5 Things to Know Before Hunting Fallow in Italy
By Joe Wildman, Ridgewalker Expeditions
Hunting fallow deer in Italy is a special experience. The rolling Tuscan hills, oak forests, and centuries-old estates create a backdrop that has been unchanged for centuries.
For hunters who want to experience this, there are a few things to know...
1. These Are Wild Deer
Italy’s fallow deer have been there for over two thousand years, and came to continental Europe from the Middle and Near East about 7000 years ago. Over the last 60 years there has been a steady rise in their numbers, and today we have a very healthy population, particularly in Tuscany.
The deer we hunt do not receive feed or assistence in the winter, and are subject to predation by wolves and poachers, making them wary and elusive.
2. Timing Is Key
We only offer a small numbers of these hunts for a short period of the year, when the chances for an international hunter are at their best to go home with that trophy of a lifetime. The rut peaks in October, then comes a time when the bucks feed up for the winter.
3. This Is A Different World.
Unlike a remote wilderness hunt, Italian hunts have the local culture interwoven through the experience. After a day in the oaks, you'll sit down to pasta and Chianti wines in centuries old stone buildings. You’re experiencing a way of Italian country life.
This brings unexpected quirks with it. The forest isn't always quiet, on weekends you can hear a surprising amount of gunfire, from passionate local bird hunters. From pheasant to songbirds, the Italians think of birds when hunting. So be prepared, and won't worry, the deer are totally unphased by the noise.
4. It Will Test You
Don’t underestimate these deer. It isn't always easy. These deer see a lot of human activity, so they can seem relaxed about us, but they are also very savvy to how to avoid and escape. Shots are often under pressure, through tight cover, and you’ll need to be confident off sticks or from kneeling positions. Bring patience, practise your shooting before you arrive because the one you want might not show himself twice.
5. These Hunts Are Limited
Access is limited, and the best spots fill years in advance. Hunters who understand this book as soon as spots open, knowing that the combination of game quality, culture, and tradition and the experience is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Italy offers something different, a hunt shaped by history, where every moment feels like part of a bigger story. If you want to experience it, come ready to hunt hard, eat well, and walk away with memories that last a lifetime.
👉 Bookings for Ridgewalker’s 2026 Fallow Hunts in Tuscany open on November 15.
Spots are limited — don’t wait.
To get on the waitlist send a mail titled Fallow waitlist. Serious inquires only.
