Rusa deer
Scientific name: Rusa timorensis
- How weight is recorded: Carcass weight
Field notes
Appearance
Dark reddish-brown coat, often darkening with age; males develop a distinctive thick neck and prominent lyre-shaped antlers. Females are lighter and lack antlers; both sexes have a pale underside and dark dorsal stripe.
Size and weight
Males 150–180 cm body length, 100–140 kg; females 140–160 cm, 70–90 kg.
Habitat
Rusa deer favour open woodlands, grasslands, and monsoon forests, typically at low to moderate elevations (sea level to ~1500 m). They thrive in areas with mixed scrub, tall grass, and access to water.
Distribution
Endemic to Timor and introduced populations in parts of Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland). Naturally inhabits tropical savanna and open woodland.
Diet
Grazer and browser consuming grasses, sedges, leaves, and fallen fruit; preference shifts toward fresh green growth during wet season.
Behaviour
Primarily crepuscular and nocturnal; solitary or in small groups (2–4 animals), with males more territorial during rut. Move to water sources at dawn and dusk.
Hunting tips
Fresh tracks in soft soil and water margins are most reliable sign; droppings appear as scattered pellets in feeding areas. Approach upwind along vegetation edges and water courses at dawn or late afternoon. Glass open areas from elevated vantage points and stalk moving animals slowly; they flush readily and may circle back.
Carcass weight
This species is logged by carcass weight — the animal weighed dressed, the way hunting teams normally report it.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 3 countries in Huntify.
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Papua New Guinea
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.