South Pacific Sika Deer Hunting

Sika Deer

(Cervus nippon nippon)

Current SCI all time record (typical antlers): Score 164

Current SCI all time record (non-typical antlers): Score 205 1/8

Description: The colour of the coat ranges from grayish or chestnut brown to reddish olive, with the chin, belly, and throat being off-white. Some subspecies have a spattering of white spots on the upper sides, arranged in seven or eight lateral rows. These spots become less prominent in the winter as the coat grows shaggier, forming a dark mane on the neck, especially in males. On the rump, an erectile patch of light-coloured is used as a warning signal. The antlers, grown only in males, are narrow and erect with 2-10 tines on each bar, measuring 28-81 cm / 0.9-2.7 feet in length.

Other Common Names: Japanese Deer

Size:

Range: North Island of New Zealand; March - August.

Natural History: Activity in the sika deer occurs mostly from dusk to dawn, though daytime activity is not unknown. Seasonal movements in Japan have been recorded, with winter ranges being up to 700 m / 2,300 vertical feet below the larger summer ranges. Sika deer are highly vocal, with over 10 individual sounds known, ranging from soft whistles to loud screams. Non-territorial males utilize a home range of about 11.74 hectares. During the summer, certain males begin to establish territories, 2.7-7.7 hectares in size, averaging 4.76 hectares (in Nara Park, Honshu, only one fifth of mature males exhibited territorial behaviour). The boundaries of these ranges are marked with urine and thrashing of the ground, and fiercely defended from other males, often with serious fighting with antlers and hoofs. Within his territory, a male will round up a harem of up to 12 females with which to mate.

Hunting Characteristics: