Axis Deer

(Axis axis) India, Nepal, & Sri Lanka. One of the most common free-ranging exotics in Texas.

ID
Axis deer are best identified by their burnt orange coat with white spots (similar to a whitetail fawn) and a black streak running the length of their spine.  White throat patches are prominent in males and females.  Males sport large antlers that grow skyward, forking at the base and again inside each main beam.  Most axis bucks aspire to be 6 points (3 on left & 3 on right), but non-typical 7th and 8th+ points near the bases are not uncommon.  Adult male antlers can reach lengths of just over 40″, but 28-36″ is most common.   Females do not normally grow antlers.  Live weights range from 150 to 250 lbs in mature males; 90 to 150 lbs in adult females.

Behavior
Axis tend to be cautious by nature and show many similarities to the daily activity patterns of whitetail – becoming most active around dusk and dawn.  They can, however, be seen in open areas during warmer parts the day, bedding in groups in sunny conditions.  Groups consisting of young and old animals, males and females are common.  Older males tend to become more isolated.   Axis use several vocalizations to communicate.  Both sexes emit alarm calls sounding much like a high-pitch bark.  Males often bellow loudly during breeding season.  Male antlers are shed and regrown annually.  Antler cycles are often irregular depending on what time of the year they were born, with some sporting hardened antlers while others are still in different stages of growth.  Like most antlered exotics, axis males fight for dominance during the rut with hardened antlers.  They also fight during velvet antler growth stages by standing on their hindlegs and bat at each other with their front hooves.  Axis are known to be good swimmers, showing no fear of water.

Food Habits
Feed primarily on grass, but diet is augmented with browse and sedges.

Breeding
As mentioned before, male axis fight for dominance during rut.  Peak activity usually takes place in June and July, but can occur throughout the year.  Females come into estrous several times each year, usually only lasting about 3 weeks per cycle.  Gestation lasts from 210-238 days and females usually have 1 young at a time.  Approximately 80% of Texas fawns are born from January to mid-April.  Females can be reproductive from age 2 to 15.

Life Span
Average 9 – 13 years in the wild with 20 yrs+ documented in captivity.

Keeping Axis
Axis deer tend to compete with whitetails for resources and space.  They are very resistant to disease – one reason they have flourished post-introduction. Introduced in 1932, axis are by far the most numerous exotic in Texas, with a population estimated at around 40,000, of which some 6,000 are free-ranging.  Axis venison is widely considered one of the most tastey of all wild game venison.  It is extremely lean and lacks much of the irony,”gamey” taste that is often associated with most venison.  The mild meat contains less than 1% fat on average.

Axis Deer Hunting
Expect to Pay anywhere between $1700 and $3000 for a trophy axis depending on  your outfitter and opportunity –> avg. cost for a trophy axis is ~ $2200

Stocking
Axis prices vary, but can usually be purchased for around $250* for females and young males and up to $1500* for older age class males. (*plus transport mileage)