Red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Estonia is the northern border for the range of red deer. The local population was started with introduced individuals. According to the 2015 census, the number of red deer was estimated to be slightly over 3,000 individuals. More than 80% of the population lives in Hiiu and Saare Counties.

The rut period for deer is in September and early October. The harts roar and fight each other; strong harts surround themselves with a “harem” of hinds. Gestation lasts for 8 months, with 1-2 fawns born at the end of May or beginning of June. In autumn, fawns constitute about 25% of the population. Adult harts weigh 200 kg, on average, with hinds weighing around 100 kg. The size of the population is mostly influenced by natural conditions.

Hunting from hides, a stalking hunt and a calling hunt are permitted for red deer from 1 September until 31 January. Driven hunts and hunting with a hunting dog (except for an FCI Group 6 hunting dog (bloodhounds and hounds) whose maximum wither height approved in the breed standard is over 52 cm) are permitted from 1 October until 31 January.

During the hunting season, only a few trophy harts, older than seven, are hunted in addition to hinds and fawns. Antlers from 5 kg may be medal-worthy. Antler size begins to degenerate in harts that are older than 13. Medal-worthy trophies are borne by about 10% of adult harts. A bronze medal may be claimed from 170 CIC points, silver from 190 points and gold from 210 or more CIC points.

In recent years, also sika deer (Cervus nippon) and fallow deer (Dama dama) have been sighted and hunted in Estonia. Both species are classified as introduced species under the 7 October 2004 Regulation of the Minister of the Environment, „List of introduced species endangering natural balance“, and it is prohibited to introduce live individuals of either species into Estonia. Under Directive No. 1-4.1/15/141 of the Environmental Board, of 17 March 2015, “Arrangements for the removal of sika and fallow deer from the wild”, hunting for sika and fallow deer is permitted with the following hunting methods and during the following periods: hunting from hides, a calling hunt and a stalking hunt from 1 September to 31 January; a driven hunt and hunting with a hunting dog (except for an FCI Group 6 hunting dog whose maximum wither height approved in the breed standard is over 52 cm) from 1 October to 31 January.