I’ll never forget going on a late morning drive with my father on his deer lease during the early 80s. It was a summer work weekend and the Texas heat had already set in. After rounding a bend on the rocky old road, I suddenly saw a barrage of huge antlers. As they came into focus, it became obvious that they weren’t whitetails. The tall main beams seemed to touch the lower branches of the shaded oak canopy where these creatures jumped up from. This was my first encounter with Axis deer. Though these free-range deer were off-limits to the hunters on the lease, they were a treat for the eyes – one I’ll never forget.
Background and Traits
Originally from India, the axis deer (or chital), is widely considered to be the most attractive and majestic deer species around. Whether or not one agrees with the assessment, the vibrant red coat and white spots are no doubt striking. They also have a prominent black stripe running down the back. Axis racks typically have no more than three points per side. However, what they lack in tines is more than compensated by their tall frames. In fact, the style is much more akin to a bull elk.
Not a bad thing.
Introduced into Texas in the 1930s, it’s estimated that they now dwell in close to 50 Texas counties. These herd animals are grazers and are most prominent in the Texas hill country.
Adult axis male racks can reach upwards of 40 inches and have bodies weighing up to 250 pounds. Females are considerably smaller but still feature the beautiful hide.
Medicine for the Whitetail Offseason
Here is perhaps the best part; Axis deer can be hunted year-around (even antlered bucks). Without a totally matched breeding season, there are hard-antlered bucks during any month. However, the peak of the estrous for does falls during June and July. Consequently, this is also when most bucks will exhibit hard antlers. This makes the summer the optimal time to hunt Axis deer. Additionally, they are considered an exotic animal in Texas and there is no closed season or bag limits. This is great news for whitetail nuts biding their time through the grueling offseason desperately waiting for the fall.
Texas alone houses more than 40,000 Axis deer, both on free range and high-fenced grounds. It’s estimated that around 6,000 of them even roam public lands in the Lone State State. Needless to say, opportunity abounds for most any hunting style of choice.
The Hunt
Axis deer present a great challenge and can be hunted in a variety of ways, including still hunting near feeding areas and watering holes and stalking. Adding to the attraction, they are often vocal, with males piping out loud roars during the rut. Actually, as an alarm signal, both sexes commonly let out barking sounds. It’s daunting, yet exciting. No, there is no shortage of hunting ambiance with this wild and regal animal. Much like rutting whitetails, Axis bucks seek and chase does in estrous. Therefore, if you’re lucky enough to have a hot Axis doe in the area, you’ll likely encounter two or more bucks during a sit.
Unlike their whitetail counterparts, Axis deer mainly prefer feeding during daylight hours as opposed to nighttime. Therefore, daytime strategizing can lead to successful shot opportunities. For those that prefer hunting with stick and string, Axis deer present a particularly fun and challenging opportunity for bowhunters.
Great for Wall and Table
As stated, Axis deer have a lot of positive traits for the hunter, including unique biological clocks, behavior, and beauty.
However, it doesn’t stop there. This regal species of deer yields an incredible addition to the trophy room, office, or mantle. The tall majestic
antlers and beautiful coat make for a lifetime of conversation and are flat-out gorgeous. Heck, harvesting an Axis does alone means the gift of a vivid and distinctive hide for display. Finally, if you ask anyone that has had it, Axis deer have perhaps the tastiest wild game meat you’ll find – much better than venison from whitetails. In fact, a friend of mine that’s harvested many game animals from around the globe still says, “Axis venison is what beef should taste like”. I agree.
Indeed, pursuing, harvesting, and eating Axis deer is a no-brainer in my book; especially when passing the time prior to whitetail season. What are you waiting for?
