Muntjac, Indian
(Muntiacus muntjac) southern and southeastern Asia. Known as “kakad” or “barking deer” in India.
Most common exotic species in the U.S. are the Indian muntjac and the Reeve’s muntjac.
ID
Indian muntjac are small statured deer that stands a mere 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder. Males sport short, pointed antlers, often with tiny brow tines, that sit atop enlarged pedicels. Often a hooked-in appearance that range from 3 to 6.5 inches. Antlers are shed in and regrown annually. Females have nubs and tufts of hair where males have antlers. Posses elongated upper canines that protrude as small “tusks” or “fangs” that can reach an inch in length in males. Coat color is reddish brown, having darker legs and face. Dark brown, almost black strips of hair form a v-shape on face and extend onto pedicels in males. Young are born with spots. Males weigh from 35 to 75 lbs and are slightly larger bodied than females.
Behavior
“Barking deer” nickname arises from their alarm calls that sound similar to the bark made by a dog. Muntjac have been known to bark for over an hour if sensing a predator or danger. Often seen exhibiting a hunched posture. A shy and elusive deer that prefers isolation and are most comfortable living in dense habitats. Will rarely visit open grassland unless near edges of escape cover. Territorial, but dominant males may allow subordinate male to occupy his territory and sometimes form pair bond with older female. Active periods may be diurnal (dawn & dusk) or nocturnal — become more nocturnal with disturbance. Prefer to be close to a water source. Are known to utilize salt licks. Males use “tusks” in fighting other males.
Food Habits
Muntjac are omnivorous. Will feed on grasses, herbs, bird eggs, small animals, seeds and fallen fruits. Use their canines to bite and foreleg blows to catch small warm-bodies animals.
Breeding
Can occur at anytime during the year but seems to peak iin early June. Though very solitary by nature, male territories will overlap during the rut. Male and female muntjac reach sexual maturity in their first year of life, males at 6+months and females at 5 to 6 months. Gestation lasts 6 months and a single birth is most common.
Life Span
Average 10 to 12 years, but can survive 20 to 30 years in optimum settings like zoos.
Keeping Muntjac
Can be raised as a pets if newborns are pulled from mother in first 12 hours and bottle fed. Left with the mother longer, they seem timid, nervous and flighty. Considered noisy because of their bark. Will use salt lick sites. Fencing of 6 ft in height may be adequate, with fine meshing to contain young. Can be penned with blackbuck given are to feed and birth. This has been accomplished by keeping these areas seperated by a hole access too small for the blackbuck to fit through. Indian muntjac will hybridize with Reeves’s muntjac.
Indian Muntjac Hunting
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Stocking
Males prices seem to range from $200 to $500, depending on age. Females will bring $300 to $1000 each and varies based on location and game transport laws in different states.
Scoring Your Trophy Muntjac, Indian
SCI Record Book Minimums:
| Standard | Bow | |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 10" | --" |
| Silver | 16 1/16" | --" |
| Gold | 18 5/16" | --" |
Current Record(s) Held:
#1 - 35 & 1/16 - Alan Stracy
#4 - 27 & 14/16 - Sergei Yastrzhembskiy (pictured)
Score Your Trophy
Muntjac, Indian Trophy Score Sheet
Click here to find an official Safari Club International (SCI) Measurer.