Deer (Skyrim)

Skyrim's deer resemble the real-world reindeer or caribou. They are light grey, and if you look closely you may notice the difference between male and female: The females are slightly smaller and are more slender than the males, and have small or no antlers, so you will get small antlers as a drop from females and large antlers as a drop from males. They are fragile targets that are easily dispatched due to a very low amount of health. However, if you succeed in attacking one without killing it, it will flee rather than fight back, which can often be achieved by using a weak ranged spell or low level bow/arrows. Deer often scatter at the first sound of a passer-by, making them rather hard to dispatch for low level or melee players. However, characters with high Sneak can get closer to them. (Unconfirmed, but walking up to them with no weapons may cause them not to flee). If the Dragonborn is careful and does not disturb the Deer, they can be found standing still or slowly wandering around. They can then be easily picked off with a well-placed arrow. While hunting Deer, it is a good idea to either be equipped with a small amount of stamina potions or the "Whirlwind Sprint" shout to easily chase after them, if you do not kill them right away.

You can use the Fury or Frenzy spell to make it hostile, if you do so, the Deer will attack you, but it deals very little damage.

Drops

 * Venison
 * Deer Hide
 * Large Antlers
 * Small Antlers
 * Small loot: soul gems, rings, and etc.

Strengths

 * They can run fast, resulting in escape.

Weaknesses

 * Low Health
 * Deals little damage

Damage types
Soul Level
 * Physical
 * Petty

Bugs

 * Occasion when fleeing after attack, deer may randomly slide up objects at impossible angles, such as with trees or rocks.

Appearances

 * The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
 * The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim