Muntjac Deer Stalking

The Indian Sub species of Muntjac was first introduced into the UK at Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire in 1893 by the Duke of Bedford, before subsequently being replaced by the secretive and diminutive little 'Reeves Muntjac'.

After several deliberate releases and many escapes the 'Reeves Muntjac' has now colonised much of southern England. There expansion and ever increasing numbers, can in part be put down to the fact that they are the only deer species in the UK to be able to breed all year round, with does being able to give birth every 7 months!   

Notable for having visible canine tusks and typically weighing only around 10- 20kg on the hoof they are one of the UK's smallest and most primitive deer species.

Muntjac make for some challenging and exciting deer stalking, which often involves stalking through thick cover and dense woodland. At County Deer Stalking we have good numbers of Muntjac and due to there being no closed season we are able to offer Muntjac deer stalking all year round at our Estates in Hampshire and Oxfordshire.  

In addition to Muntjac we also have good numbers of Roe and Fallow Deer.

If you are interested in stalking Muntjac Deer or one of our other species then please CONTACT US for more details. 

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Deer Species: Red Deer

Possibly the most familiar of all UK Deer due to its appearance in many parks the native Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) is our largest species of deer growing up to 115cm at the shoulder and up to 250kg in weight.

Most people will have seen images of the classic twelve pointed antlers of a "Royal" stag and be aware of its characteristic "bellow".

Although traditionally thought of as purely a Scottish Deer, herds can also be found in Exmoor whilst a few examples can also be found in counties elsewhere in the UK due to accidental escapes from Parks.

Red Deer spend most of the year in single sex herds however in September the Stags become increasingly aggressive to one another after which the 'break out' takes place, it is at this stage that both Hind and Stag herds come together for the rut which takes place at the end of September and continues until the end of October. The stag typically rounds up a number of Hinds which he then aims to defend against other stags.

Hinds will have single calves around May and June however in highland areas not all Hinds will be sufficiently well nourished to have calves every year. These barren hinds are called 'yelds'.

Antler casting by the Stags is in late March - May with the velvet being shed by late August - September.  

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Deer Species: Chinese Water Deer (CWD)

Having been introduced from China to the UK around 1900 by the Duke of Bedford CWD are one of the oldest known species of deer and possibly date back 35 million years.

Generally a solitary deer though capable of forming small family groups, CWD can be found mainly in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. Though doing well their specific habitat requirements of reed beds have meant that they have not spread far beyond their initial release site of Woburn Abbey.

CWD are unique in so much as they do not grow typical antlers but instead exhibit large sharp tusks. They are a small deer with a live weight of up to 20kg and stand around 50cm at the shoulder. Features include black button eyes and large hair filled ears, The hind legs are typically longer than the fore casuing the rump to appear higher than the fore quarters.

For Chinese water deer the rut is in December during which time the Bucks take up territories marked by scrapes and scent markings.

Potentially Chinese Water Deer have a very high reproductive rate due to the fact that the Doe can give birth to litters of up to seven kids however most Does will have two or three kids which are born around May - June. 

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Deer Species: Fallow

This widely recognisable deer is often attributed to Parks due its highly attractive appearance and the large palmated antlers of the Buck.

Of the variety of Fallow likely to be encountered, (Menil, Common, Melanistic and white) it is perhaps the Menil variety with its light beige coat and white spots that is most highly regarded.

Fallow (Dama dama) can be found across the UK, however their distribution is predominantly in the southern counties of England and across much of the Midlands. Bucks can grow up to 95kg in favourable conditions and Doe's in excess of 50kg.

Fallow are a herding deer and as such are primarily grazers. They can however also be associated with tree damage and are often responsible for considerable crop damage. 

The Fallow rut is in October during which time the bucks will 'wallow', take up rutting stands and can be herd groaning in an attempt to attract mates. Antler shedding by the buck is from April to May. 

The Does have single fawns in June and July during which time they become solitary before later re joining the family group. 

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