In 1932, Texas ranchers introduced axis deer from India for fenced hunting; the deer later escaped and spread across the Edwards Plateau

In 1932, Texas landowners introduced axis deer from the Indian subcontinent into the state and initially kept the animals behind high fences as a new hunting attraction. However, nearly a century after their initial release, the animals have outgrown their borders, thus transforming a localised introduction into a dominant wildlife population across most of the Texas Hill Country. According to data monitored by the Exotic Wildlife Association, thestatewide population of both managed and free-roaming axis deer has expanded significantly from historical baselines, reaching an estimated total of up to 125,000 animals.

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