Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis)
Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis)
The Rusa Deer originated from the Indonesian archipelago and in 1908 they were successfully established in New Zealand via New Caledonia using stock that originated from Java. In New Zealand Rusa occupy about 500 sq. km (310 sq. m.) a smaller area than any other introduced deer species.The largest population is found around Galatea and a smaller population in the headwaters of the Whakatane River. Usually the terrain is difficult being steep and covered in scrub. The upper Whakatane country is not so precipitous but it is isolated and a days walk from any direction, many Rusa hunters fly in by helicopter to hunt clearings on the Whakatane River. This semi-nocturnal and extremely wary deer is highly ranked as a big game trophy.
The Challenge of the Hunt
Predominantly active around the early morning and late afternoon they are rarely seen in the open and difficult to approach due to their keen senses and naturally cautious instincts. Preferring to live amongst dense bush and vegetation, the deer are so adept at hiding themselves that they may sometimes let you walk right past! However, the most productive hunting of Rusa is in the winter during the rut when on cold days animals are drawn to sunny clearings in the bush. The Deer are very sociable and you will rarely find one on its own; it may seem to be alone but these animals are masters of camouflage.
Best Hunting Times
Being essentially tropical deer and not designed for cold climates. The most productive hunting of rusa is in the winter during the rut when on cold days animals are drawn to sunny clearings in the bush. Rutting late in July and August, the Rusa provides a great option for the hunter arriving late in the New Zealand winter. They retain hard antler until the end of the year. However good hunting is available from March, when they are in velvet, right through the ‘Rut’. There are also some private establishments that we hunt all year round so please feel free to enquire.
Typical Trophy
These Sika deer have very light hunting pressure, and thus are able to reach their full maturity and grow antlers of outstanding trophy quality. Trophy stags are typically 4×4 with antler length 24″-32″. – Bag an 8 point Sika during the rut and you have achieved a milestone in your hunting career.
New Zealand Record
235 on the Douglas Score Points System (Controversy remains over the hybrid status of a this head).
Types of Hunting
New Zealand Sika stag hunting is very good. You can free range trophy hunt on a remote and large private station where Sika deer are numerous, with 20-40 or more seen per day or go guided rusa hunting within the Ureweras.
