Red Deer (cervus elaphus)
The Red Deer is our largest British deer, with weights reaching over twenty stone. Even the hinds are formidable due to their sheer size and bulk.
To be honest, I would not recommend that anybody slips onto a red deer, they are just too big. These leggy critters are found in herds varying from 6 to 60, this depends on the time of year and availability of their foodstuff. A herd makes for a majestic sight, especially the regal stag with his many tined antlers glinting in the light.
The red deer is faster than many would expect, they look slow due to their ponderous canter, but, believe me, they really cover a lot ground with each and every stride. The smallest individuals are found in the very northern parts of Scotland whilst the largest are found in the richly vegetated southern counties of England. If anyone wants to try their dog on one of these large, bulky deer then I would suggest they only slip on a yearling or a hind. Do not slip on a stag if you value the life of your dog. They are simply too big. Perhaps it would be wise to leave culling the red deer to the riflemen
There is no disputing the fact that when you have seen a red deer stag in the rut that you are face to face with the largest of our land mammals.
HEIGHT AT THE SHOULDER :- ( 41 - 54 in )
WEIGHT :- variable ( male = 200 - 400llbs )
live weights ( female = 125 - 250 llbs )
PELAGE :- Summer: dark red to brown , rump and inner thighs cream no spots, Tail 6in long Stag grows a mane before the rut .
Winter : Dark brown to grey colour and rough texture to coat.
ANTLERS :- Typically branched. multi pointed, and round. They shed there antlers march - april,
BREEDING :- Rut september- october. Calves born end may june . Twins very rare
SHOOTING SEASONS:
Stags : Scotland : (july 1 st - oct 20 th)
Eng/Wales : (aug 1 st - april 30 th)
Hinds : Scotland : (oct 21 st - feb 15 th)
Eng/Wales : (nov 1 st - feb 28 th)