Are you interested in harvesting an unusual trophy during a tropical island getaway? Consider a trip to Mauritius, where you can combine the thrill of Java Rusa deer hunting with a perfect island vacation! Think sun, sand, and a Mauritius hunting safari, all combined into one unforgettable experience!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Situated in the southern hemisphere, Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean, around 1,240 miles east of Madagascar.
- It is one of the most popular island getaways for travelers seeking an unspoiled, natural island getaway. The island is known for its spectacular tropical beaches, amazing weather, and various tourist activities.
- In terms of game hunting safaris, wild boar and Rusa deer hunting in Mauritius are available.
- The Rusa deer is a challenging hunt, with the animal possessing keen senses which makes the approach difficult, and the ability to camouflage itself or flee without hesitation.
- Hunting methods used for Rusa deer hunts include driven hunts (1 June to 30 September) and walk-and-stalk options (15 May to 15 December).
Why Consider Mauritius as a Hunting Destination?
A game hunting safari in Mauritius is well worth considering. Not only does this island paradise offer hunters some unique hunting species but also allows them the luxury of a true island getaway at the same time.
Think luxury, think Mauritius. From the powder-soft white sands to the turquoise blue waters with swaying palm trees in the background, Mauritius is the perfect destination for an island escape, where nature and opulence combine for an unforgettable experience. Add to this the option of some action-adventure hunts, and you have a great combination for a memorable island holiday.
When it comes to climate and hunting, some destinations need to be carefully considered, based on the expected weather over the months that you wish to enjoy your hunting safari. Situated in the southern hemisphere, Mauritius is a tropical island with an average temperature of 73°F along the coast, reaching a slightly cooler 68°F in the higher altitudes of the island. No matter when you plan to go hunting in Mauritius, you can expect good weather on this island paradise.
Mauritius is home to several species that can be targeted during a hunting safari. From the elusive Java Rusa deer to the wild hog, Mauritius offers hunters the chance to enjoy a thrilling hunt. Hunting methods do depend on the species targeted but include driven hunts, spot-and-stalk, and ambushing.
And where else in the world can you enjoy an unusual hunt like this, on an inactive volcanic island? That is surely a talking point to consider!
While Mauritius may be a small island in the southern hemisphere, it is remarkably easy to access through easy international flight connections from Asia, Europe, and Africa. Having excellent flight connections with major international carriers such as Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and South African Airways, amongst others, allows travelers to reach the island with a minimum of fuss.
Nobody said that hunting and luxury don’t belong together like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Expect the ultimate luxurious stay with many hotels on the island, including 5* options to thrill and delight you. Mauritius is all about the experience and enjoying the pampering on offer at the luxury resorts, while taking in the breathtakingly beautiful beaches, scenery, and tourist activities.
There are many activities available to intrigue, entice, and enthrall visitors to the island. From a wide range of water sports such as wakeboarding, water skiing, snorkeling, angling, and deep sea fishing, to heritage and cultural tours, hikes, and visits to museums and markets to entertain both single visitors and families.
Hunting in Mauritius: Season & Species
The hunting season in Mauritius is dependent on the game that is being targeted on the hunting safari. While some game species, such as the wild boar can be hunted throughout the year, other species such as the Rusa deer, can only be hunted during specific months. Rusa deer hunting in Mauritius can be enjoyed from 1 June to 30 September with driven hunts, while the walk-and-stalk method is utilized from 15 May to 15 December.
Why Hunt the Java Rusa Deer?
The Java Rusa deer was brought to the island in 1639 by Dutch governor Adrian van der Stel, from Java Island in Indonesia. Initially confined by the settlers, these deer escaped to form part of the island’s wildlife, thriving in a region without predators and with abundant food supplies.
Today, the Java Rusa deer is hunted for sports, population control, conservation, and agricultural control.
- Hunters target this species on hunting safaris, often searching for the ultimate trophy, namely gold medal deers.
- With a population of over 60,000 hunting provides a way to cull the numbers and introduce population control.
- When considering conservation practices, the undertaking of regulated deer hunting ensures population management is ensured while simultaneously maintaining the quality of trophy game in the region.
A medium-sized species, the Rusa deer stands around 3,1 to 3,6 feet at the shoulder, topping the scales up to 396 pounds. Females are lighter, weighing up to 165 pounds.
When deer hunting in Mauritius, keep a lookout for a medium-sized animal, with large ears, round eyes, and a white throat patch, with a reddish-brown to dark-brown coat. These deer are renowned for the males’ beautiful antlers, which are large and lyre-shaped, while their female counterparts don’t have any horns. Their antlers are shed every December but are regrown by May the following year.
These deer play towards their strengths, using their chosen habitat of savannas, dense forests, shrublands, grassy plains, and marshes to take refuge and camouflage themselves in their surroundings. When they sense danger, they will freeze, then slowly retreat into the thick vegetation.
Hunting Methods
Java Rusa deer hunting in Mauritius uses traditional and modern hunting methods.
- Driven hunts use hounds and beaters to flush deer out of the dense forest and hunters then target them while standing out in the clearing or from elevated areas.
- The walk-and-stalk method challenges a hunter’s stalking skills, where they hunt the deer on foot, together with a guide or PH.
- Bow hunting is another challenge altogether, with experienced hunters using this hunting method to harvest deer.
- Blinds or high seats are erected along paths that the deer are known to frequent, allowing the hunting party to ambush these animals without any forewarning.
Traveling to Mauritius
Visas
US Citizens do not require a visa to enter the country and can complete the Mauritius All-in-One Form online or upon arrival in the country. Individuals can stay up to 180 for tourism and 120 days for business activities. However, some criteria do need to be met, including:
- A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity after the expected stay
- Proof of sufficient funds (minimum of US$100 per day)
- Confirmed hotel booking or sponsorship letter
- Onward / return ticket
- For stays longer than 180 days, a premium visa is required.
Flights
While there aren’t any direct flights from the United States of America to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius, numerous international airlines fly into the country from Europe, Asia, and Africa, including British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, and South African Airways.
If you are considering a hunting safari in Africa before heading to Mauritius, you will be pleased to know that the most direct route from Africa to Mauritius is from Johannesburg, with the flying time being between 3h55 and 4h15, depending on your international carrier.
Mauritius’s national carrier, Air Mauritius, has connections from Johannesburg (South Africa), Paris (France), London (UK) and Singapore (Singapore).
Post-Hunting Activities
Mauritius truly ticks all the boxes for a mesmerizing tropical island getaway, combining the ultimate in luxury with a blissful beach destination. With coconut trees swaying, a warm breeze blowing and the warm turquoise water inviting, life doesn’t get much better than this!
But it does, with a wide range of tourist activities to enjoy, as a singleton, couple, or family:
- Add some big game fishing onto Mauritius hunting safari, with target fish species including blue marlin, black marlin, swordfish, Wahoo, Tuna, Dorado, and Barracuda.
- Explore the Seven Colored Earths of Chamarel: Visit this geological rock formation, featuring seven distinct rock layers, a true sight to behold!
- Take a stroll around the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden which showcases a range of fauna and flora including water lilies, tortoises, and deer.
- Take a trip to the Blue Penny Museum which showcases rare stamps and artifacts.
- A visit to Port Louis’s Central Market is the perfect stop for local cuisine, souvenirs, and crafts.
- Mauritius has a range of parks just perfect to enjoy some time with the family: From Casela Park with its zip lines and safari rides to La Vanille Nature Park with its range of fauna and flora, you won’t be disappointed!
- Explore the local fauna and flora, with a variety of nature hikes around the island.
- Enjoy a round of golf at one of the five golf courses that have been designed by international golfing greats, like Ernie Els and Bernard Langer.
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches with their array of water sports, such as parasailing, kite surfing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, and water skiing.
- Take the plunge and enjoy an exciting adventure swimming with dolphins!
- Explore Black River Gorges National Park’s trails and waterfalls with a guided tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you hunt in Mauritius?
Yes, hunting in Mauritius is legal, with species like the Java Rusa deer and wild boars.
Are there deer in Mauritius?
Yes, the Java Rusa deer was introduced to Mauritius in the mid-1600s and has thrived on the island, with numbers currently close to 60,000.
Can you hunt deer in Mauritius?
Deer hunting in Mauritius is legal, with the Java Rusa deer available to target on deer hunting safaris.
What wildlife does Mauritius have?
Mauritius is home to an abundant array of fauna and flora, including diverse marine life and more than 100 bird species, some of which are endangered.
Who introduced deer to Mauritius?
The Java Rusa deer was introduced to the country by the Dutch governor Adriaan van der Stel in 1639.
Conclusion
Deer hunting in Mauritius is an exciting opportunity to target this invasive species while enjoying a challenging hunt on this picturesque island. Bring a friend or family with you to enjoy the best in island living, with luxury accommodations, delectable cuisine, and a range of tourism adventures to pursue and enjoy. Add to this the deer hunting safari, which can be paired with boar hunting, angling, or deep sea fishing adventures for the perfect safari, and you will see why hunting in Mauritius just makes sense.
Go for it…find out more about this action-adventure destination and why Mauritius is the perfect destination for a game hunting safari and more.