Identification
A large deer with a seasonally changing brown coat. Mature males carry branching antlers, while females lack them.
When to look
Resident, with seasonal movements and changes in grouping. The autumn rut is conspicuous, but it is also a period requiring respectful distance.
Where to look
Woodland and adjoining open feeding areas can be used. Shelter, food and low disturbance influence where animals gather.
Behaviour and ecology
Food and nutrition
Grasses, herbs, shrubs and other plant material are taken. Browsing can influence woodland regeneration.
Breeding and life cycle
During the rut, stags compete for access to females. Calves are generally born in late spring or early summer.
A closer look
Roaring is only one part of the rut. Display and assessment can precede a physical contest, helping animals judge competitors.
Observation and photography
Use distant viewpoints and avoid getting between stags or approaching groups. Do not imitate calls to provoke a response.
Sources and further reading
Watch from a safe distance, leave animals an escape route and never feed or bait them. Keep away from dens and young. Follow local guide and reserve instructions; sightings cannot be guaranteed.