Having noted the spoor of a single hind at the breeding-time, one may follow to the spot where she is suckling her young. But so soon as one observes the prints of these spasmodic jumps with which the mother instils into her offspring a sense of caution (as above described), one may then begin leisurely to examine every bush round about. In one of these the calf will be found lying curled up without a bed and with its nose resting on its hip.[25] It will at first offer some slight resistance, but once captured, may be set free with the certainty that it will not make any attempt to escape.
The only enemies the full-grown stag has to fear are mankind and the wolf, but chiefly the latter, since not only do single wolves destroy in this sierra large numbers of the newly born calves, but, worse still, when a troop of wolves have once tasted venison they commence habitually to hunt both hinds and even the younger stags, which they persistently follow day after day till the deer are absolutely worn out. They then pull them down, the final scene usually occurring in some deep ravine or mountain burn.
The calves of red deer, as happens with ibex kids, are also preyed upon by golden eagles.
Deer-Shooting
As regards sport, the best results are only attainable by monterías, or extended drives, assuming that the district is thickly jungled, and generally of elevated situation. There is also a system of shooting at the “roaring-time,” but that is uncertain owing to the rapidity of the stag’s movements, the thick bush, and the risk of his getting the wind. Practised trackers are in the habit of hunting á la greña, which consists in observing the deer at daybreak, selecting a good stag, and afterwards following his spoor at midday (at which hour deer, while enjoying their siesta, are quite apt to lie close) and shooting as he springs from his lair (al arrancár).
RED DEER HEADS, SIERRA MORÉNA.
| Zamujak, Jaën. Points 16. Length 38¾ in. | Valdelagrana. Points 16. Length 40⅝ in. |
| Sierra Quintana. Points 15. Length 37½ in. | Risquillo. Points 14. Length 36¾ in. |