by Jess Mowery
Axis deer, also known as the Chital, are native to the India subcontinent. They were originally brought to Texas in 1932 for hunting opportunity.
As most of the Indian subcontinent is very warm, axis deer thrive in Texas and their numbers now exceed 125,000 animals across southern and central portions of the state. Axis are prized as table fare. They primarily graze on grasses, rather than browse, and do not have the wild taste known to white-tailed deer meat. Many hunters believe axis is the best tasting of all venison.
Both males and females have a beautiful bright reddish coat marked with rows of white spots that persist throughout life (similar to a white-tailed fawn). The males can weigh in excess of 250 lbs. and adult females weigh anywhere from 75 to 130 lbs. Typical bucks have 6 points, although occasionally extra points do occur. A trophy buck is one with main antler beams exceeding 30 inches. Axis tend to be very cautious by nature. Being the preferred prey of Bengal tigers in their native lands, axis spook easily and have very keen senses. Both sexes emit alarm calls sounding much like a high-pitch bark. Males often bellow loudly during breeding season, which happens year-round and peaks in the summer months in Texas. May through July is the optimal time to hunt the axis rut as summer bucks far exceed winter bucks in number. Because of their keen senses and preference for grass over browse or pelleted feed, axis are more difficult to pattern than white-tailed. As such, spot and stalk hunting is the most effective method.
