SPORTING ANSWERS
How fat can a muntjac get?
STALKING
Q Last November, one of the female muntjac I shot was unusually large. Normally, they go through my larder at about 20lb to 22lb, weighed empty but with the head still on. The one I shot in Novenber weighed 31lb and had more body fat than I have ever seen before. Is this unusual and what might have caused it to be so large?
A Like most deer, adult muntjac attain a range of weights, and live weights of up to 18kg, or a little under 40lb, are quoted by those who have studied them. Many muntjac taken by stalkers are far from fully adult, so often much lower weights are seen than might be realised had the animals reached their full potential.
At 31lb, the female you shot is certainly a big animal and, from the amount of body fat showing, she was in high condition when you shot her.
By November, animals should be showing the benefit of summer and autumn grazings and be in good condition to see them through the winter. Perhaps your muntjac had found a beneficial
