Find out everything you need to know about the deer bellowing season: the best places to observe and hear the bellowing of the deer, in this article!
At the end of the summer, between mid-September and mid-October, the stag bellowing season begins in Belgium. This time of year is mating season for the stag, which has just one objective: to win over the females. So, for a good thirty days, the bucks try to seduce the does by letting out howls loud enough to get noticed but also to ward off their opponents...
So it's between 15 September and 10 October that you're most likely to hear a stag bellowing in Belgium. Another little tip: you're more likely to hear it in the evening and at night than in the middle of the day! We'll explain why:
Deer tend to bellow mainly when the thermometer starts to fall, corresponding to dawn and dusk. It is therefore advisable to go into the forest from 6.30pm in the evening and very early in the morning around 6.30am. However, stags can still be heard bellowing in the middle of the day, especially during the "big bellow" when the rut is at its peak.
Where can you watch the stag bellowing in Belgium?
In the Ardennes, of course! The Ardennes are full of forests, each more beautiful than the last. If I can recommend one in particular, it's the Saint-Hubert forest, where you can watch deer in their natural habitat thanks to wooden viewing areas. Here are some of the viewing areas you may find useful:
- La Tour de Priesse: Nassogne
- L'aire de Bilaude: Tenneville
- L'aire des Amonys: Tenneville
- L'aire de la Borne: Saint-Hubert
- CRIE du Fourneau Saint-Michel: Saint-Hubert
A few tips before your outing:
- Discretion is the golden rule: it is very important to remain discreet and silent because deer hear everything! Remember to switch off your phone, don't shout, don't close car doors loudly, etc.
- Pay attention to the hunting season
- Don't get too close as they are very nervous at this time of year
- Don't use a torch, as your eyes will quickly get used to the dark.
- Take a professional guide with you, as he will be able to take you to the right places in the right conditions.
- If you want to sleep in the area around Saint-Hubert, I recommend this website to find the right accommodation for you. Be careful, the slabbing period is very popular, so make sure you book well in advance!
The stag roar in Belgium with a guide
Would you like to increase your chances of hearing the stag roar in Belgium or even spotting a stag? Follow in the footsteps of the stag with Stéphane, our DiscoveRent naturalist guide. Armed with his camouflage tools, he'll take you to the best places to experience this forest immersion. The expedition takes place in the late afternoon and evening. That's the best time to hear the deer bellowing. Want to find out more? Click here to find out more 👉 All the info
