Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)
Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)
Sika Deer are of Asian origin, sometimes known as Japanese deer or Jap deer, they have characteristics of several Chinese and Japanese subspecies. They were successfully introduced to New Zealand in 1905 via stock from Woburn Abbey Park in England. Because of their aggressive nature Sika are now the second most common deer in New Zealand and are distributed across 7000 sq km (4350 sq ml) of the central North Island. These are specifically found in the Kaimanawa, Ahimanawa and Kaweka ranges. Recently, due to illegal releases, a new herd of Sika has established in the northern Taranaki region and certain areas near Wellington.
The challenge of the Hunt
A Sika Hunt offers one of the most exciting and challenging hunting opportunities available anywhere and has a reputation as being among the most cunning of deer – At times it would appear they have eyes in the back of their heads and an uncanny ability to disappear without the slightest noise. They have been known to adopt a broad range of survival strategies to avoid danger, including lying their belly flat on the ground. Because they are incredibly aggressive and vocal during the rut, that can leave themselves very vulnerable at this time.
Best Hunting Times
In New Zealand, their roar or ‘rut’ occurs between early April and June (late Autumn, early winter in the southern hemisphere) the Sika stags are extremely vocal and aggressive. Their antlers remain hard from February through until September and fawning is from December to February (Summer).
Typical Trophy
A typical trophy animal bears a 4×4 (8-point) rack, but the number of points can go to at least twelve. The Sika is smaller than a Red Deer but larger than the Whitetail or Fallow
New Zealand Record
228 3/4 on the Douglas Score Points System – taken in 1941.
Types of Hunting
Due to a high hunter demand, private unfenced areas adjacent to department of conservation land have been put on offer to paying hunters and get sole rights to a block over a specified period. These blocks sometimes have hunting accommodation and some in the form of a basic hunting hut only. Access in some instances is possible by light plane or helicopter and only a few fenced Game Estates offer sika hunting although there is good free range hunting on several large unfenced estates.
