Last Day Gun Hunt

Back to the same spot as I told about on Tuesday. This time very little wind but enough to carry our scent across the marsh. I saw 3 antlered white tails WT, 12 doe WTs and 7 sikas but all were across the creek...not one deer on our side. A great morning to be out for sure. Turkeys were gobbling and the geese were flying good. Left at 11:30.

Cold, Windy Sika Hunt

Headed to Dorchester, despite the weather report of high winds, to see if I could catch a stag being blown around within range. Didn't happen....I saw a young whitetail 3 pointer under the feeder. He said shoot me, shoot me but he lives to see another day. I did see a stag and another unknown about 400 yards across the marsh. The wind was so strong that it would have stopped the bullet before it got there LOL. I hung in there til 11:45 am. I intend to go back when the wind slows down and the surrounding properties provide some pressure. The view was stunning with a great mix of phrag beds, short grass, needle rush marsh, creek and a great view.

Another Great Day with Joshua

Joshua came over Friday night and we prepared for his second deer hunt by handling the rifle some and going over good kill shots while looking at deer in various positions. 4 am came early but he was excited. Ate some brekafast and dressed for the cold. At the farm we met a father and his 10 year old son who was trying to kill his first deer. Joshua and his boy hit it off from the start.

We were on stand by 6:15 and didn't see a deer until about 9:45. Before 10:30 arrived we saw a total of 5; none with antlers. Since Joshua killed a doe on youth day he decided he wanted to only kill an antlered stag or whitetail....it was his decision and he stuck with it. We heard his buddy shoot but it was a miss.

Into the lodge we went and had a great lunch while the two boys played pool and kept occupied. They were truly deer hunting buds. Morning hunts were planned but both wanted to stay and our gracious host said please do. We went back to the same stand with great anticipation for seeing a lot of deer. Well, we saw deer that Joshua could have killed but he was holding out for the antlered deer. We heard a stag bugle a couple of times getting closer each time but we ran out of light.

Just before we called it quits we heard his new friend's gun go off. getting over to their hunting site we found his friend standing next to an adult doe anxious to tell Joshua the story. High 5s all around. Neat thing: his friend killed his first deer, a doe, out of the same box blind within 10 yards of where Joshua's first deer fell.

What a great day...time with my grandson. We went home where I fixed us supper and then took him home. His mom told me they watch a movie. I was lucky to make it home and crash. We appreciate the kindness of our host to let us hunt on such a great farm.

 

Sika Country Gun

Tried the old sika spot in Dorchester this am despite the strong winds and it was fairly cold. Actually the wind swung around and blew the wrong way. When that happens I'm out of there; and so I was. I didn't see nor hear anything while I was hunting.

Stopped at the Birthday Boy's shop Jason Kephart and picked up a thumbhole stock I bought for the Encore. Jason felt, as I did, that the season was kinda slow...not much movement. Maybe this string of cold weather days will help. I want to take a sika hind to put in the freezer this week...that doesn't mean I won't put a good stag on the ground though.

Tomorrow morning  will be fun as I take Joshua, my grandson, again with hopes that he can take a sika or a decent whitetail buck. I better take a sleeping bag for him to crawl into as it is supposed to be pretty darn brisk. He is excited to go...I do believe the hunting fire burns in him...we'll see.
Later

Gun Season Hunts in Maryland

Well, I started gun season on Sunday evening in Somerset County. The weather was cold and the regulars (5 of us) were hunting. I scouted around a little and taking the wind into consideration I decided to do a first evening ever in a stand I put up last year in January. A camera was on the finger of land closer to the bedding area island. It was a good evening to be out but I never saw any deer until reaching the food plot with very poor light. No one else saw a thing.

The next morning was cold and found me in a stand on the neighboring property. I saw movement to my left but it was small 6 pointer which turned to walk up right past me. I earped him he stopped at about 12 yards getting his picture taken, ran a few steps then looked back one more time. I saw a button and that was it for all of us...they just weren't moving. That evening I took a stand off the road. A couple back in the thick caught my wind but I never sighted a deer. The owner took the stand I was in that morning and saw two but no shots.

The last morning brought a big chahge to a warm 51 this morning.  I elected to walk and scout out some edges along a bedding area. I carried my Winchester 30-30 cal. I jumped a couple out of their beds. I located a good stand tree overlooking the edge and will put it up soon for some late season action hopefully. One of the guys saw a nice 2 1/2 year old 6 pointer that he passed on. He saw 3 other 6 monthers which he passed on. The owner saw a small buck and a fawn.

I came home that afternoon . The three that stayed did not see any deer in the pm. We are supposed to get a cold front Wednesday night. Good for that. The pics show the view from a spot I hunted and  what one of the big boys made.

Thanksgiving Wish

With much gratitude today my wife and I are reflecting upon what is good and what God has given us. We especially are thinking about my nephew Gunny Sgt. Jeff who is serving his fourth tour, second in Afganistan. It is service men and women like him that are affording us the remaining freedoms we have.
 It is in that spirit that we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
__________________


Check out my new blog at http://wildlifeadvantage.blogspot.com/
Call 410-742-1445 or go to http://www.dougwigfield.com/ to purchase the sika print "Closing the Gap", the Sika Seducer call amd other hunting items. Go to http://www.crowmart.com/ for Crow Hunting Merchandise.

Coyote Hunting

Went to Dorchester County in the p.m. to meet an acquaintance and try to help them out with a big problem... coyotes. Snuck in the back along the river in a big hardwoods. (Too hot, full moon, mosquitos, not hungry, not inquisitive). Got in with the proper wind. Used an injured cottontal sound out of my Foxpro. Also the adult female attracting sound. Both were to no avail as we never laid our eyes on or heard one. We'll try again when the weather is cold.

Hunted sikas in the p m. Warm...mosquitoes out. Never saw any sikas and heard a few sikas bugling. Will give you another report on Saturday, the beginning of Maryland Rifle Season..

Somerset am and Delaware pm

Went to Somerset Co. to sneak around a little and put out two cameras for the owner.

pm - Set up on a field...a field where I've killed frequently. All came out on the other side where another friend was. He said the majority were 6 monthers. I never saw any on my side. Its raining tonight ... we'll see what that brings for tomorrow. I'd like to do some doe reduction in Delaware and Somerset.

Joshua's First Deer Hunt

   Saturday, Nov.13, was the Youth Deer Hunt here in Maryland. Joshua, my grandson, and I have been talking about this hunt since he received his Hunters Safety Certificate in the Spring. A very good friend gave me an invite to bring Joshua for his "first deer hunt". I've spent a 35 1/2 year career as a wildlife biologist and I can say that this is the best managed farm for deer, both whitetail and sika, that I know of. I gratefully accepted.
   I admit I was touched and equally grateful when the farm owners son (now taller than I am) came to me, handing me a gun case and said, " I'd like to let Joshua use the youth model rifle that I killed my first deer with on this farm." Definitly a very generous offer...things were falling into place. We sighted in the Remington, Youth Model Seven, 7mm-08 on Wednesday and Joshua shot it well with a 2 1/2 " group, great for any first timer and for most experienced riflemen. I couldn't find any of the "reduced recoil" shells that Remington made but had a regular on the Maryland Whitetail website offer to load some up for Joshua. The rifle loved them and Joshua's shoulder did as well. I really appreciate his kindness in taking his time to load them up.
   Joshua's parents dropped him off at the house on Friday evening. We prepped for the hunt, along with having fun, by looking at kill shots on animals standing at different angles, talking about what animals we would try to shoot, load up a back pack with drinks and snacks and take a shower with no scent soap.
The scentless clothing was set out and off to bed we went as 4 am would come early.
   It was a short night. I woke Joshua up, we got dressed and ate some breakfast. We Google Earthed and looked at the days game plan. We also checked the weather and new it would be cold at first with the wind out of the North...pretty good for our location.
   . It was going to be a fun day. We met the landowner then made our way to the elevated shooting box. We saw seven whitetails and one sika but all were moving and wouldn't give Joshua a shot. One was was too far for his maximum effective distance. All in all a good morning. We left the box at 11 and decided to get back to the same spot in the early afternoon. We met a friend and his nephew for lunch They hunted that morning in a different county and his nephew killed one.
   Back to the box at 2:30 we encountered a problem. Not only did we want to get in that box blind but so did a bunch of wasps...much to Joshua's chagrin. We conquered that problem and got down to the task at hand...killing a deer. We saw and got good photos of a red fox, a bearded hen turkey and a couple of furry old groundhogs. The shadows started lengthening as he anticipated the deer coming to the food plot. At about 4:40 an adult doe came into the plot. Joshua got the sights on it quickly giving him a good quartering away shot. I asked, "are you on it" and he said,"granddaddy, can I shoot?" I said squeeze and at the report, the deer went off its feet for good. He turned and said "I got it granddaddy". I'll never forget that moment.      After some high 5's and hugs we got to the deer for some photos, loaded it up and headed for the lodge where our host soon arrived for a first hand story, more high 5's and more pics.

   It was a fantastic day...a great time together and the reception of another hunter into the ranks. Thanks for a wonderful day Joshua. I am very proud of you. A big thanks to our host...priceless.

Heavy Winds Brings On Needed Chores

First - had my trucks engine de-carbonized / cleaned; something needed once a year at the number of miles it has and the kind of gas we have to use.

Second - sighted the 7mm-08 , Rem Model 7 that my grandson will use on Saturday, Youth Deer   
               Day. I'll take him on Wednesday to the range to shoot some. I'll keep his shots to 100
               yards or less on Saturday. Hopefully I'll have a mess of photos to put on here Saturday.

I'm going to hunt with a friend up in Talbot County tomorrow morning. Hope to see some of those big old bucks cruising around. Will hopefully have some pics tomorrow.

Put Lethal Weapon Out

After 2 bottles of dry gas and waking the neighbors up with backfiring, etc the 4 Runner finally straightened out enough to use it. It is still cutting off sometimes when I come to a stop. I'm checking the fuel filter and de-carbonize the engine tomorrow.

I purchased another camera this afternoon so I'll have some good photos to document Joshua's first kill (fingers crossed) 

Drove to where I will take Joshua the first morning of the youth hunt and put out some corn and LW. He stands a good chance of seeing a sika as well as a whitetail. I hope a big old stag comes in for his first deer. Grand daddy would love that. The Seducer will hopefully do the trick one more time.

Vehicle Trouble - Of All Times

Yup...the 4 Runner goes on the blink yesterday afternoon. After turning out of the driveway, the engine started sputtering and backfiring with a severe loss of power.  What could it be...??? water in gas, clogged fuel pump, bad plugs, carbon build up??? I maintain it properly but it is a '99 and has 175K + miles on it. Of course it happened when all the shops are closed for the weekend.  Saturday is the Youth Deer Hunt and my grandson is primed to kill his first...we've got to get there.Wish me luck with the vehicle.

Friday...No Hunt Day for Me

   Well, this was catch up day with Wildlife Advantage and Crowmart. I filled orders, got them to the PO and ordered more merchandise. The Seducers are selling well with Gander Mtn, Shore Sportsman and Woolford Store reordering. I also had a MWC'er stop by and pick up two bags of Lethal Weapon.
   I'll support the wife tonight by attending one of her extravagant, choral programs. They are worth going to and she is definitly worth supporting.
   I'll get out after whitetails again tomorrow and get the grandson out to shoot his rifle in prep for "youth day". If you get out there use a full body harness and, by all means, don't come home muttering "I should have tried........"    Doug

Big 8 point Falls on Election Day

I headed for Somerset County yesterday to check out the whitetail sign and the two new food plots. After seeing some scrapes and running out of daylight, I took a stand where I killed a 3 1/2 year old   8 pointer two years ago. I rattled but never saw a deer. You don't always see them or none came close. The food plot looked real good.

A.M. - cold...30s. I decided to still hunt and continue to scout sign. I checked out the cherry grove ... found a couple new scrapes. Moved across the berm to the front field. After checking out an old ladder stand in a narrow, wooded funnel between the marsh and the field  I stepped back out into the field and turned to be face to face with a shooter buck, 70 yards away looking directly at me. 8:30 am. Rather than bolt he stood there while I tried the old Indian trick of trying to look like a deer lol bent over (nothing ventured ; nothing gained), moving out of his sight while grunting at him. Completing my manuever lol I peeped around the bush and grunted once more. Much to my surprise he started walking in my direction. I quickly nocked and arrow and watched the edge but more so watched down wind, in the woods behind me. Sure enough; he circled down wind. He presented a 36 yard, broadside shot. Magically, nothing was in the arrows flight path except him and I delivered the slick trick to his vitals. The hit was a little high and took one lung out (found out later) ... a grueling tracking job ensued. I stuck with it and then the landowner showed up and helped. He and I continued with diligence and found him at about 11 am.
   He was a big bodied 8 point, weighing 191 lbs. ..a fine specimen of an animal. I'm pretty sure I have him on camera from last year. I'll check his teeth for age but I think he is a 3 1/2 er. Since my camera broke I will  post a photoes when I can.
   In my estimation the bucks are cruising now at all hours of the day looking hard for estrus does. Its now time to rattle, grunt and use decoys. Good luck, be safe and be aggressive.
                                              Remember: "It won't work if you don't try it"

Continued Stag Hunting

a.m. - elected to go in and take a stand overlooking a marsh. I had heard 4 bugling stags from that position the evening before. I got in early and super quiet and was rewarded with hearing some growling close by...the only trouble is that they were already by me heading for where they normally bed. I had to hope some calling would bring a stag to investigate or a hounded hind in estrus would drag one by. Neither brought in one for a shot. I saw one stag.

p.m. - same stand as above knowing that stags were in that area but would they be cruising all day??? A favorable wind turned more from the south and blew a good 20+ mph. - disaster as the wind was blowing my scent to the wrong area. I got the heck out with never seeing a deer. I did however see one of the most gorgeous sunsets I have ever seen.

I want to concentrate on whitetails but oh those sikas............

I need to get my grandson, Joshua, out to the range to sight in the 7mm-08 for the youth deer hunt.

PM Stag Hunt

Well, its the first I've been back into sika country since Sunday and boy did it feel good...heat or no heat. I took a stand on the edge of the marsh; an area where sika have been using. We heard 5 different stags a couple of which would have made it to us if we could have had the light a little longer. No deer seen. Oh well thats hunting.

I'm going to shift my attention tomorrow am to the whitetail woods...haven't been there in a while. Been hearing reliable reports that scrapes are showing up like crazy. That means its rattling time...one of my favorites. We'll see whats moving and scout the woods on the way out. I broke my camera so i won't have any photos until I can replace it. I hate not having it.

Early Muzzleloader - Sika Deer Show

The 2010 Early Muzzleloader Season found me helping my friend and landowner host the North American Whitetail TV Show...their concentration: the sika deer in Maryland The guest hunters Gordon Whittington, Editor in Chief of North American Whitetail Magazine and "Dr. Deer", Dr.James Kroll  a 32 year wildlife biologist who has concentrated his career on whitetail deer. Gordon and Dr. Deer had some close sika encounters but couldn't close the deal with a kill on film. They did however get some good sika footage. Fortunately, I was able to call in and lower the boom on a fine, mature stag. The antlers were very unique and sported 13 inch main beams. The animal was a brute with a live weight of 121 lbs.and one of the nicest stags I've ever killed. The farm we hunted on is managed for deer and, with a career in wildlife, is one of the best managed for deer that I've ever seen. It should be a great program on Maryland's sika deer. It will air sometime next summer/fall. Jason at Oak Creek Taxidermy in church Creek will try to bring the brute back to life by completing a full body mount. I will keep you posted as to when the show airs.

First Day Early Muzzleloader

A fantastic hunt ...needless to say. Will give details after Saturdays hunt.

Lethal Weapon Live Observation

As some of you know Lethal Weapon (LW) is a food/attractant that Joe from MWC came out with recently. I have been selling it in Wic., Som., Wor. and in Delaware for him. I haven't tried it very much but the following is an observation I had last week at a whitetail spot: 

Placed some of the LW mixed with corn out a couple of days ago. I then came back the next evening to hunt there and poured some of the mix out again. A couple of does fed around in the food plot and then a 2 1/2 year old (could be a 3 1/2) 8 point came out and went to the LW/corn. He fed on it then walked away about 20 yards, stopped, turned around and went back to it. He fed then started to walk away only to turn around one more time and go back. He must have really liked the taste of it.

I also watched a button buck the same evening feed all over a newly planted wheat field and also around the edges on pokeberry and other misc browse. After an hour it finally fed my way and chanced upon a football size pile of LW  placed about 30 yards out. It approached carefully walking around it smelling cautiously/intently. Then it stretched it neck way out and picked up a morsel or two. I could hear it crunching but turned to walk away only to change its mind and take a few more bites. It then kept its head in that pile eating, allowing me to descend the treestand and leave. I took one final glance back and its head was still buried in the pile. 

Others are finding the same thing. If you want to try a 50# bag or more of it give me a call to arrange pick up. Not a bad price at $19 per bag. Its recommended to mix it with corn after an initial feeding of straight LW.

First Day Duck Season

Saturday a.m. found me hanging on over looking a typical but most beautiful piece of sika habitat. The duck hunters were out in force and what a day they had...windy, clear. It sounded like a first day dove shoot. I hoped this deer hunting disturbance would have sikas crawling all over me. Oh contrare...no bugling and only caught glimpses of 3 hinds and a spike out in the marsh. 1 presented a shot but I was waiting for a stag.

With extreme high winds and duck hunters out I elected to move off the marsh edge into a more upland situation with a food plot as a draw...sika tracks all over it ...mostly after dark. Well, that food plot was only frequented by a few whitetails and a couple of groundhogs. A very nice whitetail buck came in and presented the shot but it was his lucky day...another year or two should make a lot of difference.

Chasing Big Time

 Yesterday was a sika hunters delight. The morning found me at a stand site overlooking a great piece of marsh. Was up in the dark but as is got lighter there was a sika in the path I just walked in on ... 10 yards away....still too dark to even tell what sex it was. Another walked under the stand, stopped under the phrag and took a tinkle then walked off. Splashing occurred on the marsh all morning. At about 9 am I saw a big, shooter stag chasing a hind about 80 yards out. Not much you can do except to try bugling and piss him off...maybe he'll come over. No go as he liked the real hind better...imagine that.
PM - the marsh (middle of it ) was alive with splashing, chasing, growling and moaning. Same as the morning...nothing got close enough for a shot
I just heard from a friend that called a spike in this morning and placed the arrow right where it needed to be. He used a combo of bugles and chirps.

Unfortunately I couldn't go today but will hit it again tomorrow. Now is the time to be sika hunting
fellas.  ***WARNING TO NEWBIES***  Sika hunting is addictive.



Closing the Gap...Maryland Sika Deer

As the sika rut heats up I thought I would show you this fantastic print by my friend Will Goebel. It is being offered for sale at this time for $99 which gets it to your door. To find out the dimensions and more particulars go to my website http://www.dougwigfield.com/, see the print description page and print it off. Do yourself a favor and if you don't want to purchase it right now, hand or mail the printed page to a loved ones and remind them that it would make a wonderful Christmas present.

Saturday - Some a.m. Sika Action

Made the trip ,shortened with stag anticipation, to a good spot in Dorchester. Got back plenty early and intenteded on setting up the decoy right before I settled in. That plan didn't work as I could see deer in the marsh meadow on my first climb. Not wanting to spook them I pulled the bow up and got ready for a stag... the hind and fawn were across the meadow. I tried some soft calling...they fed along the phrag for 15 minutes then disappeared. I heard a stag bugle across the meadow. A half hour later another hind appeared then quickly entered the phrag on the other side. Time passed.no more bugling..I scanned the small phrag patch to my immediate left. There was hardly any wind yet I saw a phrag stalk bend widely....you know what that means. Sure enough a nice hind and a young one fed within range. Moving into an opening, I drew the bow and held forever...she never gave me a good  shot...I let down without being detected. She was either facing me or directly away from me. I never got the right angle for a shot so I snapped a photo with both moving away from me.

Got down at 10 am and attended the fall meeting of the MBS at Percy Ransome's place on Smithville Rd.

Good to see all there. Can't wait to get back over this week...go away HEAT.

Delaware Muzzleloader

Well, it looks like I need to catch up. Friday morning found me over in Delaware checking the Fatal Attraction from the stand with the smokepole in hand. It was a gorgeous morning as I met a friend there. The acorns were falling like crazy and the squirrels drove me crazy. Not much had hit the corn / FA Deer didn't move but scouted on the way out and found more large scrapes ; most under hollys. I have to admit that I thought about the stags bugling in Dorchester.

MWC Fatal Attraction

I sealed up a care package we are sending to my nephew who is in Afganistan somewhere. He is a career Marine, gysgt, annd is serving his 2nd tour there and served 2 tours in Iraq. I am really proud of him and of all those who are serving to give us the freedom that we have right now.

I had to work so I did have time to squeeze getting some fatal attraction over to a stand site I have in Delaware. I would like to have put a camera on it but knew better. It is in a fairly thick spot...the kind you would expect to see a big ole buck sneaking around in. I hope that is the case. I will probably sika hunt but do want to see if anything found the attraction since this morning. Decisions - decisions. I'll let you all know what happens with it.

Sika Hunt

Got an invite and didn't hesitate. Heading through the property early in the am came upon a nice stag and a couple other sikas. The owner said he could make it to the stand location we were headed to. Up pre day light I heard duck hunters heading out to scout and bush up blinds. Deer did not move early in my field of vision. Saw my first at 7:55 am ...a 5" stag but couldn't get it to come closer than 50 yards...a stag on a mission. 25 minutes later heard some splashing and caught brief glimpses of two running to another part of the marsh. Heard 3 bugles.

PM - another part of the farm. We heard two stags bugling late and jumped one sika ? sex out of its bed when sneaking into the stands. I don't know what this week will bring but do know that the sika action is heating up. Stay tuned..........

Only a few bags left of the MWC Fatal Attraction. Call me if you want to get some.

Yesterday - The Deluge

Although the wind was up we took a chance and headed into sika country rain or no rain. Got up in a good area, set out the new decoy and climbed on up. I guess the wind and rain put them down as we didn't see or hear any sikas. The decoy was extremely easy to set up...just like a Montana Decoy. The maker did a wonderful job on it. I took a photo of it on higher ground in a big, open woods. See below

The owner came back in to get me and thought it was a real hind. I will be experimenting with them in the next couple of weeks of the sika rut and will keep you posted. I used some home made sikas with moderate success in the past. The picture quality and color should fool them I would expect. They are extremely portable, light weight and not bulky (you can put them in your pack or inside your shirt to kep your hands free. I will be selling them as they are absolutely the best I've experienced. They are like a Montana Decoy.

The weather degenerated in the late afternoon....soooooo........what better time to put up two stands and cut the appropriate shooting lanes.. We accomplished the task but were totally soaked to the bone. The water rose dramatically over our knee boots in just 2 1/2 hours. It was raining so hard that, on the way back to the truck for a tool, a 4' snake, trying to get to high ground, swam right under me in mid stride. With what we put up I can't wait to get back there for a hunt.

Rut Heating Up in Sika Country

Posted up in a sika hole lat night with a 15 yard shot max. After much heat and no bugles the last week last night was the opposite with 3 to 4 different stags heard. My vocalizations brought nothing but some distant splashing. My partners bugle and whine brought a hind then a six pointer chasing. he didn't get a shot because of the stag's hind chasing antics which got the adrenalin pumping.

Will try tomorrow morning unless its a hard rainout. I will be testing out a new sika decoy the following few weeks. I have had success in the past using a sika decoy but this one is top shelf. I'll get some photos of it up shortly with a description of its great features. Stay tuned............

Also, I received and have sold most of the 20 bags of MWC Fatal Attraction that I picked up yesterday. I have a few left at $19 / 50 lb bag. I can't wait to get some out and get a camera on it. It smells great and should be quite an attractant. Stay tuned and read about it on the MWC site.                                                         

Rainy (I'm glad) Monday

Raining steady today which is really good for the two food plots that were planted yesterday. A couple more days of rain will do it. We headed to the whitetail woods this morning with a couple of stands to place. Turns out we just put up one. It looks like a good doe spot.

We didn't find the killing tree so the stand was't put up. We looked around and found another good deep woods rub. If you look you can still see the bark...still wet. I had another friend mention finding woods scrapes and rubs a lot earlier than what he ever seen in the past

Just read that Jason and Pilchard went after a sika this am. Jason cow called, the hind ran in and Pilchard let the air out of it. Great job guys...active hunting.

Foot Plot Planting Pre Rain

Well, two perennial food plots were planted by Jay Klaverweiden on our Somerset property this afternoon. If we get the 60% rain tonight and 80% rain tomorrow it should get them off to a good start. They will end up primarily Durano Clover plots for the next few years. I know the deer will take a liking to them. We also took down two little used ladder stands and will place them in key positions at the Delaware farm. I'll get some photos of that on tomorrow. I'm glad the weather is starting to get cooler now.

Hot Saturday

I headed to one of my Dorchester sika spots this morning but ended up scouting and not really hunting. I checked out a new area for travel routes. Once I found those I selected a tree and marked / cut my way to and from it. Had to cut through poison most of the way. I used to get it badly as a kid. Now that I'm the opposite maybe this old crusty skin won't be affected. I guess I'll find out within the day. I can bow hunt it and also see a good ways for gun season.

Blackwater opened its doors to bowhunters today and I was surprised to see a lot of pickups in the parking lots. I hope someone kills some deer and doesn't get too badly sunburned. Thumbs up to all who put up with the heat.

After church tomorrow....two food plots get planted in Somerset ahead of the rain. The plots have already been herbicided and disced. It should be just right. Will post some pics of that tomorrow. A compadre and I will also be taking down some ladder stands and taking them to Delaware to put up, hopefully, before the whitetail rut.

Any Sikas Here

Still scouting for sika sign every chance I can get now. I think they were here...

Also found some wallows that were dry of course but being made none the less. This is one of three within 20 yards. Camera showed three different 6 pointers at the wallow site in two evenings.

Good Day Yesterday

I drove to Hagerstown and spent the day with my parents celebrating dad's birthday. He was 88 yesterday and we all rejoiced because 1 year ago he had a heart attack and we didn't think he'd make it home. He's given his heart a break by going from his pre heart attack weight of 246 to a new lean and mean 186. I really enjoyed our time together. If you still have 'em don't forget to tell your parents you love them and spend some time with them...thats all they want.

Scouting the Whitetail Woods

Did some scouting this morning and found some great sign. The photos are of an ultra fresh scrape and rub in the mature woods. You can see the bark (it was still moist) laying at the base of the sapling. I wonder how big he was. A camera will be in place soon.

                                           

Saturday Eve Sikas

Well, I found out why hunters have not been seeing sikas the last two days. I was driving past Percy Ransome's property, Tall Timbers, and came upon two sika hunters. The first was a guy named Chris, who I had met last year and the other was none other than Bobby Velvet.*** He is scaring all the sikas out of Dorchester County....its sad to say the least.  He was a walking billboard for the best camo...Ultimate Camo. I had my UC hat on ...the shirt was in the wash. Good seeing both out there. The mosquitoes were not bad at all.
***
Note: Bobby Velvet is actually Bob Lynch a design specialist for Creative Outdoors which he owns. He created and designed my website, Wildlife Advantage and some others you have probably seen. If you are interested in having a fantastic website contact Bob at 410-456-9971)

My stand overlooked some great habitat that yielded a few sightings but no shots. I heard  1 bugling stag tonight.

                                                                                 

Talbot County Whitetails

At 6 am I was firmly planted in the treestand I killed a nice whitetail buck last year. The field in front held soybeans. The oaks were heavy laden with acorns. Sounds I'm not used to hearing in Somerset where I hunt a lot were acorns hitting the ground and whitetails crunching them. I hoped to see a nice buck but that wasn't in the cards although I did see two doe/triplets groups. That is a real testament to the fine habitat there. It takes a lot to raise three youngins. I passed on some young ones and the big doe got a pass as I watched her three, still-spotted fawns chase one another around. The friend I hunted with saw similar numbers on the other side of the road. It was a great morning that planted thoughts about sitting in that same tree with some rattling antlers, a grunt tube and bow and arrow. A change of scenery and sounds...sikas tomrrow.

Tomorrow's Hunt

Have been invited to hunt whitetails in the am in the hardwoods of Talbot County. This is the same spot I rattled in and killed a 3 1/2 er last year. I can't wait as I can see a good way and will be able to hear acorns falling like crazy. Also I'll get to hunt with a good fiend and avid sika hunter.

I worked today and with the heat its probably just as good. Will post after the hunt tomorrow.

Good luck if you go >>------------> Doug

Opening Day - Maryland

Sunrise found me perched in a tree in sika country. A bugle while walking in brought a smile but never heard another. I zeroed in on some movement and saw two young sikas (snadwich size) and a sika doe (oven roaster) move past me at about 40 yards. They messed around and then they went out of sight. Heard a commotion and then saw the two young ones chasing each other round and round at full tilt mode. They did that for a good five minutes then left. I got down at 9 am and , while sneaking back to the truck, saw a spike whitetail and a doe feeding on acorns. Not a bad morning at all but no sika for the freezer.

Headed to the new stand I put up the other day and hauled in 50 lbs of corn. It should be ready to hunt on Friday or Saturday. Didn't see many hunters on the way home through sika country.

Stopped by to see how Jason (oakcreek) and his wife did. No bloody hands but a fun morning.

Can't hunt this evening and won't get to go again until tomorrow evening. Until then.......

Sika Country Tomorrow

I'll be heading to sika country tomorrow for the first morning. Since I lost all the food in my freezer this summer I might not be too choosy tomorrow and hope to bring home some of that tasty sika venison. Of course I'll be doing some calling on the Seducer. Don't forget yours if sika is your game.
I wish everyone a fun, fruitful and safe 2010-2011 hunting season. Shoot straight >>---------->

Nice Situation - No Bacon

As we expected, the farmer combined our corn field this morning and we were there on stand. We were ready for deer running all over the place but it didn't happen this time. I saw one fox and one deer come out on my side...too distant for a shot. It was nice being up in the stand watching it happen on a cool, clear morning.

Went over to Whitetail Outpost and met Craig...good guy... knowledgeable. Had him put a large diameter peep on the Drenalin and got some Sika Seducers on his shelves. So, if your on your way to Assateague stag hunting and want to improve your chances be sure and stop and ask Craig for a Sika Seducer and/or a sika silouette. Also got some of BowDeadly's favorite lighted nocks. They are user friendly and are bright... the best I've used so far.

AM- Sika Scout / PM- Whitetail Hunt

In sika country again this morning putting up a bow stand. The spot looks great with plenty of trails and some new wallows. Cleared a couple of shooting lanes and got out. Hope it proves good a little later this month and next.

Headed to the whitetail woods in Delaware this afternoon. Set up in a stand in the big woods near a soybean field. Saw some does and fawns early about 125 yards off. At last light a doe and two fawns come in around me. She was only 20 yards away but it was too late and I couldn't see my pins any longer. Will probably try again tomorrow as the farmer is combining the corn tomorrow. It should have them running crazy.

Pre Season Huntmobile Repair

AAaaahhhh...seemed like wasted time and definitly a big bill but necessary. The brakes needed some work especially since I ride in brackish water sometimes and after 170,000 miles (overdue) I replaced the timing belt and others. Well, at least it won't leave me in some of those "remote" areas because of belts and brakes. Got home in time to complete a merchandise deal with a supplier and put together a ladder stand. Planning on putting it up tomorrow in sika country. Off to shoot a few arrows       >>------->
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                                                                                                                                   Recurve tonight

Dove Hunt Fun

Received an invite from a friend today and, with my love for wing shooting, I gratefully accepted. The owner said the birds had been coming in late so at 3:00 pm six of us headed for the well kept sunflower field. It was hot and extremely windy so there was some fast shooting going on. I set up a decoy on a line to try to attract them into my shooting range. After a big shoot there recently, not a lot of birds came in. My 20 gauge shot straight and by the called quitting time I had 12 birds and declared a limit to the owner came by to pick me up. He said DNR changed the limit to 15 this year so, in reality, I was short three. While racking up one made the mistake of coming too close so I ended with 13. Everyone got some shooting and had a experienced a great day outdoors.
I really appreciated the invite and enjoyed making some new friends and Assategue sika hunters to boot. I just got finished breasting the birds and a dove BBQ for two is in order soon.

Sika Wallows

Someone asked about sika deer wallows after I posted a photo the other day after a scouting trip. That photo showed one of three wallows that had dried out. The following are a couple of sika wallows with water /mud in them as they normally look.

First 2010 Bow Hunt - Delaware

The cornfield was getting hammered so I thought I'd take a look. Saw a few deer from the stand...too small or too far. One of my friends took a stand in the woods and saw a few as well...no shots. Nice to be out again to let the stink blow off. Saw a fox, coon and a genuine Delaware wildcat (see photo). All in all just felt good to be out there. Supposed to warm up into the 90s the next few days.

Sika Country Again

Found myself deep in sika territory again yesterday afternoon and evening. This spot was plum full of poison ivy which is less of a problem than chiggars but bothersome none the less. The sikas like it ...not a preferred food but food anyways. I'm glad there aren't chiggars around the marshes. I found some good stand sites and cleared some lanes. . I'll try adding a couple of supporting pics for the first time on this blog. Hope they are not too big.

                                                                                  Found 3 wallow within 50 yards of one another.

Plans now are to head to Delaware tonight and see whats happeneing in the whitetail world.

Hurricane Earl's Day...Continued

Finished late and the wind was absolutely wrong foe where I wanted to hunt from. So, I took the wife out to dinner and came home to practice shooting with broadheads, ate some ice cream and printed Sika Seducer CD covers.

Randall...received your post and received a call from D as well. I will try to make it Monday as well. I'll call you to coordinate.

Hurricane Earl's Day

Took the day to get a lot of honey-do's DONE. An avid Sika Seducer user called and said he was heading for Gander Mtn. for some last minute things before his elk trip on Monday. I went along for the ride. While I was there I saw where Gander had the Sika Seducers prominantly displayed in a case near the Gun Section (nice display). So, if you don't order from the Wildlife Advantage website you can pick them up at:
Anglers, Chesapeake Outdoors, Shore Sportsman, Oak Creek Taxidermy, Woolford Store, Gander Mountain, Winks Sporting Goods and Whitetail Outpost (soon).

I spent the balance of the evening getting all my bowhunting gear in the packs and ready to go. I also got the warm weather ULTIMATE CAMO cleaned and scentfree. This pattern is great if you haven't seen it. Go to their website to order.

Today is grass cutting day then, possibly, a bow hunt in Delaware. I've seen a couple of nice velvet bucks taken so far...one by Michael Hutchinson (Tanktruck on MWC). Congrats Tank.

Will post up again later. Have a great day no matter what you're doing.    Doug

Hot Work Day in Sika Country

Earned some dollars this morning then headed for sika country. The mosquitoes were not too bad but annoying nevertheless. Checked on some stands and cleared out some shooting lanes. Lots of sign...looking good. I can't hardly wait for the 15th...hope we get some cooler weather. Tuesday was another scorcher in Somerset County. We're putting in two acre size food plots.

Well, Hurricane Earl is supposed to visit tomorrow. The latest report says that it is that it may not be too bad for us here on the lower shore. Saturday is supposed to be much cooler so I might climb a stand in Delaware.

Batten down the hatches!!!

First Day of Hunting Season - A New Blog Launched

Well, I guess I should be out hunting since its the first day of bow season in Delaware and dove and resident goose in Maryland but, with a 95 degree temp outside and a post 60 wisdom I had some business chores to accomplish. Thanks to the great expertise of Bob Lynch of Creative Outdoors to counter my lack of, the Wildlife Advantage website has been updated, a fantastic Sika Deer Hitch Cover cover was made available to you at the Products Section and, most importantly, this Gain the Advantage Blog has been set in motion.

My objective for this Blog is to record experiences of mine and close hunting friends about sika deer and whitetail hunting then make observatins that may help you to gain an ADVANTAGE. I will also learn to post some interesting wildlife related photos.

I hope you will visit here often this hunting season. I wish you all a safe and fruitful hunting season and trust that you and your friends will have many great experiences that you will share here.

Best wishes,
Doug Wigfield of Wildlife Advantage  

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