Deer have many means of communicating and vocalizations are an important part of their repertory. The sounds made by deer are notable for their diversity, which range from the ‘doglike sounding’ barks of the Muntjac, to the eerie sounding high-pitched whistle of the Sika stag in the rut.

Very often during stalks when I draw attention to a deer call, the vast majority of clients are often very surprised to discover that what they are hearing is the sound of a deer. For many, the sounds heard in nature are not something they have considered or paid much attention to.

Research shows that deer (different for each species) use different sounds:

• • • to keep in contact with each other
    • to express alarm and distress
    • to solicit attention from and respond to does and fawns
    • to express dominance/threaten other deer
    • in the complex negotiations involved between the male and female in courtship and breeding

Undoubtedly the period from late September to November when the Sika, Red and Fallow rut is underway is the best time of year for the stalker to familiarise themselves with deer sounds. It is a trilling time of year to be out in the woods and the range of sounds transmitted from these deer species is extraordinary!! Finding yourself in close proximity with a rutting buck/stag (which I have on many occasions) could only be described as electrifying!!

Here’s a list of the 6 species found in the UK and the range of sounds each one makes.

Red Deer

STAG: The sound made by a red stag during the rut is very similar to the bellow of a bull but it usually ends with two or three coughing noises. It will give a loud warning bark if it senses danger and will grunt when worried by flies.
HIND: At the time of imminent birth the hind may make a sound which is very similar to that of the stag during the rut. She will communicate with her calf after its birth by bleating and occasionally with a warning bark when she returns to it.
CALF: The calf gives a high pitched bleat to its mother and will almost scream when really frightened although its usual defence is to freeze and keep silent.

Fallow Deer

BUCK: The sound of a rutting buck is like no other sound and cannot be mistaken. It is rather like a deep throated belch, often repeated for long periods of time and can be heard a great distance away.
DOE: The doe will bleat to its fawn and sometimes bark at the time of the rut and also when alarmed or disturbed.
FAWN: Bleats to its mother, and later in the year if pestered by bucks at rutting time.

Roe Deer

BUCK: Grunts when chasing a doe or a rival at rutting time. Gives gruff, short barks when alarmed which is repeated as it departs.
DOE: Calls to its kids with a peep-peeping sound. Makes a high pitched sound during the rut, which the buck responds to by searching for her.
KID: Gives a shrill bleat similar to that of a lamb.

Muntjac Deer

BUCK & DOE: Gives a dog like bark at four to five second intervals, often continuously for long periods (can be up to an hour). Also grunts and make clicking sounds. Has a piercing cry when distressed.
FAWN: Gives a bleating call to the doe

Sika Deer

STAG: During the rut the sika stag makes a wide range of sounds; from whistles and banshee like wails to screams and grunts, with long silences in between. Sika stags will also bleat or grunt to the hind.
HIND: Both stag and hind make a short sharp scream ending in a grunt when alarmed. She gives a similar call to her calf when guiding it through undergrowth.
CALF: Gives a bleating call to its mother.

Chinese Water Deer

BUCK: Makes a clicking, mechanical sound during the rut. Both sexes bark, particularly when alarmed. Both give a screaming wail when in distress.
DOE: Squeaks and whistles to her fawn.
FAWN: Gives a soft screaming cry.

Listen to Deer sounds of all 6 deer species found in the UK

County Deer Stalking offers superb Fallow, Sika and Red stag stalking in the rut this Autumn on numerous estates in the south east of England. Contact James Mott on 01403 790244 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Films by County Deer Stalking 

'County Deer Stalking' is committed to the environment via a climate-focused diet and to the betterment of species through the careful selection of sustainable, wild, free-ranging animals

Our films are intended to provide viewers with countless useful hints and tips that are in line with best practice guidleines for UK deer management. 

If you'd like to learn to stalk deer then why not contact us on: 0203 981 0159 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Or to find out more about the hugely popular Proficient Deer Stalkers Certificate (PDS1) simply follow this link: proficient-stalker

(For more Training Films click here: training-films)

Click on the images below to watch each film.   

Rifle Reviews - Popular Hunting Rifles Used for Deer Management & Stalking in the UK

Best Rifles for Deer Hunting - Read on for top rifle reviews and trials of some of the most well known and popular hunting rifles used in the UK for Deer Stalking & Management. 

For many deer hunters, choice of rifle is very personal. Some hunters will be content with an old and trusted, classic hunting rifle that has been handed down from father to son, others will want the very best and latest in rifle technology and design.

Whichever camp you fall into, deciding which hunting rifle to go for is an important decision. This is because unlike with shotgun certificates (SGC), in the UK, the number of rifles a firearm certificate holder can possess, is carefully legislated and specified on each individual Firearms Certificate (FAC).   

Whilst possessing a shotgun certificate allows the holder to own a number of shotguns, having permission to acquire say a .308 calibre hunting rifle, does not allow the holder of the certificate to acquire several rifles in said calibre.

Typically, the holder of the FAC will instead be permitted to acquire just only one rifle in each calibre. This often results in the decision being made by firearm holder, being more considered. 

Left: A Sako 85 in .308 Calibre -You should consider your make and model of hunting rifle carefully, as you will likley be allowed only one rifle in each calibre

Whatever your choice, the following rifle reviews, are designed to give you an overview of some of the top most popular hunting rifles used in the UK today for Deer Management & Stalking.

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