The Moluccan rusa doesn’t have a clearly defined rut like the Javan, however, they will fight hard. They prefer to stay close to or in thick cover and browse a lot.
Axis prefer open terrain which offers good visibility. We do a lot of glassing from hill-tops and then stalk in. Large herds can make stalking difficult and longer shots are sometimes necessary. As is usual of tropical deer, breeding is year-round.
$9,000.00
2 species!
Axis
Appearance: Also known as ‘Chital’, the Axis deer is regarded as the most beautiful deer in Australia. Their reddish-fawn coat is covered in permanent white spots. Males make a long, wailing call in rut.
Weight: 65-90 kgs (150-200 lbs).
Height: 90cms (36”)
Antlers: Antlers are a beautiful lyre-shape, and are typically six points with the second tine inside the main beam.
Trophy size: Mature males range from 25-30 inches in antler length.
History: Introduced from Sri Lanka in the early 1800’s, they have thrived in the tropical parts of Australia and are often found in large herds.
Moluccan Rusa
Appearance: The Moluccan rusa is the rarer of the two rusa and can only be hunted in Australia. As the scientific name suggests it is a close relative of the Javan rusa. Heavy pearling of the antlers and non-typical points are more common characteristics.
Weight: 63-93kgs (140-200lbs).
Height: 98cms (38ins.)
Antlers: 3 points per side but with many non-typical specimens. The second tine grows outside of the main beam.
Trophy size: Antlers as long as 30 inches have been recorded mature males averaging 20-24 inches.
History: In 1912 Rusa deer from the Moluccan Islands were released on the islands off the northern tip of Australia.
