🔥 DSC’s Campfires with Larry Weishuhn

Episode Summary: Two-Fanged Deer & Global Hunting Insights with Dr. Mike Arnold

In this fascinating and wide-ranging campfire conversation, Larry Weishuhn welcomes Dr. Mike Arnold, recipient of the DSC Foundation 2026 Educator of the Year Award, for an in-depth discussion on some of the world’s most unusual deer species.

The episode centers on Larry’s upcoming England hunt for two unique “fang deer” — the muntjac and the Chinese water deer — with Dr. Arnold sharing firsthand experience, biological insights, and hunting strategy from his own successful pursuit of both species.

Dr. Arnold explains that while commonly called “fangs,” these protrusions are actually elongated upper canine tusks, a primitive trait seen in early deer evolution. The conversation dives deep into the biology, behavior, and management challenges of these fascinating animals.

• Slow, methodical still-hunting techniques in dense English cover

• Use of thermal optics to locate animals in thick vegetation

• Extremely high population densities in parts of England

• Why muntjac are considered an invasive species in the UK

• Their surprising omnivorous diet and habitat impact

• Trophy characteristics and aging indicators

• Spot-and-stalk hunting in open agricultural country

• Unique vocalizations and defensive behavior

• Rapid reproduction rates and population growth potential

• Fighting behavior and the function of elongated tusks

• Size, shot placement, and effective rifle choices

• “Fang deer” tusks are actually primitive elongated canines, not true fangs.

• Muntjac populations require active management due to habitat damage.

• Migration-style still hunting is critical for success on muntjac.

• Chinese water deer hunting more closely resembles Western spot-and-stalk.

• Small-caliber, controlled-expansion bullets are ideal for these tiny species.

• European game meat culture ensures harvested animals are fully utilized.

• UK outfitters often provide high-quality suppressed rifles, reducing the need to travel with firearms.

Dr. Arnold explains that tusked deer are considered primitive cervids. Early deer species possessed prominent upper canines, which in most modern deer have either disappeared or been greatly reduced. In muntjac and Chinese water deer, these tusks remain an important feature used primarily for male-to-male combat during the breeding season.

Listeners planning UK hunts will gain valuable practical advice:

• Expect slow, deliberate still hunting for muntjac

• Be prepared for longer stalks in open country for Chinese water deer

• Consider using outfitter-provided rifles with suppressors

• Understand that these are small-bodied animals (roughly 12–20 pounds) requiring careful bullet selection

• Enjoy world-class hospitality and non-hunting travel opportunities for spouses

Dr. Mike Arnold is a respected outdoorsman, writer, and geneticist whose work bridges hunting tradition and wildlife science. His recognition as the 2026 DSC Foundation Educator of the Year highlights his ongoing contributions to hunter education and conservation awareness.

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🦌 Topics CoveredThe Muntjac ExperienceChinese Water Deer Insights🎯 Key Takeaways🔬 The Science Behind the Tusks🌍 Hunting England: What to Expect🧠 About the Guest🤝 Sponsors

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