Red Stag or Elk

[Txnrog]

First pic is an elk, the latter pics are hybrids - at least the one in the back definately is.

Red deer and elk are really the same species, you just see greater variance as you travel west to east. Both are Cervus Elaphus, most scientists now are classifying red deer as Cervus Elaphus Elaphus, and elk as Cervus Elaphus Canadensus - meaning they are sub-species of the same animal - just like the difference between Q-L Caribou and say a european reindeer.

They cross freely as they are so closely related - most in Texas are classified by which one they look the closest to, but a vast majority of Red Deer are crossed unless they come from a breeder who is very careful with their stock.

[Chad C]

The latter pics are of the European blood line and there is a huge variation or sub-species of Red deer alone! There is a similarity in genetics and that is it! The species of Elk has several such as Rocky Mountain, Tule, and Roosevelt’s all of which are vastly different in size! Like I said before Red deer are a species of their own with sub-species within the specie! Yes they are genetically similar to elk and can cross! Too many people see the monster stags from New Zealand and think that is what they’re suppose to look like. No, our herd is not a hybrid herd…

[muley4x4]

He's way underweight. He needs some protein and some minerals. Nice horns though

[Txnrog]

Ten, who'd you buy from? I have seen & hunted stags in several european countries + NZ, none have that tawny coat. There are alot of animals sold as 'pure' but are in fact not - even most NZ stags have some NA elk in their bloodlines - it was brought in to increase beam length.

They are not a distinct species from elk, just like a coues is not a distinct species of WT. Look at the subspecies around the world, and you see a gradual change from west to east - deer developing more and more elk like characteristics. The common breaking point seems to be the caucases where animals look just like a 50/50 stag/elk hybrid. The further east you go, the more elk-like the animals, with a couple throw-back populations in China and Manchuria that appear very red-deer like.

[Chad C]

We've had them for 25 years. So, at some point they could have been crossed but that would have been over 25 years ago. I'm not saying you’re wrong by any means!

A few more pics from my phone:

[Txnrog]

We've had them for 25 years. So, at some point they could have been crossed but that would have been over 25 years ago. I'm not saying you’re wrong by any means!

A few more pics from my phone:

That would help explain it - there were few 'pure' red deer in the state back then, and alot of ranchers were forced to cross breed due to availability of stock & most hunters didn't care - if it had extra points, it was a red stag. The exotic industry in TX started using the term red 'stag' for elk/red deer crosses - confusing misnomer as 'stag' just refers to male. Most of the imports have been in more recent years for more pure bloodlines and with AI helping to bolster bloodlines without having to go thru the hassel of moving animals across borders. More focus has been placed in recent years on keeping red deer & elk in separate lines

Those are definately crosses. You are right that not all subspecies are in fact 'red', but they don't get that light coat until you get into the eastern portion of their range - Mongolia to America - where they adapted to life in more open terrain.

[Chad C]

10-4... We have always called ours Texas Red Deer. They came from Ireland.

[Chad C]

They’re introduced to Ireland! For a fun fact. The ones we have! What European countries have you hunted Stag and were they free range or estate deer? If you don’t mind me asking.

PM if you prefer, I have a few questions.

[Txnrog]

Spain & Scotland - free range in both. Also hunted them in NZ estate. feel free to PM with any questions. Have a friend who owns an estate herd in scotland and runs some hunts in ireland as well.

[bear]

looks all elk to me.... since I have been dreaming about hunting them in the mountains for years I got clear pictures in my head

[Chad C]

Spain & Scotland - free range in both. Also hunted them in NZ estate. feel free to PM with any questions. Have a friend who owns an estate herd in scotland and runs some hunts in ireland as well.

PM sent

[RedSeal]

elk for sure!

[El Coyote]

He's way underweight. He needs some protein and some minerals. Nice horns though

he did not look healthy. i could just walk right up to him we was trying to eat some paper on the ground. that was a pic with cell phone when i can i will upload some from the DC.

[hlansford]

That is an elk, been watching him for 8-10 years now. He has gotten better every year, except this year. I think he remained about the same size.

[El Coyote]

That is an elk, been watching him for 8-10 years now. He has gotten better every year, except this year. I think he remained about the same size.

we had a good dinner last night at mamacitas there.