Red deer are one of the world’s largest deer species and have become iconic game animals in New Zealand and southeastern Australia. They were introduced to Australia from England in 1860 and quickly established wild herds. Mature stags stand about 120 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 160 kg, while hinds are about two‑thirds of that size. The stags’ majestic multi‑tined antlers, which can exceed 40 inches in length, and their thunderous roars during the rut make them highly prized trophies.
Red stag hunts are usually conducted by spot‑and‑stalk in mountainous forested terrain or open forested gullies where deer feed. Guides glass distant slopes and gullies to locate antler tips and then close the distance on foot, often in steep country. The rut occurs around April, when stags roar loudly to attract hinds and defend harems; hunters often plan trips in late March and April to capitalise on this vocal behaviour. There is no closed season or bag limit for red deer in Victoria (except for certain hound hunts), and most hunting occurs on private land where permission is required.
As introduced animals, red deer are managed as game under Victoria’s Wildlife Act. Populations occur in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, and in New Zealand they are widespread in both the North and South Islands. Management aims to balance hunting opportunities with control of environmental impacts; deer can browse heavily on native vegetation and compete with livestock. Regulated hunting helps maintain deer numbers and funds conservation projects. Because red stags are herd animals with strong social hierarchies, careful selective harvest maintains a healthy age structure and trophy quality.
Red stags shed their antlers after the rut and grow new sets during summer; a good trophy stag will have multiple points with a symmetrical, sweeping shape. They adapt to a variety of habitats from dense mountain forests to open pastures and are both browsers and grazers. During the roar, their resonant calls echo through valleys and attract rivals and hunters alike. Successful hunts often involve long hikes, glassing sessions and the thrill of watching two stags duel for dominance.
Red Stag can be found in the following location:
Red Stag has the following variations:
- (Varieties to be confirmed)
