Size and Appearance

The Rusa deer is a medium-sized specimen, with adult males standing between 3,1 to 3,6 feet at the shoulder, and weighing around 308 to 396 pounds, with females’ weight recorded at a much lighter 165 pounds.

These deer have a reddish-brown to dark brown coat, with large ears, round eyes, and a white throat patch. Males have large lyre-shaped, three-tined horns while females don’t have any horns. These horns are shed annually every December but are regrown by the following May.

Hunting Methods

Rusa deer hunting in Mauritius can be undertaken annually between 01 June to 30 September with driven hunts and using the walk and stalk method, from 15 May to 15 December.

Bow hunting safaris are also allowed on this tropical island.

Challenges & Rewards

These deer are challenging to hunt, as they have an excellent sense of smell (can smell hunters up to half a mile away), are very wary, and are incredibly intelligent. Their choice of habitat which includes dense vegetation allows them to hide from hunters. When sensing danger, they will also freeze in position, slowly moving into the thick vegetation and blending in, effectively disappearing.

Rifles & Requirements

Rusa deer in Mauritius are sturdy, medium-sized game requiring medium to high-caliber rifles for quick, humane, and ethical harvesting. The .300 is a good option for long-range shots, while the .30-06 Springfield is versatile for varied terrain and conditions.

It is very difficult to import a rifle for hunting in Mauritius and outfitters have a variety of rifle options available to use and will be able to advise you on the best option considering the terrain and hunting territory that will be used for the hunting safari.