Every year, at the beginning of autumn, the forest massifs of Haute-Savoie come alive with a deep, hoarse, and powerful sound: the stag’s rutting call. This natural spectacle, as fascinating as it is moving, attracts many curious people, provided they know where, when, and especially how to listen without disturbing the animals.
What is the stag’s rutting call?
The rutting call (sometimes called “raire”) corresponds to the rutting period in stags. This powerful cry is used by males to intimidate their rivals and attract hinds, who are then in full ovulation. This “mating season” can also turn into physical confrontations between males, antler against antler, in a struggle for dominance.
When does it occur?
There is no precise date: the rutting call usually coincides with the arrival of autumn, starting around September 15 and potentially lasting until mid-October. The warmer the summer, the earlier it tends to start. The intensity of the rutting call is often at its peak at dawn or dusk — the best times to try listening.
Where to listen to the stag’s rutting call in Haute-Savoie?
Several areas in the department offer great opportunities to witness this phenomenon:
- The Mont-Blanc Country: Chamonix valley, Val Montjoie, around Saint-Gervais, Megève or Cordon, several guided outings are organized there in autumn.
- The heights of Saint-Gervais, where nature guides offer hiking or cycling tours at dusk to experience it.
- The heights of La Giettaz, where some mountain pasture establishments organize outings combining 4×4 ascent, approach walk, and Savoyard meal.
- The Bauges Massif, straddling Savoie and Haute-Savoie, also renowned for its rutting sites.
- The Semnoz, this large forest massif overlooking Annecy, also offers an ideal setting for listening, with its dense forests and quiet trails away from the bustle of the lake.
- The Thônes valley, where the Thônes Cœur des Vallées Tourist Office organizes a dedicated nighttime event: meet on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for a free outing to encounter the stag and the mountain’s nocturnal inhabitants, registration required (easy walk, family accessible, walking gear and flashlight required).
Experience the rutting call with a mountain guide
For a supervised and respectful observation, the Alpes du Léman Tourist Office offers, in the Habère-Lullin area, a “Stag Rutting Call” outing led by a professional wildlife specialist.
At dawn, participants go on the lookout for the king of the forests: much more than simply listening from a distance, it is a genuine observation outing to discover his territory, females, and fights against rivals. The outing takes place in a small group (maximum 4 people for half a day, 2 during the day) for better wildlife observation, and camouflage clothing is provided for maximum discretion. Hiking boots, neutral-colored clothing, binoculars, and a camera are to be expected. The package includes one overnight stay, breakfast, and the guidance of a companion, from €174 per person (based on 2 people, booking required), from September 15 to October 15, 2026. All information here: https://www.alpesduleman.com/le-brame-du-cerf.html
How to listen without disturbing the animals?
The rutting call is a crucial moment for deer reproduction, highly sensitive to disturbance (noise, smell, human presence, dogs…). Some simple rules allow you to enjoy it while respecting the wildlife:
- Stay discreet: walk softly, speak quietly, and avoid any unnecessary noise.
- Keep your distance: never seek contact with the animals; during the rut, stags can be aggressive, and a too-close approach risks interrupting the call.
- Wear dark clothing and avoid any light sources (flash, flashlight directed at the animals): their use for hunting is also prohibited by law.
- Stay on authorized paths and trails, without straying into the forest.
- Position yourself downwind if possible (stag upstream, you downstream), so that your smells and noises are not carried toward him.
- Be patient: the rutting call has no fixed schedule; it is better to plan an outing at dawn or dusk and wait in silence.
- Finally, September-October is also hunting season: check for any hunting activities in the area before you go.
By respecting these few precautions, listening to the rutting call remains a magical, timeless moment for both observer and animal.
