Red Brocket Deer Hunting

Red Brocket Deer

(Mazama americana)

Current SCI all time record (typical): Score 19
Current SCI all time record (nontypical): Score 11 9/16

Description: Adult coloration is fairly uniform: generally a bright reddish brown with the neck grayish. The belly and lower surface of the neck are lighter, while the underside of the tail is bright white. Fawns are born with white spots over a reddish coat. Overall, the red brocket's body shape is reminiscent of the African duikers, with a stout body, arched back, and slender limbs. The males alone carry the simple antlers which grow 10-13 cm / 4-5.2 inches in length. Generally just a spike, the antlers may be forked in very old animals. Like many tropical deer, a red brocket may keep his antlers for over a year.

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Range: Southwestern Mexico and Central America; primarily April - May.

Natural History: Red brockets are diurnal, spending most of their active time in dense forests searching for food. At dawn and dusk, however, they can often be seen foraging in nearby fields. Individuals inhabit small home ranges with a radius of up to 1 km / 0.6 miles. Extremely shy and wary, red brockets are difficult to observe. When danger is sensed, this diminutive deer will freeze in its position, and if startled will bound away for a short distance and then pause to look back at the disturbance. Compared to other deer species, they have low endurance and can be overtaken by common dogs. These small deer are exceptional swimmers, and have been seen crossing rivers over 300 meters / 328 yards wide. The only known vocalization is a piercing cry.

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