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.