Père David Deer Hunting Near Dallas, TX

The Père David is especially unique in that they can only be found in hunting and nature reserves. When it could be found in the wild, this species of deer called the river valleys of China home. The only reason they weren’t hunted to extinction were the handful that survived in late 19^th century zoos in France and Germany.

A British noble managed to obtain a few of these deer from the Berlin Zoo and began building a large herd on his private estate. Every living Père David deer on Ranger Ridge or anywhere else in the world is descended from that herd.

In addition to growing two sets of antlers each year – a summer set and a winter set – these deer also have a relatively unique antler shape. They weigh between 300 and 440 lbs. and can reach a head and body length of between six and seven feet. Adults frequently stand at just under four feet at the shoulder.