l e w i s r e i d

Hog deer are the smallest species of deer that are found in the South Pacific region, their size is about that of a sheep. Despite their diminutive size, they are an exceptionally striking deer having a sleek grey to reddish hair colouring and startling facial features. The males have antlers of six tines, which grow to about a maximum length of 16”. They are a very wary species of deer and if pressured too much whilst hunting they will quickly revert to nocturnal feeding habits. As their habitat is thick, coastal scrubland, the best method of hunting is the sit and wait technique, using an improvised high seat, which overlooks a small clearing or feeding corridor.

They were initially introduced into Victoria somewhere about 1860 to 1865 and over time established themselves along parts of the coastal swampland and some offshore islands. As a joint initiative, between the Victorian Government and hunting organisations, hog deer are given protection with a one-month hunting season permitted each year between 1st April - 30th April.

Self guided hunting opportunities for hog deer are somewhat limited but for those keen enough there are legal options. Some hunting is allowed on a small amount of public land, another popular option is to enter the Blonde Bay Hog Deer ballot conducted each year, or one can put in the hard yards with the hope of gaining access to hunt private land. Whatever your preference, your efforts will be worthwhile as hog deer are one of the neatest species of deer there is to hunt.