Vulnerability to predation and water constraints limit behavioural adjustments of ungulates in response to hunting risk

► Behavioural changes in harvested populations are often used as indicators of species sensitivity to human hunting. ► Vulnerability to predators or environmental constraints may also influence behavioural responses to hunting risk. ► The most vulnerable species may be unable to adjust their behaviour further in response to hunting risk. ► Our results show that behavioural indicators do not always adequately reflect animals' responses to human disturbance.