The Types of Deer

Summarized here are some of the individual characteristics and traits particular to each of the most popular species of deer farmed in North America.

The fallow deer is very gregarious. A prominent feature of the mature buck is the large, palmated antler. Fallow birth is easily, give single births and do not cross-breed with other species. Fallow deer in a farm situation should live 15 years or more. Colors range from spotted through white and black.

The red deer is a herd animal. The stag displays a round antler with several long tines growing out from the main beam, and a neck mane. Red deer are less stressful, are also good travelers, birth easily and have single births. Red deer will cross-breed with elk or sika deer. Color is reddish-brown (grey-brown in winter) with a straw-colored rump path. Red deer are larger than fallow or white-tailed deer.

Axis are the only deer which fawn year round. Since fawns are especially sensitive to climate, axis are better bred in a warm-weather climate. Also known as the spotted deer, axis display white spots on a reddish colored coat year round. The axis male almost always presents six point antlers.

The white-tailed deer is native to North America, thus mandating regulatory restrictions. The white-tail is distinctive by its white flag and bounding manner. They are stressful deer and need special considerations for handling and traveling. White-tail have multiple births (twin, triplets) but do not cross-breed with other farmed species. Color is brown with a white belly and a large white patch under and around the tail.

The sika deer is similar to the fallow in size and disposition. The male displays a set of round multi-pointed antlers and a neck mane. Sika travel well and like the fallow, they birth easily and generally do not twin. They have a long farm life and can cross-breed with elk and red deer. Color can be reddish brown to almost black (some spotted) with a white rump.

Elk (wapiti) are the largest of the farmed deer, the bull having a large neck mane and antlers similar to red deer. Elk will cross-breed with red deer and sika deer. They can be stressful but should have a farm life comparable to other breeds. Multiple births (twins) are exception. Summer color is light brown, turning to dark brown in winter, with a large rump patch.