Wild grace: the art of roe deer hunting

A voracious appetite

Roe deer are comparable in size to a large dog. Their coats transform from reddish-brown in summer to gray-brown in winter, a natural adaptation that enhances their survival ability by allowing them to blend into changing landscapes and adapt to varying weather conditions across seasons.

Roe deer form herds when food is scarce in winter, and males establish territories to attract mates. And they sure love to eat! The species’ diet is varied, feeding on a mix of leaves, grass, berries, buds, and even bark. Italian hunter Riccardo Tamburini claimed, “Roe deer have a unique stomach among ruminants, needing to feed up to 10-12 times a day. This constant movement makes them relatively easy to spot. Understanding their seasonal behaviors increases hunting success chances.”

Riccardo Tamburini

Mastering habits and weather

The males are known as roebucks, and they boast antlers that are shed and regrown annually, displaying strength and health. Females, also known as does, do not grow antlers. And white spots are a clear indicator of a young fawn. The reproductive cycle of roe deer is unique among deer, too. They mate during the summer when food is abundant, eliminating the need for fat storage typically associated with later mating seasons. During the rut, roe deer are highly responsive to calls, which can lead to thrilling up-close encounters, especially for photographers, nature observers, and hunters.

Different hunters have different reasons for hunting roe deer. Joel Henrysson’s journey is rooted in a profound appreciation for the outdoors and the culinary rewards it offers. He views roe deer hunting as a way to connect with nature and provide nourishment for his family. Riccardo Tamburini considers roe deer an accessible entry point for novices, given the animal’s visibility in open spaces during daylight.

Joel Henrysson

Finally, Andreas Frengstad was drawn to roe deer hunting through camaraderie, embarking on this path due to an invitation from a friend during the rut season. The Norwegian soon realized that there are several challenges when hunting these magnificent animals, claiming, “Their small size and the tall grass often make them hard to spot. Knowing your distances and being aware of the wind and their keen senses are crucial for a successful hunt.”

Andreas Frengstad

However, mastering the elements is vital in roe deer hunting. “Paying attention to the direction of the wind is crucial because roe deer, like most game, are sensitive to scent. I’ve noticed that wind direction changes slightly at sunrise and sunset, which might be a useful tip. They’re also very sensitive to movement, so avoid any sudden motions and dress to blend in,” says Joel.

The Merger XL50 is great for identifying roe deer, offering such good image quality and sensitivity that you can often see their antlers.

Joel Henrysson

Seasonal changes significantly influence roe deer behavior and habitat preferences. During harsh winters, roe deer tend to form herds, a survival strategy that hunters are fully aware of. Joel has observed that post-rut bucks in August remain territorial, often patrolling their domain. As autumn progresses, they seek the sanctuary of dense woodlands, only to move to higher, drier grounds as the wet southern Swedish winter sets in.

Stalk hunting is the most popular method of hunting roe deer, especially in Europe. This approach is characterized by its emphasis on stealth and patience, allowing hunters to get close to deer for a more precise shot. It can involve quietly walking and tracking deer, using natural cover and wind direction to approach them without being detected.

Roe deer hunting is considered a crucial component of wildlife management in Europe. It helps control the roe deer population, which, if left unchecked, can result in significant agricultural damage and imbalance in the ecosystem. Stalk hunting offers hunters valuable opportunities for wildlife management and personal growth, highlighting the importance of understanding the animal, its environment, and ethical hunting practices.

The right gear

Effective roe deer hunting requires specialized gear. Joel emphasizes the importance of quality binoculars and a reliable shooting rest, given the small size of the animals. “The Merger LRF XL50 is great for identifying roe deer, offering such good image quality and sensitivity that you can often see their antlers,” says the Swedish hunter. As for riflescopes, Andreas prefers ones that offer the most versatility: “The Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro and Thermion Duo DXP50 are my go-to devices for their performance and versatility, allowing me to hunt effectively all day without needing a separate daytime scope.”

Identifying whether an animal is a young female or an adult can be challenging and requires patience. However, premium devices like the Telos LRF XP50 or Merger LRF XL50 can reveal certain sex features such as antlers, aiding in the selection process. Riccardo Tamburini emphasizes that using these devices can help determine the age and gender of animals.

He’s also exploring some of Pulsar’s newer models, like the multispectral Merger Duo NXP50, which features two channels: a full-HD digital night channel and a thermal 640×480 @ 17 µm channel. 

“I’m testing the new Merger Duo and loving its one-handed use capability. The digital sensor provides incredible detail during the day, and the thermal sensor excels at twilight, making it a truly versatile device,” Riccardo notes. He also favors the Axion LRF XG35 monocular for its portability and precision.

Conservation is key

Choosing the right deer isn’t just a matter of skill—it’s a test of ethics. A deep understanding of the deer’s age, health, and genetics becomes essential, as selecting older bucks or those with less desirable traits contributes to a robust, healthy population. Ethical hunters also prioritize the well-being of the herd by targeting injured or beyond-prime animals. Skill and proper equipment are essential in determining whether a shot is worthwhile.

Roe deer hunting, therefore, is a sophisticated interplay of knowledge, respect, and stewardship of the natural world, offering an immersive experience beyond the hunt.

The Thermion2 LRF XP50 Pro and Thermion DUO DXP50 are my go-to devices for their performance and versatility, allowing me to hunt effectively all day without needing a separate daytime scope.

Andreas Frengstad