Two sub species of Rusa are recognised in the South Pacific. Rusa are native to Indonesia but are virtually unobtainable there due to restrictions on hunting and firearms.

The Giant Javan Rusa, is by far the largest in both body and antler size. Javan Rusa are found free range in small herds, one in the North Island of New Zealand, another in New South Wales (Australia) and finally in New Caledonia. 

New Caledonia provides the best hunting opportunities, with huge numbers of deer and the largest trophies.  We base most of our Rusa hunts in New Caledonia and the results are excellent, with Rusa of the highest quality being taken. 

Hunting conditions are pleasant and not physically demanding and we can recommend this hunt as one of the great deer hunts available in the world.  The area is semi tropical and being a French colony it offers a change of culture. The season extends from mid July to the end August, this being the rut period. 

These deer are extremely vocal and aggressive towards one another, it is not uncommon to see Stags that have been severely wounded in fights over the females.  Like most other Asian deer, Rusa are tough to kill and we recommend a 7mm or .300 as the weapon of choice.

The smaller sub species of Rusa is known as the "Moluccan" Cervus timorensis moluccensis.   Free range Moluccan are now almost a thing of the past – a few exist on remote islands off the North and North Eastern coasts of Australia. Generally Moluccan are now taken under game ranch conditions.