#009// Lying Fallow.
An end to the fallow deer season
I wanted to write a post about the yearly fallow season coming to an end and what that means to me personally. As I prepared to put pen to paper, so to speak, my mind wandered down the rabbit hole of open and closed hunting seasons. The general rhythm of the hunter's year and whether hunter’s located elsewhere in the world, where closed seasons may not exist, also experience this annual sense of fulfilment, nostalgia, completion and anticipation. After much reflection, I concluded that whether a hunter's year is defined by specific dates or breeding habits, we all share these similar feelings. I want to explore these sentiments further, but first, let's briefly follow the rabbit down the hole of hunting seasons.
Generally, deer hunting seasons are established in law for many reasons: to protect deer populations, manage numbers, or safeguard dependent fawns, among others. In England, the hunting season for fallow deer runs from November 1 to March 31 for does and from August 1 to April 30 for bucks. Compared to, say, Finland, where fallow deer may only be hunted for four months, England’s season seems remarkably long. In contrast, Australian hunters have no closed season for fallow deer, allowing them to hunt year-round. Let me pause here, I can already sense my hunting buddies fighting to debate. I don't want to get into the semantics and the reasoning behind deer hunting seasons, invasive species, or their justifications; that is a huge and contentious topic. I am using this example to reveal geographic differences. I’m more interested in philosophising about what it means to be a hunter and whether other hunters share habits that follow the annual cycle of deer. What do you think? Let's climb out of that rabbit hole.
Allow me to explain my thoughts in greater detail. I began my deer hunting journey in Southeast England, spending many years stalking the picturesque hedgerow-lined fields and ancient woodlands of Sussex. Initially, I was in search of fallow deer, but as the seasons played out and the years passed, I realised I had discovered something far greater. Over time, I forged a deeper, more personal connection with nature and profound respect for a species I have come to truly admire. Most interestingly, early in my hunting journey, I began to organise my year around the annual habits of deer. But where does the planning begin? Is it merely planning, or is it more of a mental and physical shift? At this point in the year, what most UK hunters consider to be the closure or lull in the deer season is merely a stopgap in active hunting. To some, this period may seem a pointless or frustrating part of the year, though others may see it as a time for reflection and preparation. I’m confident that the reader (if a hunter) can relate to both perspectives.
As the weather warms and I put my rifle away for a while, I feel a sense of relief. Don't misunderstand, I love hunting, but once the freezer is full and the seasons shift, I need a break from the act of killing. For me, this is a time for reflection. I feel fulfilled, as though I have completed a mission. Having spent countless hours in the forest, I reflect on the season's experiences. I think back to when I was sitting so quietly, I was able to watch a fox chase down a rabbit. I recall stumbling upon an old glass bottle, after marvelling at the moss growing inside, I put it in my pocket as a memento. Once I saw a buzzard swoop to catch a fallow fawn, which deftly navigated the trees without hitting a single one. Many of us have moments like these, unique to the time spent hunting. The added rewards to what we do.
It is great at this time of the year to get out to your hunting grounds with friends for some spring cleaning. Perhaps cut back some branches from the trees. You know that when you were sitting in your high seat or tree stand, they were annoying you all season! I enjoy setting up or repositioning trail cameras, hoping to capture that elusive big buck. Maybe he will visit the rut stand next season, or if I’m lucky, I might catch him dropping an antler in late spring. Speaking of antlers, there is likely a head or two to clean or prepare as a mount. If your work revolves around deer, depending on your field, this is an exciting time to book new clients, conduct deer surveys, count scat or monitor vegetation. Maybe as the summer approaches, you might spot new fawns through the binoculars or a group of bucks in velvet hanging out like best friends. Then autumn arrives, and those same bucks will be fighting to the death. And so we return to the hunting season with fresh boots and finely tuned calls.
Whatever you do in your hunting year, whether you travel the world pursuing game or you stay close to home in a woodland you know intimately, remember to take time with family and friends. Reflect, savour the venison on the table and cherish the stories that continue to enrich the great book of your hunting life.
Words // Matt Moss, Rushbrooke Field Team / mosswoodland.com
Photographs // Tanner Johnson / tannerjohnson.us
