New Zealand Red Stag

New Zealand has been home to the Red Deer species since the the 1860’s with different liberations. Since that time this deer species has now become wide spread throughout both Islands. The second largest of the deer species the highest numbers are on the South Island, with differant blood lines from their liberation the Stags (males) antlers are a prized trophy by hunters as well as their meat. A mature Stag will have between 5-8 points on either side of his antlers in the wild, on the private Estates they can grow over 15 points per sized and commonly measured in the global S.C.I system, or Douglas score by local hunters. Due to the lack of game management in New Zealand the older and larger heads are found predominantly on private land due to no hunting season. The hinds (females) give birth to their calves from late October, with the mating season (roar) from March to April each year.