Jagdreise -

(Dama dama)

The ancestral form of the fallow deer, the Persian fallow deer (Dama dama mesopotamica), originates from Iran. In Europe, the European fallow deer (Dama dama dama) was originally native to Greece but was introduced to other European countries at a very early stage by the Romans. The fallow deer is a medium-sized species of true deer. It can reach shoulder heights of up to 110 cm and live weights of up to 120 kg.

Older stags are typically solitary; otherwise, fallow deer live in herds separated by sex. This diurnal game species is not particularly sedentary and is relatively resilient to disturbances. During the rut, the hinds (Kahlwild) travel to the rutting grounds. The strongest stags defend their rutting pits (Brunftkuhlen) there and wait for the females.

Fallow deer possess better eyesight than most other species of hoofed game (Schalenwild), but their sense of hearing is less developed. The summer coat is reddish-brown with white spots and a black dorsal stripe, whereas the winter coat is darker and lacks spots. Individual animals with completely white or black coats also occur occasionally.a

(Cervus nippon)

Sika deer are originally native to East Asia, but due to introductions into the wild, they are now represented in many parts of the world (Europe, East Asia, North America, Madagascar, and Australia). The Japanese sika deer (Cervus nippon nippon) found in Europe was introduced into the wild in the mid-19th century. Stags can reach live weights of over 70 kg.

Sika deer are highly sedentary and loyal to their territory. In summer, they form small family herds, while in winter, they gather in larger herds that include young stags. The older stags are generally solitary. During the rut (early October to late November in Europe), the stags join the hind herds.

In terms of size and strength, sika deer fall between roe deer and fallow deer. The stags carry branched antlers that typically develop 8 to 10 points. The summer coat resembles that of the fallow deer, though it is somewhat more brownish, whereas the winter coat is dark brown to almost black. Sika deer possess excellent eyesight, hearing, and sense of smell.