Iberian Red Deer is found throughout Spain and in a small population in southeastern Portugal.
Location
- Distribution: this deer is found throughout Spain and in a small population in southeastern Portugal.
- Habitat: they primarily inhabit deciduous forests and bush within highland areas.
- Regional Variation: they are also found in the flat, sandy scrublands of the Coto de Doñana region in southwestern Spain.
Description
The Spanish Red Deer is a smaller race compared to its other European counterparts.
- Size: stags typically weigh between 180–220 pounds (82–100 kg).
- Coat: the coat is lighter in color and less thick than that of the European red deer.
- Antlers: while the antlers are not as heavy or long as other races, they are very fine. They often feature 18–20 points (or more) with a high incidence of crowning at the tops.
Remarks
- Population: spain supports an estimated 350,000 red deer, providing excellent hunting opportunities.
- Montería: the classic, tradition-rich hunting method is the montería, an elaborate drive involving dogs and beaters; approximately 35,000 deer are taken this way each season.
- Trophy Hunting: for those seeking the best trophies, glassing and stalking individual stags is recommended, particularly during the “roar” (rut) in late September.
