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Types of Deer Worldwide

Here are the major types of deer found worldwide, grouped by region and species. Deer (family Cervidae) are native to every continent except Australia and Antarctica and come in a wide variety of sizes, habitats, and behaviors.

North America 
1. White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
  • Most widespread deer in North America
  • Recognized by the white underside of its tail
2. Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
  • Found in western U.S. and Canada
  • Big ears, black-tipped tail, and distinct bounding gait
3. Elk / Wapiti (Cervus canadensis)
  • One of the largest deer species
  • Native to North America and parts of Asia
4. Moose (Alces alces)
  • Largest deer in the world
  • Known for large antlers and long legs
  • Common in Canada, Alaska, and northern U.S.
5. Caribou / Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
  • Found in northern tundra and boreal forests
  • Both males and females grow antlers
 Europe 
6. Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
  • Europe's largest native deer
  • Also found in North Africa and Central Asia
7. Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
  • Small and agile
  • Common in woodlands across Europe
Asia 
8. Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)
  • Native to East Asia
  • Known for spotted coats and vocal behavior
9. Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis)
  • Native to Indonesia and introduced to Australia
  • Stocky build with thick antlers
10. Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii)
  • Also called swamp deer
  • Found in India and Nepal
11. Père David's Deer (Elaphurus davidianus)
  • Extinct in the wild, survives only in captivity
  • Native to China; has a unique mix of features (horse-like tail, antelope body)
  • South America 
  • 12. Marsh Deer (Blastocerus dichotomus)
  • Largest South American deer
  • Found in wetlands of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay
13. Pudú (Pudu puda and Pudu mephistophiles)
  • World's smallest deer
  • Native to the Andes and southern South America
14. Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus)
  • Native to the open plains of South America
Africa 
15. Barbary Red Deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus)
  • Only deer native to Africa
  • Found in northern Algeria and Tunisia
Introduced Deer (Various Regions)
  • Fallow Deer (Dama dama): Native to the Mediterranean, introduced widely
  • Axis Deer (Chital) (Axis axis): Native to India; introduced to Hawaii and Texas
  • Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor): Native to South and Southeast Asia, introduced to Australia and Pacific islands
Hunting Resorts
Use Topwater Lures at the Right Time

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