Red Deer

Red Deer are Britain’s largest land mammal, and are an impressive sight, they are mostly found on the southern half of Cannock Chase.

The terminology is different from fallow deer, the males are Stags, the females Hinds and the young Calves.

Red deer have branched and pointed antlers which become more branched as the stag ages.  They shed their antlers in March – April each year and regrow them in preparation for mating by August/September.

How you can help

Keep your Distance

Red deer are large animals, please give them plenty of space.  They are often the focus of photographers during the Rut (mating season).  Please use binoculars and long lenses and keep out of the way so the deer can carry out their natural behaviours without having to avoid humans.

Keep your Dog Close and on the Paths

If your dog has a high prey drive please keep them on a lead, and always keep them within sight.  It is a legal requirement to keep all dogs on a lead 1st March – 31st July on Open Access Land (most of Cannock Chase) .  Claves are born in May – July.

Slow Down

150 deer die on the roads across the Chase, on average, each year. Slowing down to the 40mph advisory speed limit will give both you and the deer a better chance to avoid a collision.  The biggest risk to both deer and drivers is in the autumn and spring when the busiest times on the roads coincides with dawn & dusk which is when deer are most active.

Discover more with the British Deer Society