SPORTING ANSWERS

Confusion over doe’s tusks

STALKING

Q How common is it to find that Chinese water deer does have grown tusks as bucks do? One that we got this season caused a bit of confusion and was shot as it was believed to be a buck. It turned out to be a doe with tusks that were nearly 30mm long. Any idea what might cause this?

A Although it’s not common to see them, visible tusks are found in female water deer.

I imagine the cause will mostly be down to genetics. However, as with female roe that develop antlers, it is possible this might be a consequence of some individuals being intersex and thus carrying the characteristics of both sexes. Establishing that would require a bit of scientific input.

Professional stalkers regularly involved with water deer tell me that they see about 1% to 2% of adult females with visible tusks