The enchanting Fallow deer hunting in Italy
Published On: Dicembre 31, 2023

A very beautiful 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.

Why Choose Italy for Fallow Deer Hunting?

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.

Historical and Cultural Heritage of Fallow Deer Hunting in Italy

Fallow deer hunting in Italy is not just a sporting experience—it is deeply rooted in the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, tracing back to the earliest civilizations that shaped the Italian peninsula.

The Origins: From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance

Fallow deer (Dama dama) are not native to Italy. Historical records suggest that these elegant animals were first introduced by the Romans, who appreciated their beauty and grace. Imported from Asia Minor, fallow deer quickly became a symbol of refinement and prestige, gracing imperial game reserves and private estates of Roman nobility.

Centuries later, during the Renaissance, Italy saw a resurgence of interest in fallow deer. Wealthy dukes, noble families, and kings established vast hunting grounds—”riserve di caccia”—throughout regions like Tuscany, Umbria, and Piedmont. These estates became places not only of hunting but of political and social gatherings, where fallow deer hunts were reserved for the elite and considered a true art form.

A Living Tradition in the Italian Landscape

Hunting fallow deer in Italy today means walking through those very same landscapes where aristocrats once pursued their quarry, surrounded by centuries-old oak forests, rolling hills, and medieval castles perched in the distance. Many of these historic estates have been preserved and continue to host hunts, offering modern-day hunters a taste of Italy’s ancient sporting traditions.

In Italy, hunting has always been more than just a pursuit—it’s a cultural experience, a way to connect with nature, history, and the land. Fallow deer hunting reflects this heritage perfectly, blending the thrill of the chase with the timeless beauty of the Italian countryside.

Fallow deer hunting in Italy: a solitary pursuit of balance

Fallow deer hunting, a widely practiced hunt 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.

Best Time to Hunt Fallow Deer in Italy — Seasonal Highlights

One of the most fascinating aspects of fallow deer hunting in Italy is how the experience transforms with the seasons. Each period offers unique challenges, landscapes, and hunting dynamics that appeal to different types of hunters—whether you seek the thrill of the rut or the quiet precision of a winter stalk.

October to December — The Rut: Heart of the Action

The prime hunting season for fallow deer in Italy is during the rut, from October to early December. This is when the forest comes alive with the unmistakable sounds of bucks groaning and challenging each other for dominance.

What to Expect:

• Highly vocal, active bucks moving openly in search of does
• Increased chances of spotting mature, medal-class stags
• Intense stalking experiences as animals break cover, drawn by the rutting rituals
• Scenic landscapes painted with autumn foliage—a perfect backdrop for unforgettable hunts

The rut offers the highest probability of encountering large trophies, making it ideal for hunters who dream of a majestic palmate antlered buck emerging from the forest.

December to february the 1st — Winter Hunts for the Dedicated Trophy Seeker

After the rut, the landscape and hunting style change dramatically. Winter hunting in Italy is challenging and deeply rewarding, perfect for experienced hunters seeking a more technical and selective approach.

What to Expect:

• Clear views and longer lines of sight as the foliage drops, making spotting deer easier
• Animals become more cautious and elusive, requiring patient glassing and careful stalking
• Colder temperatures and crisp winter air create a unique atmosphere of stillness
• The opportunity to observe fallow deer herds in tight winter groups, testing the hunter’s ability to identify the best trophy

Winter hunts are the perfect choice for those looking to enjoy Italy’s serene countryside in its rawest, most authentic form, with the added challenge of pursuing old, clever bucks that survived the rut.

How the Seasons Shape the Hunting Experience

Autumn surrounds you with rich colors, crisp air, and the primal sounds of the rut—ideal for dramatic, adrenaline-filled stalks.

Winter strips the forest bare, offering precision-based hunts, where every step and every decision matters.

Both seasons immerse you in Italy’s diverse landscapes, from Tuscan rolling hills to dense oak forests, with historical villages always on the horizon.

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, where our hunting estate stays, 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.

A Unique Experience: Truffle Hunting in the Hills of Rivergaro

For those looking to enrich their hunting trip in Italy with an exclusive activity deeply rooted in the local tradition, there’s the opportunity to experience the thrill of truffle hunting in the beautiful Rivergaro area, just a short distance from the fallow deer hunting grounds.

Nestled in the gentle hills of the Trebbia Valley — once described by Hemingway as “the most beautiful valley in the world”—Rivergaro is one of the most renowned areas for truffle hunting. Its natural environment, ideal soil conditions, and perfect microclimate make it a prime destination for discovering Italy’s prized truffles.

From Forest to Table: A Complete Sensory Experience

Accompanied by expert local truffle hunters and their well-trained dogs, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a truly authentic experience combining tradition, nature, and culinary culture:

Learn how to recognize the symbiotic trees and read the subtle signals of the dogs;

Discover the secrets of truffle hunting—a craft handed down through generations;

Unearth with your own hands precious black truffles and, during the best season, even the rare white truffle.

At the end of the hunt, you’ll savor your harvest during a typical local dinner, where the flavors of the land and wild game come together for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Fallow Deer Hunting and Truffle Hunting: The Perfect Combination

Combining your selective fallow deer hunt with a day dedicated to truffle hunting allows you to fully immerse yourself in the territory and experience two of Italy’s most cherished traditions—both deeply connected to nature and local heritage:

The noble game of our forests;

The “diamond of the earth”, the truffle, a true symbol of Italian gastronomy.

This combination turns your hunting trip into a genuine journey through sport, flavors, and local culture—perfect even for non-hunting companions who want to enjoy a unique alternative activity.

A Land to Taste and Explore

Rivergaro and the Trebbia Valley also offer the chance to visit historic wineries, taste local wines, and explore charming medieval villages full of history and beauty. It’s the perfect way to relax and savor the true essence of Emilia-Romagna, a land of generosity and authentic hospitality.

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!