CORRECT TERMINOLOGY: (Axis axis) MALE - STAG FEMALE - HIND YOUNG - CALF

AUSTRALIAN deerhunters should be extremely grateful that their ancestors saw fit to introduce chital deer to Australia in the 1860s as it is regarded as possibly the most beautiful of all the deer species. 

It is native to India and Sri Lanka and, although quite a number of liberations were made, the only really successful introduction was along Maryvale Creek, north of Charters Towers, in Queensland. The habitat along this watershed is generally dry, open forest and suits the deer admirably. Although the original release was quite small, only two stags and two hinds, they have prospered so well that numbers are now in the thousands. Some of the later colonisations are surrounded in mystery as they are a considerable distance from the parent herd. Some as far as Townsville.

The predominant body colour is light to dark brown with white spots which appear as broken lines running parallel along the body. A dark dorsal stripe is prominent as is a white throat patch. The underbelly and inside of the legs are off-white. Chital retain these colours year-round with only a gradual lightening or darkening according to season.

A mature chital stag stands about 86cm at the shoulder and weighs about 80kg while hinds are considerably smaller at 75cm and 5Okg. The chital is related to the hog deer but is considerably larger and longer in the legs. One of the most striking features of a mature chital stag is the large size of the antlers in relation to the body. Typically rounded with three simple tines on each beam, antlers consist of a brow tine, and a main beam which forks to produce an outer top, which is an extension of the main beam, and an inner top which can be quite short on some animals. Basal snags occur, particularly around the brow tines. Antler colour is light brown and there is quite a variety in the shape and style of antler structure. Possibly the most attractive is the heart shape while others have a wide or narrow vee configuration. Many stags have broken tines as these animals are fierce fighters. A top chital trophy scores between 175 and 200 Douglas points and measures between 75cm and 90cm in length.

Chital breed year-round and young calves can be seen at any time. However, there is probably a peak in rutting activity in mid-summer and a corresponding calving peak eight months later. Chital are very aggressive and fight ferociously during the rut. The rutting call of a chital stag is an unusual sound, being quite bird-like. Trees used for antler rubbing, often eucalypts as large as 75cm in diameter, are scarred by the stags during their rut. Most of these trees have their bark pierced by the antler tips and a distinctive mottled brown area becomes very apparent on the bark. Calves are born with and retain their bright colouration for life.

Chital are very gregarious animals and tend to live in large bands, groups of 20 being commonplace. Chital do not wallow. As with most other Australian deer, chital are primarily grazers, taking full advantage of the local native grasses. They tend to feed in the early morning and late afternoon, and probably at night as well. During the heat of the day, chital bed down amongst the thicker timber and are mostly inactive.

Chital are very hard to approach closely whether they are feeding or camped as they live in herds and there is always a lookout on duty. At the first sign of danger, a sharp whistle-like alarm is sounded and the deer, with tails held high, are quickly on the move. They tend not to go far but, for some time afterwards, are very wary indeed. In the open country which they inhabit, chital are reasonably easy to see at a distance, particularly when they are out feeding.

The major factor influencing chital numbers is undoubtedly drought, although dingoes and ticks must also have some effect, particularly on the young deer. Some skins and capes taken by hunters have indicated mass infestation by ticks.

Chital have traditionally been hunted by stalking; that is, by locating a particular animal from a distance and then planning the necessary approach to close quarters. The stalk must be undertaken into the wind while taking advantage of all available cover. As chital normally live in large groups it can be frustrating trying to maintain a clear view of a particular animal. Before a shot is taken it is important to ascertain that the stag has no broken tines. As the deer blend in very well with the local environment, it is also important to locate any animals that are not feeding with the main group. These 'outriders' have foiled many a stalk when they raise the alarm and alert all animals within hearing distance. It is quite a challenge to identify a trophy at some distance and then execute a successful stalk.

The future of chital in Queensland appears secure so long as there is no major change in government or landowner policy towards them. From recent reports it appears that chital are expanding their distribution in the wild, with populations now present on a number of properties in North Queensland. However, there is no doubt that the introduction of a well researched game management program would benefit these very attractive deer as well as the hunters they attract to this most beautiful and remote area of Australia.