Dybowski sika deer (Cervus nippon dybowskii) is the largest representative of sika deer, reaching up to 120 kg. Its original homeland is eastern Russia, from where it was imported to game preserve breeding in the 19th century. Unlike Japanese sika deer, it has remained exclusively in this setting to this day. In the Czech Republic, Dybowski sika deer occurs exclusively in game preserves, where it provides interesting game for hunters.
Its coloring in summer coat resembles fallow deer, with reddish to brownish coloring with white spots. However, unlike fallow deer, it has a distinctive black stripe on its back. The most distinctive identifying feature remains primarily its head, which has the typical appearance of sika deer, making it reliably distinguishable. Another important feature is its antlers, which although expansive and massive, do not form palms like fallow deer, but typical deer-like antlers.
The antlers of Dybowski sika deer are of the deer type, which in most cases form typical eight-pointers and ten-pointers. Its antlers do not form the typical crown that can be seen in European red stag. On the other hand, compared to Japanese sika deer, it forms massive and at first glance different antlers.
Dybowski sika deer sheds its antlers usually in May to June. It cleans its antlers during September.
Dybowski sika deer in the Czech Republic lives in game preserves. It can adapt excellently to environments from lowlands to the forests of the Highlands. We can find it, for example, in the Pravice game preserve near Znojmo or in the Jitro game preserve near Tábor
Dybowski sika deer does not deviate from the behavior of deer species and follows the given rule – hinds live in herds and stags usually live solitarily. In autumn, from the second half of October to the first half of November, the rut of Dybowski sika deer takes place. The typical whistling of sika deer can be heard.
Subsequently, during May to June, the hind gives birth to one, exceptionally two calves.
Hunting Dybowski sika deer is very attractive from the second half of October to the first half of November, when the stags are in rut and can be heard with the typical whistling of sika. On the other hand, they can be hunted until the end of January or February, as they have beautiful winter coats. Hunters usually use taxidermists for taxidermy treatment of the trophy precisely in winter coat.
Hunters hunt Dybowski sika deer primarily in game preserves by high seat hunting or stalking.
Dybowski sika deer is closest in size to fallow deer. Therefore, the usual calibers of 7 mm and above are sufficient for this deer.
The trophy of Dybowski sika deer is undoubtedly its antlers, which are massive and often form ten-pointers. Most hunters have the trophy together with the neck prepared by a taxidermist
Meat from sika deer is very tasty and can be prepared in various ways from grilled steaks, goulash, roasted loins, cutlets, etc.
We hope this article was useful to you!
Your Huntastic Team
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