How to Spot Sika Deer

[JW@TRACT]

Sika deer hunting is on the rise, and they happen to be some of the toughest animals to hunt. They're smaller, darker, and super skittish, so keeping your distance is key.

Of course, it's important to use binoculars or a spotting scope to scan the area to avoid giving your position away. Anyone have any tips for spotting these? Curious how others stay under the radar with these elusive guys.

 

[johnnytheboy]

They say in Scotland look twice move once!

 

[Billy Goat]

Get up high in a tree, sit still.


I'm not familiar with anywhere you are going to be using a spotting scope to find them, well in the states.

Marsh critters.

 

[tracker12]

Sika or Sitka? You definitely don’t need as spotting scope of Sika deer.

 

[coyotekilla]

If its legal look into a thermal scanner. Normally used for predators at night, but work awesome for finding lost stock at night, and down game

 

[SikaHuntaa]

Over in NZ its the same rule as in Ireland, but with ours being in such thick bush its also, if you think you're walking slow- halve that speed again and you might catch one.

My all time favourite deer species of the selection we have in NZ

 

[Scorpion]

Get up in a tree, use the elevation to your advantage and look for movement. Hard to spot a sub 100 lb deer in 10’ tall reeds.

 

[PA farmboy]

My favorite hunt of the year currently! Hope to go elk hunting next fall in Montana, till then this is my closest thing to an adventure. You'll need a set of chest waders to get out to some of the good spots, very easy to go from ankle deep to waist deep in one step while following their little trails. Higher you get up a tree the better as well for seeing down into the phrag grass.

 

[doc holiday13]

Did it last year. Depends on where you go. In MD i had a friend send me a pin for an island for blackwater refuge area that can be hunted but you need a kayak or boat to get there. In VA it could be helpful to have hip waiters but a tall muck boot is all you probably need. If you can get high then you should be good. First light or last light are your best times for success.