5 Things to Know Before Hunting Fallow in Italy
By Joe Wildman, Ridgewalker Expeditions
Hunting fallow deer in Italy isn’t just another hunt — it’s stepping into one of Europe’s most timeless traditions. The rolling Tuscan hills, oak forests, and centuries-old estates create a backdrop that feels unchanged for generations. For hunters who want to experience this, there are a few things to know before you set foot on Italian soil.
1. The Landscape Shapes the Hunt
Italy’s fallow deer roam through oak woods, vineyards, and golden hills. This is not flat country — it’s rolling, broken terrain where visibility changes with every ridge. Be ready for a mix of glassing, stalking, and sitting still in silence. The ground is ancient, layered with history, and you’ll feel it with every step.
2. Timing Is Everything
The rut for fallow deer in Tuscany peaks in October. Sitting in the forrest and hearing the croaks is everything. You’ll hear bucks calling across the valleys — a guttural, almost haunting sound that carries through the fog. It’s the best time to see mature stags on the move, and it’s why Ridgewalker always sets our hunts in October. Once the pig season opens the forest is overrun and the fun is over.
3. Expect Tradition at Camp
Unlike a remote wilderness hunt, Italian hunts are woven into culture. After a day on the ridges, you sit down to venison, pasta, and Chianti. You’re not just finding your buck — you’re sharing in a way of life that Italians have known for centuries. It’s hunting mixed with hospitality, and it makes the experience unforgettable. Ridgewalker Expeditions by Joe have been the only ones doing this hunt for over a decade now.
4. Fallow Deer Will Test You
Don’t underestimate them. Mature fallow bucks are ghost-like in the oaks — quick to vanish, sharp-eyed, and quiet as shadows. 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 shoot before you arrive because the one you want might not show himself twice.
5. Book Early — These Hunts Are Rare
Italy isn’t overrun with outfitters offering high-quality fallow hunts. Access is limited, and the best estates fill years in advance. Hunters who understand this book as soon as spots open, knowing that the combination of game quality, culture, and tradition is unlike anywhere else in the world.
For hunters used to chasing moose in Alaska or buffalo in Africa, Italy offers something different — a hunt rooted in history, where every moment feels like part of a story bigger than yourself. 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.
