Fallow Deer Alert
Recently I wrote an article about wild hogs, and the problems they could create for Michigans wild game. Well it seems now we may be having a problem with Fallow deer. The DNR has been checking into several reports of Fallow deer in the wild. Recently it has been confirmed that several areas of the state do have “ranch raised” Fallow deer running wild.
The biggest problem is that Fallow deer can carry bovine T.B.and there have been confirmed cases of these animals having CWD (Cronic Wasting Disease.) DNR biologist want hunters to report any sightings of Fallow deer, and if you are a licensed hunter you may shoot all you see, (providing you are hunting during a legal hunting season.) The DNR would also like you to bring the head of any deer you shoot to a field office so they can test it for T.B. or CWD. Lets keep our woods free of these invaders, and help protect our native game species.
Mike
June 8th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Ok, obviously fishing is more my thing, but I still enjoy the family time deer hunting in Atlanta and the Upper Peninsula. I know the Atlanta area was one of the centers a few years ago for the TB scare and I know that CWD is another term for basically “mad cow” disease. My question for you is this Mike, How do I tell the difference between a whitetail that grew wild in the woods, and one of these fallow deer? There are several “ranches” in the Atlanta area, so what am I looking for?
June 9th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Mason I sent you an e-mail hopefully answering your question,but will put a few details here for others to read. Fallow deer are native to Asia and have spots somewhat like a whitetail fawn. Fallow deer markings (spots) look more washed out than a whitetail. Fallow deer come in several shades and the most common is brown with white spots. The nose is shorter than a whitetail and it has no white throat patch. The Fallow bucks grow somewhat palmanated antlers that are similar to a caribou. Because they will eat most anything they can grow a little larger than your normal whitetail.
Mike