Sika Deer

Sika deer are native to Japan and Southern Siberia, but have spread to over 77 countries due to intentional introduction as an extotic species.  In the state of Texas, sika deer became established rapidly due to favorable environmental conditions with free range populations reaching over 11,000 by 1988. They are also present in Maryland.

Unlike whitetail deer, sika deer are active 24 hours a day, but tend to go nocturnal if they have hunting pressure. Breeding season (in Texas) is from late August to October. Bucks will compete for females by selecting a mating territory and defending it by parallel walking, screaming, and eventually fighting. Fights are very aggressive and can often result in the death of the losing stag.

Sika bucks grow forward pointing antlers, instead of inwards or towards the ears like other members of the deer family. Sika deer also have a black stripe down their back, and a white patch on the posterior end surrounded by black hair.