When hunters come to the Tioga Ranch near the border of Southern New York and Northern Pennsylvania, they’re in for a treat: some of the best hunting areas in the Eastern United States are right here in rural PA!
When hunters come to the Tioga Ranch near the border of Southern New York and Northern Pennsylvania, they’re in for a treat: some of the best hunting areas in the Eastern United States are right here in rural PA!
Did you know Tioga has one of the largest herds of European Fallow deer in the Eastern United States? You never know– you might shoot an extremely large buck with impressive palmated antlers. Fallow deer are hunted between late August and early April at Tioga.
Fallow Deer Facts
Fallow deer are often considered an ornamental species thanks to their colorful coats. You might find fallow deer, aka “Dama dama,” in brown, black, red or white. Fallow deer have a black line that runs along their backs to their tails. In winter, their coats generally become darker and thicker to help withstand the colder outdoor temperatures– it gets below freezing in PA in the winter, for sure.
In the U.S. you’re not very likely going to see Fallow deer running around as there aren’t that many of them here. Indeed, Fallow deer are more known in England and Wales, with some in areas of Scotland and Northern Ireland, too. As an “Eurasian” deer, Fallow started out in ancient Persia long ago and ended up dotting Europe, with occasional introductions elsewhere by man… a billionaire, for example, brought them to Argentina, while some are also found in South Africa and New Zealand.
As a species, the Fallow deer tend to inhabit mature, deciduous woodland with dense undergrowth. You might see them in marshes, meadows and among mature conifer plantations as well. Interestingly, these grass grazers are more active at night in areas where they know humans are around.
For the record, breeding season occurs between October and November. Males hold groaning contests and engage in parallel walks. Physical contests where the males lock antlers and push each other are common. Then, a couple months later in June or July calves are born. Nature is amazing, isn’t it?
Take a look at some pictures of Fallow deer hunting at Tioga. If you’re interested in shooting a buck or doe at Tioga, call for more information: 570-835-5341.