About the Hog Deer
General Information
The hog deer is a small, shy ungulate native to the floodplains, grasslands, and river valleys of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Named for its unique, boar-like gait, this stocky deer runs through dense vegetation with its head held low to duck beneath obstacles rather than leaping over them.
These deer generally have a uniform dark-brown coat in the winter that turns to a rich, reddish-brown with faint pale spots in the summer. They are largely solitary, animals that rely on tall reeds and grasses for cover, though they can also be found in agricultural areas and coastal swamps. When alarmed, they disperse while emitting a sharp whistling call or warning bark and will flash the white underside of their raised tail as a signal.
Due to shrinking natural habitats and agricultural conversion, the species has faced significant population declines in its native range and is currently classified as endangered. However, successful introduction and conservation programs—particularly in Australia—have allowed some established, protected populations to thrive.
Description of the Hog Deer
- Shoulder Height: 24 to 28 inches.
- Head and Body Length: 41 to 45 inches.
- Tail Length: 6 to 8 inches.
- Weight: 66 to 110 lbs. for mature adults, with males (stags) noticeably larger and heavier than females (hinds).
- Body Shape: Muscular and compact with relatively short legs. The hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs, giving the animal a “hunched” profile where the rear is higher than the shoulders.
- Coat Color: Highly dependent on the season. Summer coats are rich reddish-brown or yellowish-brown. Winter coats turn into a thicker, uniform dark-brown.
- Markings: An indistinct dark stripe runs down the spine, and some adults may have scattered pale-white spots on either side of this stripe, particularly in the summer. The underside of the tail and the inner part of the ears are white.
- Antlers: Only males grow antlers. They are relatively small, averaging 30 cm to 38 cm in length, and are characteristically three-pronged with a short brow tine and a distinct terminal fork.
- Facial Structure: Short, wedge-shaped head with a short face and large round ears.
Hog Deer Species / Subspecies
- Range: Northern India, Nepal, and Pakistan, extending east into Myanmar.
- Physical Traits: Greyish-brown fur in winter, slightly smaller and stockier than the eastern race, and fawns are born with prominent white spots.
- Range: Indochina, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
- Physical Traits: Slightly larger overall. Their coat is brighter, and buffy, and the species is generally devoid of the white speckling seen in the western subspecies.
Suitable Weapons
Any long range cartridge from .243 win up to any of the .30 caliber rifles will work great.
Hunting Area
Free range hog deer hunts take place in Australia and Pakistan.
High fence hunting preserves offer hunts in Texas and South Africa.
