the century.
Hunting trophies, hanging on the walls watch over guests who can enjoy a typical quality cuisine. A cold room and an internal butcher’s shop are available to every hunter.
For those who want to take it easy, there is the “Locanda del Daino” inside the hunting estate.
The ancient hunting lodge of one of the most famous Genoese oil family becomes home to few special guests who wants to spend a different time, rediscover the wonder of simplicity that is nostalgia and surprise, abandon themselves to nature, rediscover family gestures and traditional flavors.
Elements typical of a hunting lodge from the late 1800s meet a refined and attentive design that gives evocative and nostalgic suggestions. Characteristic rooms and environments, 30 selected seats where you can have lunch, dinner, have a snack or an aperitif, and 4 rooms where you can stay overnight.
A genuine and kind cuisine that tells a place and a time through the voice of chef Giacomo dell’Aglio. A menu that changes with the seasons, where game and local products are the stars. Intense flavors, combinations that surprise, high-quality raw materials treated with respect and presented with creativity.
The Locanda del Daino is an emotional refuge that speaks the language of welcome, care and sharing, and nourishes the soul with the beauty of hunting in Italy.
Things to do and see near Grondona while hunting in Italy
Grondona is a small town of about 500 inhabitants located in the province of Alessandria, in Piedmont, Italy. It is an ideal place for those looking for peace and relaxation, but also for those looking for a bit of history and culture.
Grondona is located about 50 km from Alessandria, 100 km from Turin, 120 km from Genoa, and 150 km from Milan.
Things to See
- The Castle of Grondona is an imposing medieval construction that dominates the town center. It is open to the public by reservation and houses a museum that tells the history of the town and its territory.
- The Church of San Sebastiano is a religious building dating back to the 12th century. Inside, it preserves 15th-century frescoes.
- The Civic Museum of Grondona houses a collection of archaeological, paleontological and numismatic artifacts.
Things to Do
- Hiking and trekking. The area surrounding Grondona offers numerous trails that wind through hills, woods and vineyards.
- Biking. The bicycle path that runs along the Scrivia River is a great opportunity for a bike ride.
- Fishing. The Scrivia River is an ideal place to fish for trout, carp and other fish.
- Gastronomy. Grondona is a place rich in culinary tradition. Try the typical dishes of Piedmontese cuisine, such as bagna cauda, veal tonnato and hazelnut cake.
Some Places to Visit nearby
- Casale Monferrato, about 25 km from Grondona, is a city rich in history and culture. Visit the Cathedral, the Castle and the Civic Gallery.
- Alessandria, about 50 km from Grondona, is the capital city of the province. Visit the Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the Ethnographic Museum.
- The Langhe, about 100 km from Grondona, are an area rich in vineyards and medieval villages. Visit the cities of Alba, Barolo and Barbaresco.
The Valle Spinti: The territory and its products
The Locanda del Daino is a small pearl nestled in the faunistic-hunting company Cascina Emanuele di Grondona, in the province of Alessandria, on the edge of the Ligurian-Piedmont Apennines. An uncontaminated territory that extends for 2,200 hectares, between the Valle Spinti and the Val Borbera, a hunting reserve and home to wild flora and fauna. The raw materials that this land offers are a hymn to authenticity. All dishes are prepared with local products. From game to vegetables and fruit: everything is produced in the surrounding valleys.
Bottom line
Grondona is a charming place that offers a wide choice of activities and attractions for all tastes. It is an ideal place to spend a relaxing weekend or a longer vacation to discover Piedmont before or after your fallow deer hunt.
Do not wait any longer the availability of the abatement plan for this hunting in Italy is limited!
Montefeltro Staff, Luca Bogarelli
“Luca Bogarelli loves hunting and nature, experiencing both in a comprehensive manner. Adding to this, his passion for travel has led him over the years to explore places, people, and unique wildlife around the world.
A self-described ‘traveler with a rifle’, Luca has gathered hunting experiences across nearly the entire African continent, as well as in Asia, America, and Europe, in all the countries of hunting interest.”
