Rusa

Rusa stag

Rusa deer in New Zealand have established a population on the eastern side of the Ureweras. They are located in small pockets throughout this area known as the Galatea. A large Rusa stag weighs in at around 136 kgs. The hinds are considerably smaller weighing in at approximatly 96 kg. 

Rusa are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. They are  rarely seen in the open and very difficult to hunt due to their keen senses and naturally cautious instincts. Rusa are identified by their large ears and the light tufts of hair above the eyebrows.  The typical antlers structure of a mature Rusa stag is 3 points on each antler. If you spook a Rusa deer you will get an extremely loud honk. This is their alarm call and will alert any other deer in the area of the you. Rusa deer are very sociable and you will rarely find one on its own. The Rusa rut is around July and August.  Stags will vocalise through calling in a loud shrill bark.

Rusa stag

Rusa Distribution (purple area, upper middle right)