hunt on rusastag - Mauritius Jagdreise -

(Cervus timorensis)

The rusa deer reaches a live weight of 80 to 100 kg, with an average wither height of approximately 110 cm and a body length of around 150 cm. Its preferred habitat consists of open grasslands and parklands featuring sufficient marshy areas, undergrowth, and trees for cover. Rusa deer possess excellent eyesight, as well as an outstanding sense of smell and hearing. These traits make hunting them a true challenge.

The hinds (Kahlwild) often live gregariously in herds. Stags roam alone or gather in smaller bachelor groups. During the rut (June to August), the rusa stag becomes particularly aggressive. Calves are born after a gestation period of seven to eight months.

The summer coat is short-haired and reddish-brown, shifting to a grayish-brown color in winter. Only the male rusa deer carry antlers, which are chunky, heavily pearled, and feature a maximum of six points. A key identifying characteristic is that the brow tine (Augsprosse) and the main beam (Hauptstange) grow from a single pedicle (Rosenstock). The stag also owes its alternative name, the maned stag (Mähnenhirsch), to its impressive mane.