1. Where to Hunt

Although deer herds have an approximate 50/50 split of hinds to stags, terrain and hunting pressure cause them to occupy different areas. Stags and hinds prefer distinct types of country, especially as they mature. Many hunters see only hinds and young spikers because they stick to the more accessible terrain favoured by these deer.

Mature stags typically hold in areas with less hunting pressure. This doesn’t necessarily mean hiking deep into the backcountry—many trophy stags have been taken within a six hours walk of a road end. Instead, focus on overlooked terrain: valleys without marked tracks, rugged faces, dead-end creeks, and small side gullies. The more experience you gain, the easier it becomes to identify prime stag habitat.

2. Understanding Seasonal Movement

Stags don’t stay in the same places year-round. Their preferred elevation and terrain shift with the seasons as food sources change. Here’s a seasonal breakdown of where to find them:

January – February: Stags in velvet avoid damaging their antlers, so they stay high in the alpine tops or along river flats in open bush. They feed heavily to build condition before the roar, favouring areas with abundant food, water, and shade. Target shady gullies facing south or east, where deer seek relief from the summer heat.

March – April (The Roar): This is peak mating season, and stags become unpredictable. They often hold in difficult-to-access areas with consistent wind patterns and strong vantage points. Expect to find them in rugged terrain, sometimes roaring throughout the day. Don’t rely on food sources—focus on scrapes, beds, spurs, knobs, and plateaus. Take note of territorial sign year-round, as dominant stags often return to the same rutting zones.

May – June: Post-rut, dominant stags break off from hinds and prioritise feeding to recover from the rut. Look for them in areas rich with food. Since they feed throughout the day, covering ground and constant glassing will increase your chances.

July – September: During winter, stags form bachelor mobs and move to high-elevation basins that receive good sun exposure. They often stay put for long periods, making spotting from elevation key. Stags are unbothered by snow, so be prepared to hike above the snowline. Although sign may be sparse, persistence pays off—finding one stag often means you’ve found a whole mob.

3. Weather & Deer Behavior

Deer behavior closely mirrors human tendencies. Their feeding and bedding times align with ours: when you’re hungry, they probably are too. When it’s warm and calm, they’ll be relaxed; when it’s cold, they need to eat more to maintain body heat.

• Windy conditions: Deer seek shelter in lee-side gullies and thick bush.

• Rain: Stags are often more active, moving into open terrain where they feel safer due to the noise dampening effect of rain.

• Cold snaps: Stags feed more aggressively to maintain energy.

Many of the best stags are taken in wet, foggy, and generally miserable conditions—so grab a good raincoat and get after it!

4. Ageing a Stag

A mature stag is unmistakable. If you’re unsure, it’s probably too young. Mature stags have filled-out bodies, thick necks, and low pedicles. One trick is to carry reference photos on your phone to compare with live animals in the field. If you accidentally shoot a young stag, don’t stress—experience builds judgment.

5. Rifle Setup & Optics

Discussing the ‘best’ calibre is opening a can of worms—just ask any hunting forum and you’ll get hundreds of conflicting opinions. The goal is to balance power and shootability. You want a calibre capable of ethical shots at 350–500 metres, especially if you plan to hunt other species like tahr. The .270 is a great all-rounder, but the best rifle is the one you’re most comfortable with.

Optics Matter

• Open country requires high-magnification scopes; bush hunting benefits from lower magnification.

• Invest in good binoculars. Quality binos are worth their weight in gold, with 10x42 being the standard.

• Buy once, cry once—premium optics will last a lifetime.

6. Planning Your Route

Humans are predictable, and deer learn our habits. Avoid the well-worn paths, common valleys, and ridgelines that most hunters take. Sometimes reversing your planned route is enough to catch a stag off guard. Look for terrain that requires extra effort—head basins, scrub-choked gullies, and hidden pockets that aren’t visible from tracks.

7. Essential Gear

Comfort matters. The more comfortable you are, the longer you’ll stay out, increasing your odds. Invest in quality clothing, especially rain gear, and layer appropriately. You want to be equipped with outdoor clothing that allows you to glass on a frosty morning without freezing your family jewels off. I'm a big fan of the Bushbuck Igloo Waterproof Puffer Jacket, the Defender Waterproof Jacket, and all of the Bushbuck Combat Merino base layers. A good rifle and optics setup are equally crucial.

Check out Bushbuck’s hunting clothing 

8. Wind, Sight & Sound

Many hunters believe deer need to sense two out of three factors (smell, sight, or sound) before they spook. Deer are exposed to hikers, bikers, and runners all the time—if they fled at every encounter, they’d never stop running.

• Smell: The most important factor—stay downwind when possible and avoid your fancy cologne or Lynx spray. The more natural your scent, the better.

• Sight: If you’re close enough to be seen, you should be close enough for a shot.

• Sound: Move with confidence. Sudden, unnatural movements alert deer more than consistent steps. Some hunters even listen to music while stalking and still take great stags.

Gear Up and Get After It

Hunting stags is a test of patience, skill, and persistence. Whether you're targeting a roaring stag in the rut or tracking them in the off-season, understanding their habits, movements, and behavior will significantly improve your success. Success comes down to preparation—knowing where to find them, adapting to the conditions, and having the right gear for the terrain and season. With these tips, you’ll increase your chances of encountering a roaring stag and making your next hunt a memorable one.