Headed down this week to the uncles' place in TX to take a crack at thinning out the axis some. I haven't hunted the place since I was a kid. At that time it was all whitetail, with maybe the stray exotic or two wandering through. So, I've got no axis hunting experience. Any species specific pointers to share? Terrain is mixed oak brush and opens, with some taller blackjack oak parkland mixed in.
If you are not hunting from some manner of a blind you must be very still if stalking. Don't make any sudden moves if you think they see you. Don't think you can ride up to them on an ATV. Depending on how much pressure they have had they can be nearly impossible to get up on. If the hunting pressure has been light then the stalking should be pretty straightforward. Be sure to hit 'em right. They can put a mile between you/them in an instant.
These are tips from having hunted them for 11 years on a 5000 acre ranch in the hill country.
Shot 'em, gut 'em quickly, hang the meat and enjoy the best venison that you have ever had.
Best advice for Axis on free range? Shoot quick! They have a tendency to vacate just when you think it's a sure thing.
Travis
Generally not as spooky as whitetail, but depends on how much they are hunted.
The best advice I can give you: don't shoot them where there is any ruined meat. It is too good to waste any.
....have a hot fire. Few things are better that Axis 'straps on the grill.
Connected on a couple. They are indeed good eating. At least on my uncles' place, spookier than the white tail. No running 50 yards and then turning around to look at you if they get spooked. They've been hunting the axis pretty hard though to try to thin them out.