Chinese Water Deer, Muntjac and Fallow Buck in Bedfordshire

The Chinese water deer is a small and truly unique species, instantly recognisable by its large, dark eyes, soft, thick coat, and the absence of antlers in males. From a distance, it can appear almost gentle and cartoon-like — a “teddy bear” of the deer world. Up close, however, this charming little deer reveals its most striking feature: a pair of long, curved fangs that give the trophy a dramatic and unforgettable character, as if from a completely different and wilder world. A Chinese water deer is a must-have in any serious trophy collection. We now offer access to an exceptional new hunting district that is also home to strong populations of muntjac, making this a rare opportunity to pursue two of the most distinctive deer species in Europe in one remarkable destination.

Highlights

First class district
Good, strong populations of both muntjac and Chinese water deer
Good chance of a medal winning trophy
English countryside with farmland, meadows, hedgerows, woods together with charming towns and narrow, winding roads

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5 days from €1,095

At the beginning of the 20th century, Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer (CWD) were released on and around Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire. From here, the species spread and established healthy, free-ranging populations across large parts of southern England over the following decades.

Today, the area is regarded as one of the most attractive and traditional hunting destinations in the United Kingdom for these two unique deer species.

We arrange hunting in an exclusive and game-rich area north of London, where our partner manages several adjoining estates with strong and stable populations of both Muntjac and CWD.

The landscape offers a classic English setting with open farmland, meadows, hedgerows, smaller woodland areas, historic country estates, and charming villages – an ideal backdrop for authentic British stalking.

Accommodation – Woburn
Your stay is based in the historic town of Woburn, renowned for its close ties to English country estates and long-standing hunting traditions. The town is particularly famous for Woburn Abbey and its beautiful parklands, which for generations have formed the setting for wildlife management and aristocratic country life. Accommodation is provided at a charming, small hotel with genuine British atmosphere, where each day begins with a classic Full English Breakfast – a hearty and satisfying morning meal that provides an ideal start to a day in the field. In the evenings, the town offers cosy pubs and restaurants where the day’s hunting experiences can be shared in relaxed and welcoming surroundings.

The hunt

The hunt is conducted as a combination of active stalking and/or stand hunting from strategically placed high seats and ladders. This varied approach offers both exciting hunting in dense vegetation and excellent vantage points over open fields and the natural movement routes of the game.

Muntjac prefer dense cover such as bramble thickets, rhododendron, and small woodland areas, where they find both shelter and food. They are active and alert animals, making the hunt both challenging and highly rewarding.

Chinese Water Deer are most often found on open farmland and meadows, where in the winter months it is common to see larger groups gathering in the fields – an impressive sight in the open landscape.

A targeted and sustainable culling plan is applied, regulating both younger and older animals to maintain a healthy population while preserving a consistently high trophy quality. The chance of medal-class trophies is good, and the hunt can, if desired, be combined with fallow deer hunting in the same area.

Hunting Seasons

Chinese Water Deer (CWD): 1 November – 31 March
Muntjac: 1 October – 15 April (but can be hunted year-round)