Guidelines for Stunning Techniques of Mammalian Food Animals
6. Cervids (Includes elk, fallow deer, white tail)

6.1 Mechanical (Elk)

Important factors:

6.1.1 Handling and restraint

• Cervids are flighty and can become stressed easily.
• Appropriate handling, facilities and restraint are imperative. Facilities must promote good animal welfare standards at all times.

6.1.2 Landmarks and approaches

• Elk hold their head very high, especially when they are alert - so plan your trajectory.
• Plan the trajectory so that the bolt or projectile travels through the brain (cerebral hemispheres, midbrain, brainstem). The most significant of these are the midbrain and brainstem, which are located in the centre of the cranium at the level of the bottom of the attachment of the ears.
• When animals are alert, the surface of the frontal bone is almost horizontal to the ground (see below); therefore, mechanical stunning with the stunner operator standing in front of the animal is difficult.
• Cervids have large brains with thin frontal bones.
• The male frontal bone (1.25 cm) is somewhat thicker than the female frontal bone (0.78-0.97 cm).

Legend - landmarks for stunning cervids

Image	Description
	Intersection of diagonal lines running from the inner corner of each eye to the upper edge of the attachment of the opposite ear.
	Indicates the entry point for the projectile on the "side" of the animal's head (temple).
	Indicates the direction that the stunning device should be pointed and the entry point when the bolt or projectile is directed towards the "top" (front) of the animal's head.

Best practices include:

• the stunner operator approaches the front of the animal's head from above; or
• the stunner operator stuns the animal from the side of the head (firearms only).

6.1.3 Mechanical Stunning Devices

6.1.3.1 Captive Bolt (only from above head, frontal bone approach)

• The bolt length is standard (4 ¾ in) or short (3 3/8 in).
• All calibres can be used.
• This is effective for all sizes of cervids.
• Use the manufacturer's recommended charge, cleaning, maintenance and stunning protocols (daily).
• Assess the bolt velocity daily by using the manufacturer's bolt velocity testing device, or similar means.
• See 6.1.2 "Landmarks and approaches" for stunning problems.

6.1.3.2 Firearms

• Ricochet is a potential hazard to any persons in the vicinity when elk hold their heads high and the frontal approach is used.
• Perforation is a potential hazard to any persons in the vicinity when animals are stunned from the side of the head.
• Note: Perforation occurs when the projectile exits the side of the head opposite to the entry point.
• Use the slowest velocity and minimum energy (muzzle) required to effectively stun the animal. (See below.)
• See 6.1.2 "Landmarks and approaches" for stunning problems.

6.2 Mechanical (Other Cervids - fallow deer, white tail)

Important Factors:

6.2.1 Handling and restraint - similar to elk

6.2.2 Landmarks and approaches - similar to elk

Frontal bone to the skull is very thin e.g. fallow deer 0.33 - 0.48 cm (0.13 - 0.19  in.)

6.2.3 Mechanical stunning devices

6.2.3.1 Captive Bolt

See elk.

Appropriate light charge (similar to that used for calves and lambs).

6.2.3.2 Firearms

See elk.