Just wondered, as I hunt for them almost exclusively, and am looking to compare notes.
Adam

I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about Sika Deer. Are they native? Can nonresidents hunt them?

The Sitka deer population is mostly on Chincuateague (sp) and Assateague islands which are part of a state or national park. I forget which. Chincateage is in Virgina whearas Assateague is in Maryland and is home to the wild ponies. I havn't hunted them or inquired about it from any knowlegeable source, but from what I've heard they are a problem due to the large numbers of them. There is some effort to ease restrictions on hunting these little elk. I was told by friends that I didn't need a state liscense just a permit from the park officials. I don't know how accurate this information is. I would suggest you contact the Assateague park rangers for clarification. HTH

Hi fellas,
First, the sika deer are not native, they were imported from Asia around the turn of the century. They were originally released on James Island, in the Chesapeake. From there, they swam to the mainland. Most of these miniature elk actually live in Dorchester county, Md, although some do live on Assateague. These are hunted by permit, and you do need a liscense. These are rather tame in some areas, so I'm not sure how much you'd enjoy hunting them there. It's mostly a population control thing, because they eat almost everything, and cause damage to the marsh. If you're looking to hunt them, I'd start by getting a map of Fishing Bay WMA, or Taylors Island WMA and look for places with access, although most of it's by boat. These little guys love the water, and usually only leave the marsh at night to forage, or during the rut, which is usually the third week in October. They're fantastic game animals, with a completely unigue set of challenges. All you need is a nonresident hunting liscense, with no special permits. The hardest thing is finding a place to hunt, unless you have a small boat. I lease land in Dorchester county, and have some really prime ground, abutting the river. You can also apply for a permit to hunt on Blackwater refuge, for both sika and whitetail. The reason's the regs were tighteneed, is because a few years ago, when the waterfowl were essentially unhuntable, the guides turned to these guys. The state realized what a great animal they have, and now they are even stricter than the whitetail. I've taken a number of them, and some nice bucks. A big buck will go about 85 lbs, with a 6 pt rack. My brother killed a 100 lb 6 pt, and it was first in the state with blackpowder, if that gives you any idea. The does average 30-50, with my best being 60lbs. It's weird to see a 30 lb deer, with a fawn, but it's the truth. The main challenge with these guys are the misquitos, as you have no choice but to cover yourself with bugspray. Some people, myself included would never do it otherwise, but believe me, you have no choice in their habitats. You simply cannot hunt with out it. Period. Also, hip boots are standard equipment, as most stand sites will be in standing water. 2-3 feet of water is perfect for these guys, although they'll venture into the hardwoods to feed, usually at night. The problem of blood trailing these guys is so bad, they used to be illegal to hunt with a bow. Many use a string tracker. You could double lung one, and if hee goes 100 yds, and falls into 2 feet of water, you'll be lucky to find him, many times, there isn't ANY blood trail. Almost everone who hunts them believes they are a little tougher than whitetails, and big bores are needed when rifle hunting. Many use a slug gun because of the big hole, and the knockdown power. I iknow many respectable writers like to say there's no excuse for loosing any lung shot animal, but if these guys go 150 yds, you can almost forget it. 10 ft marsh grass, with 2-3 feet of water makes it almost impossible. Hence the string tracker. Sorry to ramble, but I really love to hunt these guys, and I hope I answered any questions.

sika,you hit the nail right on the head.i also lease some land in dorchester co.,we also own some land that is prime for these little deer....right on the chicamicomico river.i have seen over the past twenty five years that they have went from very few to a whole lot..............PREDATOR

[This message has been edited by PREDATOR (edited 05-25-2001).]

Sika & Predator

Would either of you guys be interested in helping someone with hunting these things? I'm a career Navy man and will be returning to the East coast in about a year. I've read about hunting them, but have never had the chance. If you are willing to help, maybe I can trade you a hunt. I'm a Colorado native and can set up an elk or deer hunt out this way?

What do you say, want to trade??

Mac

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When hunting and fishing get in the way of your job, it is time to quit the job!

Sika,

Do you know where I could find a website of a guide who hunts these deer?

Thanks for the great info,

Bill

Hey guys,
I'd gladly help set you up, and I know of a couple of very good guides. I have one brochure at my parents house, so I'll pick it up tonight or tomorrow, and give you the info. I know the guy personally, and he just purchased some new land that should be prime hunting for sika. As soon as I can, I'll get it to you.
As for a Colorado hunt, I'm all ears. I'm doing more and more of my hunting on public land, not just in my club lease, as I find that it's mostly ignored, especially if you can boat back in a little bit. If you're talking about getting out here in a year or so, I'm sure we can get into them. Just let me know when.
Adam

In Virginia I believe they live only on Chincoteague, which is a National Wildlife Refuge--hunting is by a lottery which apparently isn't too tough as I know a young lady who has gotten drawn twice, along with her boyfriend, in the past three years.

My recollection is that in that part of MD you must hunt with shotguns only but in VA rifles are legal (rifles vs. shotgun-only is a county option in VA). If so, what do you recommend? I was thinking that if I get drawn I would use a synthetic-stocked .270 with relatively light loads, or something in the 6.5x55 to 7x57 range.

John,depends on the county that your huntin.In dorchester co.,where i hunt you can use a rifle.

Mac,i would be interested in a swap hunt of some sort. PREDATOR