Hog deer are an excellent game animal and a small and difficult target. Alert and wary, they can quickly disappear into thick cover or tall grass. Hunting is best done from a stand or hidden vantage point. Like many tropical deer species they have no clearly defined rut.
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.
$25,500.00
Hog Deer
Appearance: The Hog deer is the smallest deer in Australia and are very rare. Their common name derives from their low, heavy build and their pig-like running style. At some times of the year the males may show spots along their back which will fade after a few months. As is suggested by their Latin name, they are a relative of the Axis deer (Axis Axis).
Weight: 36-45 kg’s (80-100 lb’s).
Height: 70 cm (28”)
Antlers: 3 points a side with the second tine on the inside of the main beam.
Trophy size: Representative trophies range from 12 to 15 inches in length.
History: Hog Deer from Sri Lanka (Ceylon- now considered extinct in this part of their native range) were introduced to Australia in 1860.
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.
