Water Deer Hunting

Water Deer

(Hydropotes inermis)

Current SCI all time record: Score 10 3/8

Description: The coat is an overall golden brown colour, and may be interspersed with black hairs, while the undersides are white. The strongly tapered face is reddish brown or gray in colour, and the chin and upper throat are cream coloured. The coarse hair is grows longer on the flanks and rump. Young are born dark brown with white stripes and spots along their upper torso. The ears are short and very rounded. The back is arched, and the rear legs are much more powerful than the forelegs. The canines of males grow into formidable tusks up to 8 cm / 3.2 inches in length, protruding like fangs from the sides of the mouth.

Other Common Names: Chinese Water Deer

Size:

Range: (indigenous to eastern China and Korea, imported to Woburn Abbey in the early 1900s): England; year around because it is antlerless and the trophy is the tusks of the male.

Natural History: Active in the morning and evening, the water deer hides in dense vegetation for the rest of the day. If disturbed, the Chinese water deer flees in a series of rabbit-like hops, during which the back is humped in an exaggerated manner. They are excellent swimmers, and may swim for several kilometers when travelling between islets in search of food and shelter. Despite their solitary nature, Chinese water deer make a harsh warning bark, and if alarmed will emit a shrill shriek. Males are extremely territorial and mark their ranges with dung piles, as well as by rubbing their glandless foreheads against trees. This territory is very well defended, with all rival males being attacked on sight. These confrontations consist of the competitors standing nearly parallel to each other, with their heads at the other's shoulder. The heads are swung down repeatedly in an attempt to wound the neck and shoulder of the rival. These battles are often bloody, with strips of hair and skin being torn away. The fight is ended by the loser, who either lays their head and neck on the ground, or turns tail and is chased out of the territory.

Hunting Characteristics: