Welcome

A First With My Sika Hunting

2011-10-12T07:57:00.000-04:00

Stags are on the move now and I had one exciting morning. First light had a small 6 pt stag come through at 25 yards. With the knowledge that there are better animals in the area and a good look through my 10 x 42s, I decided to give him a pass. At 8:22 a m I heard a bugle about 100 yards out, I responded with some vocalizations and got ready. At 8:30 splish splish at 30 yards... another smaller 6 pointer (10" beams with small tops and 2" hooks). The dude on my shoulder said "shoot, shoot, kill him"; but my mind thought of bigger stags. Resisting the urge I passed this stag as well. This is a first for me ... two passes on 6 pointers in one morning ... call me crazy or post a "KICK ME" sign on my back. They should both be great stags next year.

Stag Report

2011-09-22T21:54:00.000-04:00

The stags are starting to crank up a little bit. Saw quite a few wallows and heard some sparse bugling. Have to go out of town for two days ... darn it .... Hope to hunt Monday and will have some stag news then. Good luck to all.

Sika Update

2011-09-20T11:30:00.000-04:00

The sikas are active somewhat with some bugling occurrying during the cooler days we had recently. Some wallows are being made as well. The pic shows a big one made in a dryer piece of upland not more than 75 yards from a marsh. None of my newly fletched arrows have been loosed at any stags or good eating hinds at this point. My recurve does what I make it do every day ... still practicing a lot. Consistency doing the right things is the key for me. Make em ALL count. Shooting a recurve is a lot like golf ... forgetting to perform one technique properly can really send the arrow where I don't want it to go. Good luck to all who go in the next few days.

The Recurves Shall Return

2011-09-17T14:27:00.000-04:00

Took my new recurve made by Trad Tech and new arrows made by "moi" and headed for Delaware yesterday evening with good friend who also carried an older recure made by Herters (nice bow by the way). With the wind out of the NNE we hunted in a hedgerow on a soybean field. Deer started appearing at about 6:30 pm. Most were does and fawns with a couple of small bucks in the crowd. By plain ole stinkin luck neither doe got close to either reurve. Good news...the mosquitos were almost non existant. The temperature was fantastic...low 60s...and felt great. We got out at dark none the worse for wear. WARNING TO ALL DELAWARE DEER: "Beware the recurve - we shall return"

On another note about one of my favorite critters ... check out a great blog for some good, basic sika deer information:
http://www.thewilltohunt.com/2011/09/guest-post-introduction-to-marylands.html

http://www.thewilltohunt.com/2011/09/guest-post-introduction-to-marylands.html

Its Almost That Time..Sika Time That Is

2011-09-13T12:30:00.000-04:00

Bow season for sikas in Maryland will soon be here…not soon enough for many of us. Hopefully, you have been out doing your homework the past month of so. However, a little event named Hurricane Irene may have disrupted things and caused some changes for you. The flooding caused by one of the biggest storms Maryland has experienced in a long time may have temporarily pushed the sikas off of your marsh and wetlands into more upland areas. Where they will eventually end up is a crap shoot. One thing you can count on is that if you have good sika habitat they will fill it. It’s also possible that the high water caused some mortality but these animals are pretty doggone hardy and have instincts that can and do get them through a lot of seemingly tough conditions.

One thing I do know is that, after a long dry summer, the heavy rains have flooded over the mosquito eggs on all the mud flats and hordes of mosquitos are abundant in the tidal and fresh water marshes. Some Eastern shore natives have stated that this is the worst they have ever seen it. Sp pay special attention to the Therma Cell tip below.

You may have been ready as far as knowing where you were going to plop down the first day but this storm may cause you to have to prepare all over again. Whether you prepared early or are just starting the following are some tips that may be helpful in getting ready to pursue this most worthy of game animals.

· Sikas leave lots of visible evidence that they are using the area. Stags mark areas with wallows; the equivalent of a whitetail’s scrape. They are normally found on islands, tumps, fingers of land that are slightly elevated above the marshy part of their habitat. These muddy holes average one to two feet in diameter and stink as the stags often urinate in them then wallow or roll around in them just like bull elk do. During the heavy rut you can often smell the stags before you see them. They also thrash and rub bushes and pine saplings and break off phrag stalks. Trails are fairly easy to find and follow in a marsh. As with other species check for trails and droppings. Of course, you can’t beat physical sightings. Trail cameras can tell you a lot about the sikas using your area.

· ID’ ing areas where bugling is occurring gives you great advantage in knowing where the stags like to hang out if trophy racks are your thing. The best times to listen are sunrise and sunset especially on cold days of course you can hear them at any time not just during the rut. High temperatures sometimes tend to shut them up.

· Make vocalizations as sikas are very vocal animals and you can call in males and females alike. In calling stags you appeal to 1) dominance and 2) sex drive. Challenge a bugling stag with a bugle and/or growl and you’ll find out quickly if he thinks he’s the baddest stag in the area. With hunting sikas through the years, I’ve found that you usually can’t call a stag 300 or 400 yards across a marsh. So, you need to move to the stag’s core area which, often times, is a thick phrag or briar bed. It’s important to be quiet and not blow the stag out of the area. Once you get set up close to his bedroom, a challenging bugle can get him to close the distance quickly looking to make contact with the intruding stag. Use some whines, soft whistles or chirps (hind/cow talk) and you may sweet-talk him in. Hinds and calves also respond to all of the sounds. You can team up with a friend; one calling with the other out front. Always be cognizant of wind direction when setting up. Distances can vary depending on the weapon used. The Sika Seducer is the premier call marketed and sold widely. Elk calls can be modified as well.

Sikas like to move early in the morning and at last light…that’s not to say that they don’t move at other times. Make sure you arrive early and stay until the end of legal shooting time. During the rut, however, stags are active and moving all day. The best stags I’ve taken have been cruising at mid day.

When hunting the sika marshes it’s good to use a GPS or compass as the marshes all look similar at night and even sometimes during the day. I sometimes will tie a cylume or glow stick up in a tree (home base so to speak) if I have to head out into the marsh to find a sika that’s been hit.

Use Google Earth or a similar program to help in your quest for taking a sika. The satellite images available now are invaluable in helping you understand a lot about the vegetation features in the territory you are hunting in. Small islands of vegetation, phragmites beds, openings in heavy cover and mud flats will be very apparent.

You’ve seen this stuff called phragmites, phrag or common reed. The leaves are about 2” wide and 20” long. In August it develops multi-branched, feathery-looking plumes at the top of a stem which grows to a height of 10’ to 12’. It normally grows in various-sized clumps or beds, often out-competing other marsh plants. It spreads by seed dispersal as well as by a rhizome or an under –the-surface root system. These dense beds provide travel corridors and resting cover that sikas absolutely love. Fight your way into one of them and you’ll see what I mean. Especially during the rut, stags love to cruise these beds in search for hinds in estrus. Find a tree/s inside a bed and you’ll surely see deer although there are not many openings. Station yourself between two beds and you’ve found a great spot as they move from one bed to the other.

In typical wetland vegetation still hunting works well. Sneaking along quietly in heavy cover can put you face to face with sikas quite frequently. A subtle splash here and there along with some low-volume vocalizations sounds quite natural and can actually draw a deer to you. Make sure to move into the wind to avoid blowing your cover. They spend most of their lives not able to see more than 20 yards in front of them. You can definitely use this fact to your advantage.

The marshes that sika like so much are interlaced with rivers, creeks and guts. Shallow draft boats with Go-Devil motors, kayaks and canoes are ideal for getting into good sika habitat. Why not utilize a boat as they can get you into places that many hunters can’t get to. You can cover a lot of territory and see a lot of interesting things out there besides. This mode of travel might even help you find some great duck hunting spots as well.

It pays to listen to the weather report as unusually high water levels will temporarily move sikas onto higher ground. Change your tactics and hunt the islands and higher ground in these conditions. Frozen marshes with a lot of ice will do the same.

Don’t neglect hunting natural food that produce hard mast like acorns and soft mast like persimmons. Feeding or baiting works extremely well for sikas. Corn is the most popular bait followed by others like: sweet feeds, corn/soybean mixes, small grains and pellets. Spin feeders, drop feeders and just plain ole putting it on the ground will do the trick. Sikas love food plots and agricultural grain crops as well.

Sika decoys work in the right situations, especially where the decoy can be seen for a long distance like on the edge of a needle grass / short grass marsh or food plot. Sikas, especially stags will come right to them especially during the rut. Give them a try.

Irene has put water into places that rarely has water. With that comes mosquitos; usually lots of them. With that, do yourself a favor and invest in a Therma Cell. These devices will keep the mosquitoes off you which keeps you from making a lot of unnecessary motion. The light smell doesn’t seem to bother them. The next best thing is a bug suit I often use both.

Don’t be afraid to use a ground blind for sikas. Normal precautions must be taken however. Make sure they’re scent free and you place it downwind. Unlike with turkey hunting, it helps to have shoot- through netting covering the openings. It also helps to brush it up to blend in with existing vegetation and/or tuck it in some existing shrubs, needle rush or common reed.

Practice shooting a lot as these are small animals with small kill zones. The smallest whitetail target will make a large sika stag target.

The jury is out concerning scents and lures as I don’t think enough hunters have experimented enough with them to give a definitive thumbs up or down. If they have…no one is talking. One good sika hunter I know told me he once had sikas licking the leaves that he had sprayed an apple flavored foam on. Marketed and sold currently is The Sika Bomb and Downwind Scents Foam.

Knee or hip boots are advised depending on the water levels in your hunting area.

· Concerning the proper camo; if you’re hunting from the ground then its good to match the habitat. Otherwise being still, scent free and playing the wind is much more important

· The peak of the rut occurs around the third week in October. I like to hunt late September and early October best as stag movement and bugling really increases then.

Good luck this season…get out there and have fun.

Sight in Drenalin

2011-09-05T22:31:00.000-04:00

I might be weird but I use the recurve and the compound depending on where I am taking a stand. I shoot at least on session with the recurve each day but only shoot the Matthews once every two weeks. Before the Delaware opener I wanted to make sure the pins were still sighted in on the compound. My first pin covers 1 - 30 yards. The second pin 30 - 40 yards. Third 40 - 50 yards and the final pin 60 yards +. Didn't have to move them much and was good up to 60 yards (I doubt that I would ever shoot at any animal that far unless it wasan elk or moose.

Also finished making a dozen arrows for the new recurve. I needed to change to a Beman MFX Classic 500 instead of the 400s I've been shooting. They fly better as I was on the fence with the 400s. The new ones with 200 grain BH weighs in at 548 grains making them almost 11 gpi. I fletched them with three, 5 inch, yellow barred feathers. They do really fly well. I hope to deliver some broadheads from it into some nice deer this year.

Labor Day Dove

2011-09-05T22:16:00.000-04:00

Had an invite to shoot doves along with about 8 others. Went out at about 1 pm and had a pretty good shoot. Used the 20 ga. Beneli Montefeltro and 7 1/2 shot. The wind was about 15 mph and made shooting tough at the end of the field I was on (downwind end). Some of the doves boosted by the wind made me look foolish more times than I want to remember. Maybe I should practice shooting the shotgun a little more as the recurve gets all the attention these days. My shooting was not up to par but I was able to take 11 of the 15 bird bag limit. Two of the fellows got their limit before I left. Hope everyone had as good a time as I did. Topped off the day with a nice labor day meal with my daughter and her family.

Look out dove if I get a second chance at you.

Looks like the remants of Hurricane Lee will be getting to our area the next 4 days. Hope the next big one in the Atlantic right now doesn't hit the East coast.

Delaware Deer Opener

2011-09-01T23:23:00.000-04:00

Met a friend there at 5 pm. The wind was supposed to be out of ENE switching to ESE around 7pm. Well, it swirled frequently enough to screw up the hunt. A doe and two fawns came in fron 125 yards but only because the old doe smelled something foreign...me. She came in as close as 10 yards keeping the brush between she and me and couldn't make me out although she had me pegged. She moved off quickly and never gave me a shot. She won...I lost this time. It was a nice evening and wasn't too hot...truly good to get out again. Five months to go. Saw a fresh rub.

The Perils of Summer Hunting Chores

2011-07-24T08:33:00.000-04:00

There are always chores that need to be accomplished prior to archery season. Problem with these is that its hot, especially this summer, and the insects can drive you crazy. The mosquitos haven't been too bad with the serious lack of rain but the flies are still flying away with chunks of my flesh hanging from their mouth parts. The heat must have had some serious effects on my brain as one morning I decided to get out and take a scouting / work trip in one of my lower shore county hunting areas. I tucked my pant legs into my socks and sprayed with Permanone before putting on my boots (learned to always do this). Good thing...when I got back to the truck I had no fewer than 150 deer ticks on each lower leg ... fortunately all were dead. Best thing was ... no chiggers.

Time to Resume the Blog

2011-07-23T22:40:00.000-04:00

Yep, the season is drawing closer...dove shooting then archery deer in Delaware (Sept 1) and Maryland (Sept 15). I've been preparing in many ways...work at hunting properties and shooting my new recurve. I'll start regularly posting again starting tomorrow.

Sika Show on Winchester's Dr. Deer This Week

2011-06-01T08:33:00.000-04:00

Welcome if you just watched Winchester's Dr. Deer on the Sportsmen's Network. The sika deer is a most worthy species to hunt filling a niche in some very challenging habitat here in Maryland. The most exciting thing is that they are very vocal animals being members of the elk family. With that a very good method to use in hunting them is employing vocalizations to call them in ... a method that many use and are quite successful with.

Check out my website, www.dougwigfield.com to learn more about the species, where to hunt them and to purchase a Sika Seducer Call if you try your hand at hunting them. Also, don't miss the opportunity to purchase the sika deer print, Closing the Gap - Maryland's Sika Deer, painted by nationally acclaimed wildlife artist, Wilhelm Goebel.

Any questions, don't hesitate to give me a call or shoot an e-mail.

Doug

Still an Adrenalin Rush

2011-05-09T22:32:00.000-04:00

I saw a longbeard in strut on Friday afternoon and had a friend call me that evening saying he saw him in the same area right before roosting time. He called me yesterday evening and again told me he saw him in the same spot with two girlfriends. (I call that Eastern Shore Roosting). That was all I needed to find myself there early this morning with bow and decoys in hand. I used a little two sided, teepee blind and set out a Smith hen and a jake in semi strut 20 yards from me in good view of any approaching turkey.

A good gobble sounded about 125 yards back in the woods when I was making final prep. I moved about 20 yards to my right and called on the slate; he cut me off with another gobble. I moved back to the set up and picked up the bow and crossed my fingers...my expectations were high. No more gobbles, but in about 5 mins. he walked out of the woods (typical 2 year old, about 8" beard), by himself catching sight of the decoys. As soon as he saw them he gobbled and dropped into strut. He moved out about 35 yards, gobbled and strutted his stuff slowly across in front of me heading towards the DSD. No drumming but an occassional gobble. A hen unknowingly helped me out by yelping as she came out within 10 yards of the decoys.

Then a longbeard came out from the opposite direction making a beeline for the first gobbler (could mess things up); which promptly ran him off. The first tom went back into strut and started moving slowly towards the decoys again. I came to full draw as he went behind two huge pines and estimated an 18 - 20 yard shot. He finally strutted out broadside, I settled the pin at the top of the drumstick and squeezed...the arrow hitting the mark. He couldn't run and flapped to a stop about 7 yards. Hands on him, heart still pounding; the end of another great bow hunt. Time 6:05 AM.

The Slick Trick broke both legs and tore up part of his breast...what a mess. Things happened so fast that it wasn't until then that I realized I hadn't hooked the arrow up to the string tracker. The arrow went completely through and laid next to him. What a hunt; still as exciting as the first bird forty eight years ago.

April 27 Gobbler

2011-05-08T21:01:00.000-04:00

After 48 years of not missing an opening week of turkey season, this time it was different as my dad passed a way that week....it really didn't feel important as family comes first. I needed to make sure my mom was settled and okay.
So, Wednesday morning, I finally decided to venture out into MD's turkey woods. It felt good to be there to greet the sunrise and hear the chorus of spring birds again. I got set up on a gobbler first thing but watched him fly down and follow a squad of hens making a racket. This time, my calls were in vain.
I quickly moved to another area where I heard a bird gobbling. I couldn't raise him...probably a mess of hens with him as well.
Through mosquito whines and a strengthening wind I thought I heard a distant gobble. I thought I knew his approximate location. Closing the distance to half I laid on the Gibson trumpet call and he gobbled...but only once. I traveled about 150 yds. through a pine plantation and dared to get within 4 rows of an old woods road...he should be close.
I purred on one of the Cypress Swamp glass calls and caught movement as a hen appeared on the road. Patience. I purred and clucked again. As another hen appeared 25 yards away I thought I heard the familiar drumming sound made by the gobbler. Patience, drumming then a fan and a good beard. I mouth clucked, the head went up and a load of 7's put him on his back. I paused, raised my eyes and said "that ones for you dad".
Moving towards the bird I noticed the beard but my eyes naturally gravitated to the legs...my gaze was greeted with a huge set of spurs. They were both over 1 1/2 inches with the beard at 11 inches. I was blessed once again. Thanks for being there dad.

I'll be spending time in the afternoons hunting with my grandson and attempting another longbeard with the bow.

Gone for a While

2011-05-08T20:36:00.000-04:00

Its been a while since I've posted....haven't felt like it. The last time I was getting ready to launch into my favorite type of excitment filled hunting - spring gobbler. But life sure changes quickly. I went to Hagerstown on Monday to take my dad to a regular doctor's check up. I go to make sure mom and dad hear and understand what the doctor tells them. Dad had some really bad health issues that resulted from a heart attack 1 1/2 years ago.

His blood pressure and heart rate was taken and they were very concerned about low pressure...enough so that the doc admitted him to the hospital immediately. It went downhill quickly from there. On Tuesday the family was called in surrounding dad with love and support. After exhausting methods to right the problems the doctors told us there wasn't anything else that could be done.

I'll never ever forget how on a Wednesday afternoon his room was filled with love, stories, jokes, laughter, tears, family times, vacations, shooting matches, serving in WWII in N. Africa, one on ones, prayer and some singing of his favorite hymns.

With that dad went home to be with the Lord on Thursday morning. He was surrounded by the whole family and passed peacefully with no pain and with a whole bunch of love. The family collected many photos of dad through his entire life and his granddaughters Dana and Erin put them into a wonderful slide show. My wife and I put together posters of pictures and items from his life: police badge, uniform, hole in one club and ball, a letter from the White House thanking him for serving our country well, shooting trophies and team pics and his graduation pics from the FBI Academy etc, etc. It was a real tribute to dad's accomplishments. I had the pleasure of greeting many neighbors, acquaintences, policemen, and pistol team members who came to the viewing.

The service and burial was held with full military honors on Tuesday at the Rest Haven Chapel and Cemetary in Hagerstown. It was a beautiful service with my daughters and my wife and I singing two of his favorite hymns and my wife singing the Lord's Prayer. I had the extreme pleasure of delivering the eulogy. We heard the 21 gun salute and a wonderful melody from a bagpiper. My mom and sister knew dad would be pleased at the whole affair.

Dad and I were close. Although he didn't hunt, he was a top competition handgun shooter all his life. He introduced me to target shooting and guns at an early age. I started shooting as soon as I was old enough to hold a handgun with two hands. We shot together in the William Penn Pistol League for years. He continued until he couldn't hold compete in an entire match. He beamed each time I called and told him I killed a deer with the Python that he won so many trophies with. He was my hero as a policeman.

I will truly miss you dad.

Still Enjoying Deer Hunting Chores

2011-03-25T08:57:00.000-04:00

Spent time with a landowner and another friend yesterday still laboring with the focus on next deer season ie. taking old stands down, puting new stands up, investigating and identifying stand sights and the "right tree" and with all that finding a shed or two. We all had a good time for sure.

We found a few sheds in that process. One that I lucked upon happened to be a monster LOL. There may be some history with the deer that carried it. Pouring over some pics will confirm that. Following are some pics of the "drops" and that "monster" shed.

Gobbler Season Fast Approaching

2011-03-20T22:00:00.000-04:00

I'm still thinking deer but my favorite season is fast appraoching. DE will open first and I'm locating birds now. Joshua is getting ready for youth day in Maryland and turkeys are out and about in my favorite haunts. Someone asked on MWC about "first turkeys" so I posted and will place what I posted on here as well. I'll see if I can cut and paste it...here goes:

Fall 1963 -   Yes there were cameras then LOL.
                      My first one was a Fall bird taken at Piney Ridge, Sleepy Creek Mountain in West Virginia. That was the start of my first "obsession" ... turkey hunting. My mentor, Howard Beard of Hagerstown, had me over to practice calling and learn the art of turkey hunting once a week during the summer. I learned on a homemade diaphram call and proudly graduated turkey hunting school in September. Howard said, "now you are on your own boy (thats what he called me).    I remember the hunt like it was yeaterday....at o dark thirty on that October morn I made my way up the mountain and slipped 1/4 of the way down Danny's Ridge and stopped to listen, hoping I could hear where a flock of birds had roosted. At first light I heard some clucks, then some tree yelps, more clucks.......why how lucky could a kid be as I realized I was standing under a whole flock of roosted turkeys. What should I do as I thought back to all the sage advice, lessons and scenarios taught during the summer. I didn't dare move as I could see birds and branches moving among all the yelping and clucking. I remembered a key saying Howard taught me, "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"... it was given in the "don't wait for a trophy longbeard on your first turkey hunt boy" lecture. I would heed that bit of advice. The first bird that pitched off a branch and hit the ground came to a standstill about 30 yards from me. The bead on my double barrel 12 settled on its head and I slapped the trigger. At the sound of my shot the balance of the roosted birds erupted and scattered in all directions. I skidded to a stop at the turkey as the last few wingbeats subsided...looking down at my first wild turkey. I can still feel the weight of the bird on my shoulder and the wet spot where the blood from its head soaked into the back of my pant leg. I was busting with excitement only to walk into an empty cabin yard...why..my mentor and the other men were still out hunting. How could I contain my excitement? The hour spent waiting there, glancing at my turkey every few minutes, seemed like three. Finally I caught a glimpse of my Howard coming down the path to the cabin (actually he came in early to see if it was me that shot). He saw the excitement on my face as he followed my gaze to that bird laying on the bench. I probably told him the story of that hunt three times.

Now, as I recall that moment 48 years ago, the most vivid thing that stands out to me now is Howard's hand on my shoulder and his assurring words to me, "I'm proud of ya, you did good, boy"..... Don't miss the chance to take a kid turkey hunting this spring..it will make good memories that truly last a lifetime.

March Roars In

2011-03-06T08:56:00.000-05:00

Its been a while since I've been on here. This is the time of putting away stuff used during hunting season and cleaning up equipment. I've also been selling unused equipment and clothing that has, magically, shrunk if you know what I mean. I am going to purchase some new camo from Day One. I, along with some other friends, have been scouting and preparing for next year; all the while keeping our eyes peeled for sheds...no luck in that department yet. Also doing some maintenance on treestands...can't overlook safety.

Spring gobbler season is fast approaching. Danny Pusey made me two of his fantastic slate calls as "winnings" from last springs MWC Turkey Contest. My partner and I racked up the most points for our gobblers and were receipients of these great prizes. My calls are slate over glass pots and they do sound good. I asked Danny for a medium pitched, raspy call and he delivered nicely. I'll see if I can post a pic here.

Last Years Model

Interesting Sight Yesterday Morning

2011-02-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

I was heading out to do some scouting this morning in the deer woods. While driving I noticed what appeared to be a deer (strange looking from a distance) on the edge of a field about 80 yards from the road. As I got closer I realized I was looking at a mature 8 point breeding a doe. I pulled off the road, turned my camera on , hit the zoom feature and pointed towards the breeders but too late; they were both running into the woods. The doe was most likely a fawn born in May that came into estrus and was bred on February 11....almost Valentines Day. I know this happens but always interesting to see. She will produce a late fawn thats for sure. Wish I had the photo to attach. I'll just have to file this one away in the memory bank.

Crop Damage Shooting

2011-02-11T23:10:00.000-05:00

A friend waits to eliminate some does from the population until after the season. We have gone three times and have taken 5 mature whitetail does; all with two young. He wants to take a couple more and that will do it for this season. I've seen one nice sika stag, a very nice 8 point and a 4 point whitetail. Both should be very nice deer next season.

End of Deer Season - MD and DE

2011-01-30T08:13:00.000-05:00

Well, I ended the hunting part of deer season last night with a muzzleloader hunt in Delaware with friends. Posted up on a field to try to take a doe. Saw 8 deer, most on the other side of the field where a dad and so were located. I could have stretched a shot on a doe but would have possibly messed up an opportunity for the boy. He ended up taking a shot but missed.

Murphy's Law - across the road (still our property) 15 deer came out. One of my friends tried to put the "sneak" on them but no deal.

The last hunt for the sika stag occurred on Thursday...again with friends. My stag bugled once at about 75 yards but again wouldn't close until dark...pretty slick moves; not falling for any calling, water splashing, scents or a corn pile before dark. Hats of to you...I'll see ya next season.

Delaware Muzzleloader

2011-01-25T07:41:00.000-05:00

Did a PM hunt on the field. Deer came out on the other side where the bait had been placed. The fellow on that side took a shot at a big doe and missed. None came out on my side of the field until too late to shoot. It was pretty cold but is already 15 degrees higher today. This evening should find me with a bow in my hands looking for that sika stag once again. Saturday is the last day...a sad day for sure. Will let you know what happens from tonights hunt.

Late Season Sikas - Part 2

2011-01-23T05:53:00.000-05:00

Met the farm owner yesterday afternoon and got on stand by 3:15 pm. I took the same location as the last hunt but moved around to a different stand for the wind that we had. It was very cold but I dressed properly. Took the compound this time. Saw a single WT doe skirt my location at 4:40. Then at 5:00 a WT button buck came in and fed at 10 yards...never detected me...good...left in 5 mins. I was still looking for that stag that showed up the night before at last light. At the very end of shooting time a WT doe and two fawns came in. The fawns fed the doe watched from the sidelines. They fed for 10 mins then left. No sikas showed nor did any stgas bugle. The owner saw 11 WT does and fawns but did not take a shot. All in all, a nice evening...consider myself blessed to be out. One more week left in both Maryland and Delaware. Will try to get out a few more times.

Late Season Sikas

2011-01-21T07:26:00.000-05:00

Have been hunting sikas the last two days at baited areas only to not see them in shootable times. The moon has been full for whatever that means. One evening I hunted a groundblind and had a couple whitetails come in before dark but no sikas. Yesterday morn I hunted off the end of a food plot and saw nothing but squirrels...a nice morning none the less. Two of us saw 0 movement. Yesterday pm four of us hunted and, unbelievably, not a hair was seen. My excitement...I had a stag bugle less than 100 yards from my position after last shooting light. Waited til dead dark and slipped out of there. All I could do was go home imagining how big he was.

If I can get my work done in time, I'll be heading over to Delaware for a late season doe...hopefully.

Another Good Goose Day

2011-01-11T16:42:00.000-05:00

Met with good friend Dennis again for a "before the snow storm, late morning goose hunt. They flew in small bunches today which is the way I like it. They really liked my Shore Country call and Dennis' call and dropped right into the decoys. It tried to spit a little snow but is holding off until tonight. If the forecast comes to fruition, we may try some in the snow tomorrow.

Great Goose Hunting Lately

2011-01-04T08:40:00.000-05:00

Sharing a goose blind with a friend in Talbot County has been most enjoyable the last few days. There have been plenty of birds. With some good calling and not so good shooting we have done very well. We gave them a break today. Thanks Dennis.

Hope to knock of some does this evening in Delaware. Will report back later.

New Year Hunting

2011-01-02T07:48:00.000-05:00

Well, after spending enjoyable time with all my family over the Christmas, I am able to get back to some late season hunting. I'll try to get in one more rifle hunt with my grandson, Joshua. Sika with a bow is a given. I'll be spending lots of time in Delaware with the handgun and muzzleloader trying to fill freezers. Delaware always proves to be a lot of fun with good friends. Fox, coyote and crow hunting are certain activities as well. I look forward to the fantastic full bodied mount that Jason is doing of the my monster 2010 sika stag.

With not owning any hunting land of my own, I would like to thank all of the landowners who have allowed me to enjoy the fruits of their labor and property. Its not just the taking of game animals buts its the experience in and with the Lord's handiwork that brings me such pleasure. As the credit card commercial says, the experience is "Priceless". Please accept my very sincere thanks. Also, thanks to my hunting friends, you know who you are. I have enjoyed hunting with you this year.

May you all have a fantastic 2011.

Last Day Gun Hunt

2010-12-11T21:34:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-07T20:36:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-05T21:55:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-03T13:05:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-25T10:04:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-24T00:06:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-15T23:46:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-14T22:49:00.000-05:00

   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

2010-11-08T21:06:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-07T20:22:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-07T07:50:00.000-05:00

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

2010-11-05T13:58:00.000-04:00

   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

2010-11-03T00:43:00.003-04:00

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

2010-10-31T08:21:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-28T22:55:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-27T23:54:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-22T21:49:00.001-04:00

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

Lethal Weapon Live Observation

2010-10-17T23:53:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-17T08:37:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-13T15:40:00.002-04:00

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.

2010-10-10T20:55:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-09T23:52:00.001-04:00

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

2010-10-09T23:31:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-06T17:50:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-03T23:39:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-01T13:51:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-29T13:51:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-27T17:23:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-26T23:06:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-25T18:15:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-23T22:13:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-23T20:57:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-20T22:38:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-18T23:06:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-17T18:10:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-16T21:41:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-15T22:58:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-14T21:59:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-11T22:58:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-10T22:05:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-08T19:03:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-07T21:39:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-07T08:40:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-06T22:43:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-06T07:57:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-04T22:47:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-04T09:19:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-02T19:54:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-01T16:43:00.000-04:00

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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2010-09-01T15:53:00.000-04:00

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