This deer is primarily a grazer, but its food habits are very general, and it can exist quite easily on forbs and woody browse. In contrast to the white-tailed deer, which typically eats only a few foods, the axis deer eats small quantities of a large variety of plant species. This broad-spectrum diet gives it an advantage in competition with other deer. The reproductive activity of the axis occurs year-round, but most breeding occurs in June and July. During the breeding period males bellow loudly and wander in search of receptive females.
Females mature sexually and first breed at fourteen to seventeen months of age.
Males are probably capable of breeding as yearlings but must achieve adult size to compete for females. The basic social unit is a family group that consists of an older female and her offspring. A herd consists of two or more family groups. Other social groupings consist of loosely structured male herds and, between February and April, nursery herds composed of females with fawns. Vocalizations are important in axis deer society and one of the most noticeable characteristics of this animal.