Maryland Sika deer hunters??

[Julian]

Just doing a little internet research into some possible trips for this fall. I ran across some information on hunting these little guys in Maryland. Does anyone know what all is needed to hit the woods? It says a year license is $130 but it also says I need a deer stamp but I can't seem to find how much the stamp costs... am I missing something? Any help shedding some lights on all the necessary tags and permits would be greatly appreciated thanks in advance!!

[two4hooking]

Non-resident license and a bow stamp is all you need.

Need hip waders and deet with a backup thermacell.

Great fun but a physically challenging hunt!  

Good luck and don't field dress them until you get out if the marsh (septic field) lol

[Julian]

Good to know! So is the bow stamp free?

[two4hooking]

No, bow stamp costs you a little.  Also a small fee if you plan to hunt blackwater.

[reddogge]

I may add most people hunt them from tree stands due to the thick cover they live in.

You can apply to Blackwater Wildlife Refuge for a permit to hunt there. There are other public lands like Assateague Island, Chesapeake Forest Lands. Google public hunting lands in Dorchester, Worchester counties. Otherwise it's all private or owned or leased to clubs.

 https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/South_Zone/Chesapeake_Marshlands_Complex/Blackwater/Deer_Hunt_Brochure_2015-16.pdf

We do field dress them in the field. It's only marsh mud and will wash out easily with a hose.

[Cwilder]

Non res bow stamp is 25.00 plus lic cost
Two thermacells
Hip or chest waders
Gps once dark the frag can be fun to navigate I like to have a pole also to help balance while walking in the slop  

[Julian]

Thanks for all the information! From what I've been seeing it's definitely some thick stuff they live in and most people do hunt from stands. This one is gonna take some scouting. I'm actually going on another hunt in the fall and it would be during winter when and if I go. Do the gun hunters move in like an army like they do everywhere else that has a short season??

[reddogge]

Of course, me among them.

[Julian]

Nothing wrong with that, how is the small game hunting? I read where you guys have ruffed grouse. Obviously you won't find them in the same areas as the Sika but I was wondering what the population was like?

[two4hooking]

The grouse are harder and harder to find. Have to do a LOT of walking to find them.  I only heard a few drumming out in Allegheny county this spring.

[bunyan]

I grew up in central Maryland. Grouse are in the mountains in the western end of the state where I went to college. They're around, but not easy to find. Sika are down on the eastern shore where I lived after school. There are quail on the eastern shore bit they're also sparce and not like to be found in good sika habitat. Then there are delmarva fox squirrels, which are endangered and protected. Because of this there are restrictions on squirrel hunting public lands on the eastern shore. Like others have said, thermacells and hip boots are a must. If you have a small boat that can open up access to more spots. Sika move best early and late in the day, so bring a headlamp and plan to sit during those times. I'm mostly a ground hunter but treestands are a definite advantage. I'm no expert on sikas, but its fun hunting.  They're also smaller than whitetails so don't overshoot them cause they look further away! Good luck!

[tracker12]

Recommend hunting them in early OCT when the rut is on.  Noting like hearing the stags whistling in the frag.  Always use a walking stick as was recommended.  It's a challenge but rewarding if you score on one.

[bunyan]

Also, when wading the Chesapeake bay marshes, try to walk on marsh grass, DON'T walk on open mud unless you want to see how deep you can sink ! Hint, it can be well over your waist!! The most fun is when you sink to your hips, struggle to get your leg out, and drop back down on your next step! Good times!

[Julian]

All solid information, thank you. Hopefully I can make a trip happen.