The Axis Deer is often considered the most beautiful cervid. Both male and female have striking reddish-brown coats marked by white spots arranged in undisciplined rows along their sides. They have a black dorsal stripe and white bib on their neck, white inner legs, stomach, and under-tail. Axis bucks can be in hard horn any time of the year. They grow and shed antlers on their own clock so in one herd there may be a newly shed buck, a hard horn buck and a buck in the velvet. Usual antlers are 22 to 27 inches. Trophies range from 30 to 36 inches.

Free ranging populations exist in the continental United States, Hawaii, and Australia.

The species can be found in Texas, Hawaii, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, New Jersey, and California and in zoos in most states. In the United States, Texas, by far, has the largest population. Florida or Hawaii is probably second. Axis are said to be the most numerous and widespread of introduced deer and antelope. The general consensus in Texas is that Axis are not a farmed species but thrive as a ranched species.

Axis Deer meat was judged best tasting wild game meat by the Exotic Wildlife Association. It is a mild, naturally tender red meat. It contains less than 1% fat and can be marketed as fat free. (Red Deer and Fallow have 5% - 7% fat.) Axis Deer venison customers tend to be repeat customers.
Also, a mounted trophy Axis Deer may make the perfect addition to your trophy room as a treasured memento of your Axis Deer hunt.