There are many types of deer hunts around the world, from the diminutive brown brocket deer, to the ever popular red stag.
Deer Hunts
Antlered Game of the World
- Asian Wapiti
- Axis Deer
- Barasingha Deer
- Blacktail Deer
- Brocket Deer
- Caribou
- Coues Deer
- Chinese Water Deer
- Elk
- Fallow Deer
- Gansu Deer
- Hog Deer
- Moose
- Mule Deer
- Muntjac
- Pere David Deer
- Pudu
- Red Deer
- Reindeer
- Roe Deer
- Rusa Deer
- Sambar Deer
- Sika Deer
- Tufted Deer
- White-lipped Deer
- Whitetail Deer
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It was a great stag hunt with a top notch outfitter. The food, accommodations and hunting well exceed the expectations I had for this trip. This was the first guided hunt I have ever went on and I was not disappointed. The abundance of game really surprised me and we encountered stags every time in the field.
I recently returned from a late season whitetail hunt in Dimmit County, in South Texas. What happened will go down in history as one of the greatest hunts of my life. I was hunting a buck that I’ve been chasing for the past five years. He’s a 14 year old legend we call Indigo, and he’s been an impossible deer to hunt for his entire mature life (since he was five).
Excellent caribou hunt from start to finish. Life long friends and memories will forever be remembered!
Axis Deer Hunts
OI client Ben Greenfield with a good axis deer he hunting in Texas with one of our good outfitters.
Axis deer are strange in that they rut all year around, so it is not unusual to see bucks in velvet right next to hard-antlered bucks. Like whitetail deer, axis are very wary, jumpy animals…and they’re tough. If you’ve never hunted them before, it’s much like whitetail hunting. You’ll be sitting in tree stands or in ground blinds in most instances, however spot-and-stalk can be a fun challenge. Hunters in the know love hunting axis bucks.
They are considered exotics in the States.
In the United States (mostly Texas and Hawaii), axis deer are considered exotic game animals, so regulations are loose, or even non-existent, and the season never closes. Also, since they rut year-round, you don’t have to worry about when you hunt them, making them the perfect off season animal to hunt. Most axis deer hunting takes place right after turkey hunting season.
Axis Deer Hunts:
Axis deer meat is renowned.
Axis deer meat is lean and a dark, deep red color, and those people who have tasted it, rave about it! In fact, it is so good that Outdoors International owner Russ Meyer and his good friend Travis Browne recently hunted them for the meat that was served at Travis Browne and Ronda Rousey’s wedding in Hawaii.
Blacktail Deer Hunts
Columbia Blacktail
Columbia blacktail deer live in the temperate rainforest of the Pacific coasts of California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. A trophy blacktail will have a spread in excess of 24″, brow-tines and four or more points per side.
Sitka Blacktail
Sitka blacktail are closely related to the Columbia Blacktail, they live in the coastal rain forests of Northern British Columbia, and Southeastern Alaska. Normal adult antler development for Sitka deer is three points on each side. Antlers are relatively small, with very few scoring more than 110 points by the B&C scoring system.
Caribou Hunts
We offer quality, high success, fully guided caribou hunting as well as unguided drop camps for all of the recognized subspecies.
Caribou Hunts
Coues Deer Hunts
Coues deer are high-strung, and jumpy… tough to hunt. Famous big game hunter Jack O’Connor (who didn’t just hunt sheep by the way) even proclaimed the tiny deer to be “the most difficult of all deer to hunt”….And just like most mule deer hunts, expect to do a lot of glassing. You’ll set up with good binos on a tripod and start picking the country apart. You will see A LOT of deer on all of these hunts. Once a good one is spotted, let the stalk begin. Hunters that have taken all the species in the “deer slam” usually consider Coues deer hunting one of most rewarding hunting experiences they have ever had.
Coues Deer Hunts
Elk Hunts
For most hunters, elk hunting is so much more than just meat in the freezer and antlers on the wall. It’s about the experience, the friendship, the challenge, the animals, the land, the despair…. and the excitement when it all comes together. When people think of hunting elk, they usually picture calling to bulls during the rut, and we agree that every hunter should experience a bull screaming it’s way into a call, but there are so many options with elk hunting depending on your goals as well as your budget.
Elk Hunts
- Alberta Elk Hunts
- Arizona Elk Hunts
- British Columbia Elk Hunts
- Colorado Elk Hunts
- Idaho Elk Hunts
- New Mexico Elk Hunts
- Oregon Elk Hunts
- Saskatchewan Elk Hunts
- Utah Elk Hunts
- Wyoming Elk Hunts
- Roosevelt Elk Hunts
- Drop Camps for Elk
- High Fence, Estate Elk Hunts
Fallow Deer Hunts
We have some incredible fallow deer hunts in Spain.
Fallow deer are native to the Mediterranean regions of southern Europe. But, they’ve been moved all across the globe by hunters for centuries, making them the most common exotic deer species in the world. They come in different color variations, including white, tan with white spots, and dark brown and black. It is common or them to have white spots on their back and along the flanks.
When they reach four years old, their antlers become palmated. During the rut, stags form bachelor herds. The stags will align themselves into a circle with the most dominant stag in the center. They then begin making a deep, scratchy calling sound to attract does. Fallow does will enter the circle and choose a stag.
Fallow Deer Hunts:
Moose Hunts
We work with wide variety of moose hunting guides and outfitters in all of the major moose hunting areas. Shiras moose hunts, unguided drop camps, trophy Alaska-Yukon bulls, Newfoundland moose hunting from a lodge, etc. Some of them are great trophy quality, limited entry tags, and some are OTC. Whatever suits you, we can help you find it. So if you’re looking for a great hunt, you’ll love working with us.
Moose Hunts
Mule Deer Hunts
Mule deer are considered the “holy grail” of big game by many hunters. Especially those who have hunted them. A true trophy buck is one of the most difficult trophies in North America and is one of our most asked about hunts year after year. You can rest assured that the mule deer hunting outfitters in this list have been tried and tested by us and our hunters.
Mule Deer Hunts
Muntjac Hunts
I doubt the 11th Duke of Bedford had any idea how successful the Muntjac deer would thrive in the English countryside after leaving the deer park gate open during WWII. Muntjac were originally residents of Asian deciduous and coniferous woodland where they are now endangered. Now they are a common species when hunting in Europe. They are the smallest of the six species of wild deer in Britain. Accidentally introduced to Woburn abbey in the 19th century which then led to being incorporated into the British Deer Society officially and recognizing them as a UK huntable deer species.
Muntjac are an interesting fanged deer species.
A common name for the Muntjac is “Barking Deer.“ This comes from the loud bark given when alarmed and or as communication between adults. Adult body weight ranges from 10 KG to 18 KG (22-40lb). Bucks (adult male) are slightly larger than Doe’s (adult female) but larger weights have been recorded.
Muntjac are russet brown in their summer and dark brown in their winter. Bucks have long pedicles with short antlers of about 5” or 10 cm long, shedding in May to July and growing new antlers over the summer. They have visible canine tusks about 1” long or 2-3cm, although smaller than Chinese Water Deer (CWD) tusk which can be more than 3-4 times longer and without any antler. Both bucks and does have very large facial glands below the eyes. They have a short wide tail held high like a whitetail when alarmed.
They have proven themselves very successful in establishing themselves in British countryside. As well as private gardens. Populations can reach very high densities and can cause a lot of crop damage. In the wild the life span can be up to 10 years old and captivity 16 years, but this is exceptional.
Muntjac differ from all other species of deer in Britain because there is no defined breeding season or rut time. They are capable of breeding from just 8 months old with a gestation period of only 7 months, normally giving birth to 1 fawn and are able to breed again within days after giving birth. Be careful when culling doe’s as they breed all year and you may not see a young fawn.
Although there is no actual muntjac hunting season, winter stalks in January to March when the grass is short are most productive. Early evening /morning hours tend to be the most productive either as a walk and stalk or from high seats. Unfortunately in the UK, bow hunting is illegal but for rifleman, the minimum caliber is .223 with a minimum bullet weight of 50 grains and a minimum muzzle energy of 1000 ft. lbs; the .243 Win being most common.
Red Stag Hunts
OI Consultant Mat Cervantes with a great free range Argentina stag he took with one of our outfitters.
Red stags (Cervus elaphus) are a close cousin of the larger American elk or wapiti , Russian maral, and sika stag (Cervus nippon). Red deer have been introduced around the world as “exotics” from New Zealand to Texas and Canada; originating in Europe there are other large populations of free range red stags across the globe.
The largest native herds with the best trophy quality are found in Hungary, Germany and Romania with Scotland being a close fourth for a smaller antler size but the most fantastic stalking experience.
Ancient Romans to the modern day nobility of the United Kingdom such as the Duke of Bedford have kept red stags. They do well in deer parks, game preserves and have flourished on Scottish highland estates. With few natural predators and healthy stable managed populations, the red stag will be around a long time providing generations of future outdoors man the opportunity to hunt and enjoy this valuable resource.
Red Stag Hunts:
Roe Buck Hunts
A pair of incredible roe bucks from our outfitter partner in Hungary.
Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), also known as “roe buck” is a common, diminutive deer from the moderate areas of Eurasia. They are a ton of fun to hunt because in some areas they are as common as rabbits. Usually, you’ll be either still hunting with your gamekeeper, or sitting in a blind. They can also be called in during the rut which makes them perfect for bowhunting. Calling in a rut-crazed roe buck can be super exciting! Driven hunts are also common in some areas during the late season management hunts, sometimes with dogs, and sometimes without.
Roe deer hunting starts early in the summer. Bucks strip their velvet in late May or early June. The best hunting though, is during the rut, between mid-July and mid-September, depending on where you’re hunting. European roe deer rut earlier than Siberian bucks. They start shedding their antlers by October, but you can sometimes pick up an inexpensive cull hunts until late winter.
Hunters recognize three main subspecies of roe buck:
- European roe deer can be hunted from Great Britain and Ireland to Poland and western Russia.
- Siberian roe deer are someone larger than their European cousins. They can be hunted in Kazakhstan, eastern Russia, and some other Asian countries.
- Chinese roe deer are found along the Pacific coast of Asia, south to the Amur.
The Rare Black Roe Buck
Since a small population of Black Roe deer exists in northwestern Spain; the animals probably came from there.
The Black Roe deer “Der Schwarze Geist”, which means The Black Ghost have been known since the year 980 AD. According to records of that time the bishop of Minden and Milo every single year he received a number of Black Roe deer for his kitchen.
The current population of Black Roe deer were imported and introduced in Germany by Count Wilhelm Schaumburg-Lippe in the 16th century. Those animals came from either Portugal or Spain. Since a small population of Black Roe deer exists in northwestern Spain; the animals probably came from there.
In Germany the Black Roe deer is found in the northern part of the country. The habitat includes Halle but does not exist east of river Elben and spreads out north to Hamburg. In northwest it extends to the North Sea coast and further into the north eastern part of Holland. Towards the south the Black Roe deer habitat stops at Magdeburg, Dortmund and Hannover. During World War I, Emperor Wilhelm II asked a German soldier where he came from. The soldier answered his homestead was Haste. The emperor gladly replied, “It is where the Black Roe deer exists.”
Forty years ago, Black Roe deer only appeared by coincidence. The biggest number were found in the forest of Haster close to Hannover in 1933 where about 90% of the animals were black as normal colored Roe deer were shot aiming at establishing a pure black population. German sources estimate the number of black animals to be approximately 20% of the German Roe deer population. Our guide does not agree. In his opinion no more than 5% of the Roe deer in Northern Germany are black. During the evolution black colored Roe deer were developed through mutation due to a high concentration of pigment in the coat. This phenomenon is called melanism and is well known among Fallow deer, Green pheasant, panther and squirrel.
From “Black Ghost from the Devil’s Moore” by Henning Korvel
Rusa Deer Hunts
Rusa deer are known as the most elusive deer in New Zealand.
Rusa deer are native to Indonesia, but are most commonly hunted in New Zealand where they were mistakenly introduced in 1907. The people introducing them thought they were sambar deer. You will hunt them on the East coast of New Zealand’s North Island. They are difficult to hunt because they spend the days in thick cover, and you’ll only get a few minutes in low light to make your move.
Rusa deer have long, massive, three point (typically) antlers, and mature males can weigh up to 400 pounds. They are very aggressive and social during the rut, which takes place late June through August.
We also offer some great Rusa hunts in Australia where they can be a combo with water buffalo.
Sambar Deer Hunts
Sambar deer are similar to Rusa deer. They were introduced to the North Island of New Zealand in 1875, and this is the only place in the world that you can hunt them. A mature stag can weigh nearly 700 pints and has very dense antlers that are somewhat similar in appearance to rusa antlers. They are hard antlered from late May through September, and the rut is mid June to August.
Sika Deer Hunts
Sika deer (Cervus nippon) are tannish colored, and spotted much like an Axis deer. Sika deer also have a black stripe down their back, and a white patch on the posterior end surrounded by black hair. Bucks grow forward pointing antlers, instead of inwards or towards the ears.
Sika deer are native to Japan and Southern Sibera, 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 native 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.
Whitetail Deer Hunts
The whitetail deer with a population of some 15 million animals, is North America’s most common and most widespread big game animal. Yet, despite this fact, it is difficult to obtain a truly fine specimen…they are difficult to hunt. Antler growth is dependent upon good minerals, food sources, and genetics and few areas produce top quality racks. This combined with the fact that few areas exist where hunting pressure is light enough to allow for a significant number of bucks to reach full maturity and you can understand how challenging trophy whitetail hunting can be.
There is a very real chance of taking a 170+ class buck with some of our outfitters, with bigger deer than that taken every year….even a few monster bucks over 200 inches!
- Alberta Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Illinois Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Iowa Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Kansas Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Missouri Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Montana Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Nebraska Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Ohio Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Saskatchewan Whitetail Deer Hunts
- South Dakota Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Texas Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Washington Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Wisconsin Whitetail Deer Hunts
- Wyoming Whitetail Deer Hunts
Deer Articles and Hunt Reports
Have you been on a hunt with us or one of our outfitters? We’d love to hear how it went. Please fill out a trip report.