A White Stag (or white hind for the female) which also occurs in Fallow deer is a white-coloured red deer, explained by a condition known as leucism that causes its hair and skin to lose its natural colour. Leucism is a rare genetic trait that causes a reduction in the pigment of an animal's hair and skin. The natural color of the red deer ranges from dark brown to red. They are often thought to be albinos. But unlike albinos, who have red eyes, deer with leucism have normal colouring in their eyes. It is distinguished biologically from albinoism in that it causes a reduced pigmentation in all skin types, not just melanin.
The white has played a prominent role in many cultures mythology. Hunters of old pursued the miraculous stag, not because they expected to kill it, but because it led them in the joy of the chase to new and fresh adventures, and so to capture happiness. You may look on the White Stag as the true spirit of Scouting, springing forward and upward, ever leading you onward to leap over difficulties, to face new adventures in your active pursuit of the higher aims of Scouting.
Jim Gibson, owner of New Zealand Safaris has been managing one of his properties to now have one of the most talking about white deer populations in the world. The Stags on this property like many tend to have dark antlers with white tips making an amazing contrasts in colour. We offer limited hunts on White Stags in New Zealand each year so as to assure these stags pass on their genes. The first White Stag harvested was aged 12 years old which is a testament to only taking mature old deer.
