Red deer on the Isle of Mull

Red deer on the Isle of Mull are probably the easiest of the “Big Five” for visitors to see. The others they are often hoping to see are White tailed eagle, Golden eagle, Otter and Seals. Although Red deer on the Isle of Mull are probably the easiest to see, there are times throughout the summer when it may be a little harder as they tend to stay higher up the hills and in remote glens at this time.

The Red Deer migrated to Britain from Europe approximately 11,000 years ago and is the largest land mammal in the UK. It was the Neolithic man who developed agriculture and cleared many forests to make way for fields. As a result there was a decline in the population of Red deer as many became confined to higher ground, particularly in the Highlands.

The adult Red Deer can weigh anything between 90 to 190kg and hinds between 63 and 120kg, their life span is approximately 18 years. Their coats during the summer months are a rich red-brown turning to a brown-grey colour during the darker months of winter.

Their favoured habitat in Scotland is woodland and forest though they are very adaptable and will use open moors and hillsides. The Isle of Mull offers this ideal habitat and it is possible to see red deer from the road when driving on the island. They are resident all year round though usually spend the summer up on the hills and in remote glens, in winter when food is in short supply they move down to lower levels.

Red deer stag in early May with new developing antlers

Their antlers begin to grow in the springtime and are shed each year, the antlers are made of bone and during each spring a covering known as ‘velvet’ protects the newly forming antlers. Antlers can be highly branched and can reach up to 1m in width, the number of points on the antlers increase with age, a stag with twelve points is known as a ‘Royal’.

Red deer stag in early July with fully developed antlers with a ‘velvet’ covering

By August the stags become a little unsettled as their velvet begins to shed from the antlers and their testosterone levels begin to rise causing their necks to thicken and a mane to appear. It is at this time that the stags begin to round up their harem in preparation for mating.

Now the elaborate displays of dominance begin where the stags size each other up, strutting, roaring and grunting, occasionally fighting that can result in injuries and even death. Once the ‘fighting’ is over the dominant stag enjoys exclusive rights to mate with the hinds. Young are born between mid May and mid July.

Warning signs are put up by landowners on the Isle of Mull between the end of September through to November informing people of the dangers of being on the hill during the stalking season, certainly at this time it is always wise to check with the appropriate Estate Manager before venturing on to the hill.