Have you ever noticed a mature deer that hasn’t lost its spots? You may have spotted a unique sika deer.
Sika deer – also known as the spotted deer or the Japanese deer – are plentiful here in the woods at Tioga Ranch. However, before you go, it’s useful to know how this deer from half a world away ended up in the woods of the continental U.S.
What Makes Sika Deer Unique?
Sika deer are very unique because they don’t lose the typical adolescent spots during adulthood. You might see different types of fawns with spots, but you won’t see adult whitetails or stags with spots. Sika deer, though, feature these distinct markings throughout their lives, making them easy to identify.
According to the Encyclopedia of Life, sika deer are native to eastern Asia, including China and Japan. In fact, they are still very abundantly found in the wooded areas of Japan. They were introduced to the Philippines most likely in ancient times, and later brought to Europe where they eventually made their way to the Americas throughout the course of colonialism and the rise of trade economies.
Activity Levels of Sika Deer
Spotted deer typically are most active at night, like many other deer species, and prefer to stay in heavily wooded areas. They’re not big fans of the snow, so they tend to live in warmer environments at lower sea levels. They are also very much a herd animal and live in groups. Their lifespan is usually about 15 years, but they’ve been known to live as long as 25 in captivity.
If you’re interested in a sika deer hunt, schedule a trip to Tioga Ranch. We are one of the largest hunting preserves on the East Coast, and we offer comfortable accommodations, exotic game hunts, butchering services and taxidermy services to you and your hunting party. Our knowledgeable guides will make sure that you have a successful and enjoyable hunt and a memorable experience in the woods of North Central Pennsylvania.
Learn more by giving us a call today at 570-835-5341 or make a reservation online now.