Exotics
Fallow Deer
Fallow deer are native to Europe. They are a beautiful deer with much sought after palmatted antlers. They, like whitetail deer shed their antlers around March each year and grow them back by summer time. The males (bucks) weigh between 160 to 275 pounds. They vary a lot in color. We have tan fallow with spots, black ones, brown ones and even solid white ones. Fallow are considered native deer in the state of Alabama since they tried to domesticate them in the 1960's. Therefore Fallow must be harvested within the Alabama hunting season with a valid Alabama Hunting License. The fallow are among the most tastiest of all the deer. Their meet is very mild and is often used in many restaurants in England.
Blackbucks are part of the Antilope family and are native to India. They are named because the males will turn black twice a year in relation to mating seasons. The females and young males are tan in color. The Blackbucks unlike deer have horns. They do not shed each year and continue to grow in a spiral pattern. The older the buck the longer and more curls he will have. A mature male will weigh between 75 to 125 pounds. Spend a day at the Reserve and you are sure to see the males fighting. They always put on a good show.
They are considered Exotics in the state of Alabama so they may be harvested anytime however, their black & white coats are the most prominent from November through February. Our Blackbucks have been on the property since 2003 and we have a very healthy herd. It is spectacular to be in a stand and see 50 to 60 blackbucks come into a field in the afternoon.
Blackbuck
Elk
Many southern states have tried to domesticate elk. There are currently herds of elk in Kentucky and Tennessee. Alabama made attempts in the 1960's to place some herds in the wild. Our Elk have been on the property for a long time. These majestic creatures roam the fields yet disappear when they don't want to be seen.
Come fall time it is something to sit and listen to the bull elk bugle. We regularly have elk in the 300 class and try to wait to harvest them until they are in the 375 to 400 class range.