Red Deer Harems

[mbaldw]

Hi folks,

I've been looking into the size of Red deer harems - everyone needs a hobby, right? . Thus far I have been looking at the Red deer literature, but I'd be interested in the views of folks on this forum as I know many regularly watch the Red deer rut. What would you say is the 'average' harem size? How big was the largest harem you've seen?

Thanks for reading.
Cheers,
Marc.

[aeshna5]

I have seen harems with over 20 hinds in Richmond Park on numerous occasions.

[mbaldw]

Thanks aeshna. The range I've come up with so far is from four to 70. The harems I've seen in the New Forest have been relatively small, with typically around half-a-dozen hinds.

Cheers,
Marc.

[Alex90]

On Exmoor i have seen as many as 40-50 hinds to 1 dominant stag, during the earlier months of the year the stags all join up in bachelor groups, groups can consist of over 100 animals, i was treated to this magnificant sight a few years ago.

In the new forest i have never seen more than 10 hinds to a stag really, and the rutt is no where near as aggressive as it is on exmoor, you can see 2/3 big stags in a field in the new forest... on exmoor there won't be 2 stags in the field unless they are fighting it out, much more defensive of territory there.

[Deer Stalker]

Originally Posted by mbaldw

Thanks aeshna. The range I've come up with so far is from four to 70. The harems I've seen in the New Forest have been relatively small, with typically around half-a-dozen hinds.

Cheers,
Marc.

Hi Marc, early in the rut they can number about 50 on the New Forest.

[mbaldw]

Thanks for the input Alex and Si. It seems I need to get out into the Forest earlier in the rutting season!

Cheers,
Marc.