Best places to hear deer rut in Abruzzo

As summer starts to fade and autumn slowly appears, there are so many things to appreciate in the wilds of Abruzzo. The dramatic annual deer mating rut is one of them.

At this time of year and throughout late September and October the male deer will be competing for females. The stags will try and make themselves look bigger than their opponents and charge back and forth in an impressive display of strength and power to win a female mate.

Here are a few suggestions for the best places where to hear deer rut in Abruzzo.

Opi and Barrea (AQ)

Angelina Iannarelli, a wildlife photographer (see some of her stunning photos here), suggests going to Opi and Barrea (AQ) “In Abruzzo, deer are now so common that an autumn walk near the woods almost always brings the sound of stags roaring during the rut, especially in the National Parks. For the best chance, head to the area between Opi and Barrea, particularly around Lake Barrea, where the calls often echo across the landscape. Those who are fit and want a more challenging hike can climb Monte Marsicano from Opi (see the trail here), a rewarding spot to take in this natural spectacle. Always remember: never approach the deer, especially at this time of year, as males can charge if disturbed. The experience is best enjoyed in silence, at a safe distance, letting the spectacle unfold undisturbed.”

Forme (AQ)

ABRUZZISSIMO’s editor and an avid hiker Anna Lebedeva suggests an easy-to-reach spot near Forme (AQ). “At the foot of Monte Cafornia, where the Val Majelama opens out, the air resounds with the rutting calls of the stags. It’s an easy spot to reach by car and perfect for a leisurely family stroll. From Forme (AQ), drive to Rifugio Casale del Monte and park there, then continue on foot along the dirt track towards Fonte Canale. Deer are often found on the edges of the woods here. Bring a picnic blanket, settle in, and enjoy the natural concert.

You can continue along the trail to the spectacular Grotta di San Benedetto (1,660 m a.s.l.), an easy hike with a final 40-metre stretch that is steep and equipped with a metal chain. This cave is a place of pilgrimage for people from nearby towns, who come here both for devotion and to take in the sweeping views over the Fucino plain. It is also one of the few places in Abruzzo where griffon vultures can be seen gliding overhead.”

Campo di Giove (AQ)

Another suggestions comes from Michelle Reid, interpreter based in Sulmona and an outdoors enthusiast: “One of the most spectacular places to listen to deer rut is on a stunning walk through mountain meadows and high elevation beech woodland, to a high point above the plains of Campo di Giove, with a backdrop of Guado di Coccia and the Majella mountain range.  A few years ago, in the company of our guide Marco Carafa, from the Majella National Park, we were lucky enough to spend a chilly, but beautiful evening listening to the mating calls of the red deer — Cervo nobile to use their Italian name — a cacophony of sound that echoed all around the mountain valley. From our viewpoint we could watch the dramatic deer rutting happening in the meadows just a short distance below us as the male deer vied for the attention of the females. The trail P3 is suitable for anyone of average fitness, with 175m of ascent/descent across the full 7.5 km route. 

Driving from the village of Cansano on the western edge of the Majella National Park, take the SP 55 provincial road that heads towards Pescocostanzo. After approximately 6.5 km on the left-hand side of the road, at the point of a hair pin bend, is a small layby/track junction area.

Follow the path along the track, which is easy enough and well-marked and find yourself at first crossing through mountain meadows, which are starting to turn back to their lush green after the scorching summer.

Continue along the path for approximately 1.5 km and reach a junction. Take a left turn here and keep following the path in a shallow descent through the beech woods. Exit the woodland into the brush and the sides of the path become edged with ferns. After approximately 2km, turn off the path up to slightly higher ground, just 50 or so metres from the path itself. From this higher vantage point the view opens up across the plain in Campo di Giove to the Majella mountains and Guado di Coccia.”

Other suggestions for the best places to hear deer rut in Abruzzo:

• Valle d’Orfento below Caramanico Terme (PE) – with several easy to medium trails starting from the upper end of the town.
• Valle Giumentina near Abbateggio (PE) – park along the roadside and continue on foot for about 1 km to reach the valley.
• Torre di Beffi (AQ) – set on the rocky slope above the Aterno River, this spot can be reached by car.

Beyond the itineraries described above, deer can also be heard — and, with luck, seen — rutting in the areas around Goriano Valli and Beffi, Barrea, Valle Giumentina, and Monte Rapina. For those who prefer guidance, small group tours are also available.

Guided tours:

You can join organised small group tours. Majambiente runs evening walks in mid-September-October.

Wildlife Adventures offer excellent two-day tours in the Parco Nazionale D’Abruzzo.

Mauro Cironi of Discover Abruzzo offers private and small group tours (he speaks some English) in Goriano Valli, Parco Sirente-Velino and Parco Nazionale D’Abruzzo. Contact him at 0039 3396931376.

How to enjoy the deer rut safely:

The best time to hear deer rutting calls is early in the morning or at dusk.

Never position yourself among the females, as the male may see you as a rival.

Deer in rut can be observed safely from a distance of at least 10 metres, without encircling them.

Always leave them a clear escape route and be especially cautious if males are engaged in fights or chases, keeping out of their path.

Make sure to bring head torches for the return journey after dusk.