The red deer is a widespread species of the real deer. The main distribution areas spread over much of Europe, and it has also been successfully reintroduced in some areas of South and North America, as well as in New Zealand. Due to the high adaptability of this species, red deer can be found in many different habitats. In wooded highlands and high mountains, the almost treeless landscape of Scotland, the humid floodplains of southeastern Europe or the hot and dry plains of Spain, there are good populations.
Red deer can reach weights of up to 350 kg, depending on the habitat and the range offered, with a shoulder height of up to 150 cm.
The adult hinds form herds with their offspring. Younger stags also form smaller herds, whereas the older stags roam alone or with a smaller stag most of the time. During the rutting, the strongest deer keep a herd of females. The distinctive roaring of the deer is then heard far and an impressive natural spectacle.
The trophy is very different in branching variety and strength depending on habitat.
Red deer hears, sees and smells extremely well.
In Poland we hunt the Central European red deer (Cervus elaphus hippelophus). In the good areas, you can get trophies of about 10 kg. The average in Pomerania is between 5 and 8 kg, whereas in Mazury deer of 7 to 9 kg can be expected. Trophies of 10 kg are not common, but are shot every year in some of our hunting districts!
