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.
Javan rusa have a clearly defined rut in June/July. During the rut they make a vocal roar with the occasional elk-like whistle. Battles between roaring stags can be vicious, with serious wounds inflicted. In the rut they will “tail” a female. Before and after the rut they gather in small bachelor groups. They feed in open or lightly forested country. With the hilly terrain we mainly spot and stalk.
Moluccan rusa don’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.
Sambar are a large and extremely wary deer, and are considered one of the South Pacific’s most difficult and prestigious trophy animals. They like thick cover and are rarely seen far from cover in daylight. We try to catch them in the early morning as they head back to cover or sit in a good position late afternoon and let them feed out. Patience is essential.
$22,300.00
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.
Javan Rusa
Appearance: The larger of the two rusa, the Javan rusa is a medium sized deer with a coarse grey-brown coat.
Weight: 110-140kgs (250-300lbs)
Height: 110cms (43ins.)
Antlers: 3 points per side with the second tine on the outside of the main beam.
Trophy size: Antlers have been recorded as long as 39 inches, though a mature male will average 33-35 inches. A good representative trophy scores around SCI 145.
History: Javan rusa were first introduced into Australia from Indonesia in 1868.
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.
Sambar
Appearance: Very sturdy, dark brown, some with a mane, big rounded ears white at the tips and deep pre-orbital glands.
Weight: 180-270kgs (400-600lbs).
Height: 127cm (50inches)
Antlers: 3 points per side with the second tine inside the main beam.
Trophy size: Trophies range from 24-31 inches in length.
History: Introduced to Australia and New Zealand in the 1860’s from Sri Lanka and India.
