5 Reasons Bowhunters Love Chasing Axis Deer

Some of the best deer hunting in Texas occurs in May and June, not for whitetails, but an animal with even larger antlers. Axis deer are exotics, with their mating season squarely in between the end of most whitetail seasons and the beginning of the next. This makes them the perfect “tune-up” for fall, one that will keep your aim laser sharp while having lots of fun. Bowhunting World Editor Jace Bauserman makes his case for why this hunt is a must for every archer.

I must admit, I was drawn to them by their magnificent coats and elk-like racks more than anything, but the more I researched these incredible animals, the more my excitement level rose. It’s just habit for me — I simply have to learn more about the animals I plan to bowhunt, especially if it’s an animal I’ve never pursued before. Here’s a little history lesson before we dive into why this species of deer was tailor-made for bowhunting.

The axis deer, or chital, is native to the Indian subcontinent. In today’s hunting realm, this deer is considered the most beautiful of the deer species. Its reddish coat dotted with rows of white spots and a black strip running down the length of the back of mature males makes for a stunning sight. The racks of male axis are relatively simple, almost elk-like, but rarely have more than three points on each side… [continued]

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