Fallow Deer are a gentle species that adapt well to farming or ranching operations. History records indicate that they were domesticated as early as the 9th century BC.

Fallow Deer are noted for their quality venison. European chefs tend to rate Fallow Deer venison higher than venison of other deer because of the finer grain of the meat.

Fallow Deer are hearty animals. Birthing difficulty, Dystocia, is almost unheard of. In fact, Fallow does are often fed to appetite during the final 3 months of gestation to ensure large, healthy fawns. Fallow Deer show an amazing resistance to other diseases, including Malignant Catarrhal Fever, which can be devastating to other deer species. There has never been a confirmed case of Malignant Catarrhal Fever in Fallow Deer in North America. Fallow Deer are not as susceptible to Copper Deficiency, Yersiniosis, Lungworm, and Chronic Wasting Disease, as are other species of American farmed deer.

Fallow Deer are ideal for intensive farming. Incidences of bullying and hair pulling are almost unheard of. With the sole exception of bucks in hard antler, these animals can be handled and transported with no fighting in close quarters.

Fallow Deer have a strong herd instinct, allowing them to be handled easily. They will move through deer handling facilities without bottlenecks or other major difficulties.

Fallow Deer are grazers consuming an unusually wide range of grasses, legumes, and broadleaf weeds. They thrive on any pasture that would support cattle, sheep, goats, or horses. Some deer farmers allow Fallow Deer to graze with other species of animals as a means of weed control.

Fallow Deer, most commonly, are from a European subspecies. Does range in size from 75 to 125 pounds. Bucks may grow to 225 pounds or larger. When the European Fallow Deer is crossbred with the larger Mesopotamian Fallow Deer, phenomenal increases in growth rate result. By using Mesopotamian hybrid bucks, the deer farmer can market slaughter deer as early as 10 months of age, compared to the 15-24 month average with European Fallow Deer. (Springs Deer Farms offers ¼ Mesopotamian hybrid bucks and does for those customers interested in growing larger body deer.)

In addition to the venison market, the magnificent palmed antlers of the Fallow buck make them a sought after trophy by hunters all over the world…providing yet another source of income. Shed antlers are also easily marketed to craftsmen and knife makers.

Fallow Deer usually aren’t as prone to be regulated in many states as are other species of deer. They are more acceptable to wildlife groups, hunters, and environmentalists because they cannot interbreed with native deer species. Additionally, chemical and genetic analysis can distinguish Fallow venison for that of poached native deer.

The expense of handling facilities and equipment is not as great for Fallow Deer as that required for larger species. This advantage even extends to fencing. A 6-foot high fence works well, as a boundary and 5 foot fences are adequate cross fences. Fallow Deer cause little damage to fences…further reducing maintenance costs.

Safety is always a serious concern. Use extreme care when handling any species of deer, particularly when working with bucks in hard antler.

Fallow Deer are a productive and profitable breed. Talk with Fallow farmers and learn more about these amazing animals.

*Note: This paper is adapted from one produced by Cleve Tedford; Chairman, Fallow Deer Council; North American Deer Farmers Association

Mr. Tedford offers thanks to the following people who made significant comments and contributions: Raleigh Buckmaster, Ralph Busch, Ellen Godwin, Karl Kinsel, Jerry Logan, Pat Martin, Dennis O’Hara, Joe Subers, Paul Wigglesworth, and Jill Wood.

Editing by Regan Springs, Springs Deer Farms. Published with permission of Mr. Cleve Tedford.