Anyone going on St Vincicnt Island Sambar deer hunt?

[Tradtical Commando]

I got drawn and am heading that way. Anyone else going or have any experience with it they can share? So far I am flying solo and blind.

[threeunder]

I had toyed with the idea of applying, but didn't.  Now sort of regretting it.

I am of no help (never done it before), but would really enjoy reading about your adventure.

[nineworlds9]

I considered applying but just accepted that I don't have the time to get away to do it.  Its enough of a battle to fight for time (work&wife) to hunt locally.  Someday.  Looks like it would be a neat adventure.

[Danny Rowan]

Never hunted them there, but, get a cow elk call, they will come to calls, they talk much like an elk just do not be real loud with it. That is what I use here on Guam and it will bring them in. Do not know what the island is like, but they like the thick stuff.

[groyce]

I meant to apply and let the date get by me. Good luck and give us a story on your return

[robtattoo]

*sigh*

Drew another bagel this year  :(  That's 3 in a row.

One day I'll get down there & hunt 'em.

If you get chance before the season, buy a leftover whitetail tag & spend a weekend scouting/hunting the deer & hogs.
I'm assuming you have a boat/canoe?
Our plan was to boat across to the West point, from Indian Pass. Unfortunately, all the Sambar are at the East side of the island in the thick marsh areas & that's a heck of a walk. Looking at the map, I'd guess 8 or 9 miles. We were talking about taking mountain bikes, just to get across to the East.

[Izzy]

Congrats! How awesome a tag is that??? Good luck and keep a good journal to share if you have the time. Id sure like to hunt them.

[MCNSC]

Sent you a PM

[Tradtical Commando]

Rob, my understanding is that for Sambar guys contract boats to drop them off and pick them up on the far side.

 I do have a couple kayaks, were I going to the close side. It is a pretty long drive to FL for me, I don't know if I will be able to get that way again for deer/hogs this year. I will gather any available intel for you that I can though.

[Jerry Russell]

Guys, before you use a kayak for this trip, check with fish and game. My understanding that you must enter and camp on the opposite end from Indian pass. Any small boat with a small motor will get you there via the bay side.

Contact Indian Pass Campground for information on a charter to the far end of the island. I am sure they can help you.

Good luck to those that are going. It is a beautiful place.

[swampdrummer]

Theres a few guys over on the Florida Sportsman forum that drew tags this year. Not sure what season though. Might drop in there and see what you can find out

[MCNSC]

I went several years ago. We chartered a boat to take us. Don't remember the price but it wasn't too bad.
Beautiful place to hunt!

[Tradtical Commando]

I wanted to bring this back to life. Has anyone else been drawn?

[ChuckC]

wow,  I really wasn't even aware of this hunt.  I guess it goes into the bucket for a future possibility.

ChuckC

[Medic85]

I havent been drawn yet but I do the primitive weapons hunt every year it's a blast.  You do have to put in on the west pass for the sambar hunt and my understanding is that the best way is to go out of Apalachicola.  Don't forget your bicycle.

[ChuckC]

Can you do it all from a bike instead of hauling the kayak ?

What are the chances of drawing ?  Decent ? or am i in for a lifetime wait ?
ChuckC

[randy grider]

Did i see a video once of Fred Bear hunting there ?

[Medic85]

If you're going to charter someone to haul your gear to the island for you then you can leave the kayak at home. Not only that the west pass it a very long trip as opposed to Indian Pass.  Stand access has to be made from the land.  Unfortunately you cant drive or paddle to a certain point and go in believe me we asked so have a good working bicycle with a comfortable seat the oyster shells are bumpy.

[Slasher]

Originally posted by randy grider:
Did i see a video once of Fred Bear hunting there ?

I believe you saw ole Fred hunting with Buzz Aldrin on St Vincents!!!

[bushwood]

You must leave and return to the campgrounds for all hunts on the island. It is one of the toughest hunts I have ever done and it was years ago when I was in better shape. Mountain bike is the way to go for sure.

In spite of the heavy population of pork targets roaming the island, the rattlesnake population is unlike anywhere I've ever seen so keep your eyes peeled.

The lakes are numbered so keep your ears to the ground at camp for sightings by the staff. You may hear, "saw some around 3", and so forth.

Approach the marshes from downwind and stay along the downwind edges and you might get lucky.