2023-10-15 08:00:00
From September 15 and until mid-October, an ancestral rite will be heard in the forests of Wallonia: the deer reproduction period is also synonymous with bellowing. This powerful, guttural cry delights enthusiasts and curious people who flock to the Walloon woods to hear it and shiver.
As Harry Mardulyn, naturalist at Natagora, explained to our colleagues at The Future Luxembourg : “The deer stay among males throughout the year, while the does live with the fawns. They only mix for the breeding season.”
In mid-September, the males’ testosterone skyrockets: the deer then sets out in search of a group of does to ensure its offspring. “There is not one herd of does per individual, so competition will arise between the males. The bellowing is part of this confrontation: they try to impose themselves by showing that they are more powerful than their opponents. The strongest will push back the others, who will stay around but at a distance.”
Saint-Hubert offers its slab box
Sometimes braying isn’t enough. The deer will then confront each other in a very ritualized parade. ”They sometimes do what is called “parallel walking”; they walk side by side, wary of each other’s gaze, to evaluate each other. They end up facing each other and fighting. This usually doesn’t last long, but it’s very impressive. Then the dominated deer retreats. It rarely ends with deaths, although serious injuries can occur. Or worse: their antlers intertwine and they die because they cannot free themselves. But it remains exceptional.”
An interactive map to know where hunters shoot during big game hunts
In which forest can you hear the bellowing of deer in Wallonia?
This is the beauty of nature: nothing guarantees you will be lucky enough to hear the deer bellowing but certain forests are more favorable, we have included them on the map below:
The site Belgian Ardennes also points to these places: the N889 between Champlon and Nassogne, the Conserverie site along the N89 (gps coordinate: lat. 50°5’26” – lon.5°27’1”), the forest du Roi Albert opposite the Saint-Hubert aerodrome and around it, between Libramont and Libin (N40), the surroundings of the Domaine des Amerois between Florenville and Bouillon, certain demarcated areas in the Anlier Forest, the plain of Vlessart and near Martelange, the Ban d’Alle between Corbion and Sugny,…
”The slab area is often located in meadows, on the edge of the woods. The space is clear and the deer can control themselves,” explained Marcel Jérôme, nature guide, to our colleagues at The Future Verviers.
Listening to the bellow of the deer is an art
Another way to hope among the slab is to participate in a accompanied walk by a professional. But a word of advice, don’t delay in booking. In the province of Liège, the Jalhay – Sart tourist office also organizes slab sheets in the company of a nature guide.
Find the agenda of walks in the Ardennes
The Grottes de Han are also pulling out all the stops for the occasion, including “bellowing explained to children.”
6 tips to put all the chances on your side
The most favorable times would be full moon evenings and periods of frost.
Come very early in the morning or late in the evening.
Don’t get too close to the deer and its herd: less than 100 meters is fine.
Avoid flashlights and wear dark clothing.
The deer’s sense of smell is very developed: avoid the smell of tobacco and strong perfumes.
Silence is your best ally: watch out for smartphone ringing, door slamming and don’t take your dog with you.
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