Today, sika inhabit all of Kaimanawa and Kaweka Mountain ranges and much of the fringe country. They have a distinct liking for dense scrub and become most difficult to hunt. This herd of sika would be the largest and most important herd available to hunters worldwide. Like the other deer, their antlers exceed anything grown in their home country. They are a most sought after trophy and exist in large numbers.
Sika are a pretty deer, being slightly smaller than red, and have a small petite face.
They are also considered to be one of the most cunning of all deer species. Reds are common over most of the country except for some isolated areas and occur almost wherever any land is in bush and on scrub areas of large farms. They are still in large numbers and can be hunted at any time of the year without licences or permits, although a hunting permit is required to hunt on DOC land. Average trophies in the wild are nowadays 8-10 points, with a number of 12 pointers about 35 inches long shot each year. They are very vocal during the roar and are usually stalked by following the roar or brought to the hunter by emulating the roar.