Deer: facts, danger and how to survive it
Shy herds that feed at dawn and dusk. Their hearing is sharp and they run at the first sign of danger.
About the real animal
Deer are ruminants, which means they graze quickly and then chew the cud in safety. A male grows new antlers every year: they begin as soft, furred growths, harden, and are shed once the breeding season is over. Deer have large mobile ears and a sharp sense of smell, and they rely on both more than on sight. They are most active at dawn and dusk, move in small herds, and escape by running, with bounding leaps over any obstacle. Wolves and big cats are their main predators.
In the game
Deer graze in meadows and mixed forest, and they bolt as soon as they hear or smell you, so approach slowly from downwind and stay low. A deer gives a lot of meat and two hides. The best chance to hit one is when it stops and raises its head. Wolves hunt deer in the game, and if you see a pack chasing one you can follow the chase to find the pack and then keep away from it.
Quick facts
| Found in | meadows, mixed woodland, pine forest |
|---|---|
| Active | at dawn and dusk |
| Eats | plants |
| Temper | timid: it runs when it senses you |
| Strength | 30 health |
| Speed | walks at 1.6 m/s, runs at 9.5 m/s (you walk at 4 m/s and sprint at 7.5 m/s) |
| Yields | 3 to 4 meat, 2 hide |
What to do
Approach slowly from downwind. A good source of meat and hide.
More from this group
- 🦌ChitalThe spotted deer of the Indian forests.
- 🫎Sambar deerThe largest deer of the Indian forests.
- 🐃GaurThe largest wild cattle in the world, heavy and muscular.
Back to all animals, or read the survival guide.