About the Sika Deer

Sika deer description and history.

Sika deer are small members of the elk family introduced into Maryland by Clement Henry on James Island (Dorchester County) and by Dr. Charles Law on Assateague Island (Worcester County) during the early 1900s. They are about 2 1/2 feet high at the shoulder and can reach 5 feet in length, Weight range: 50-100 pounds. Their coat is dark brown and black, with some having faint white parallel spots on their backs. Their rumps are white. The males are called stag and have antlers similar those of elk, but much smaller. They are larger than females which are called hind. Males also have dark, shaggy manes on their necks. Babies are called calves.

Sika deer, like other deer, have acute sense of smell, good eyesight and excellent hearing.

Stags will start to establish territories during the summer to prepare for the mating season which is September through October. Females give birth to a single young away from other deer. Calves remain hidden for a few weeks. It will stay with its mother until the following year. Life span is about 15 years.

Sika deer either live alone or in small groups. They are most active during the early morning or late afternoon. During the mating season, the males will gather up to a dozen females in his territory. Sika deer use a stiff-legged stomping movement, similar to white tail, called pronking to escape from danger. This movement reduces the number of places the deer leaves a scent when it touches the ground, making it harder to follow. They have a gland located above the ankle which produces a strong smelling secretion that rubs on low branches and shrubs to mark a Sika's territory.

Known for their unique sounds that range from a whistle to a high-pitched scream, they use whistles to draw the hinds to them. The Sika’s antlers are unique, they grow straight up making them a very unique trophy for the hunter.

The meat of the Sika is pretty flavorful if taken prior to the rut, it often exhibits a slightly more gamey taste.

Sika can be found in the marshes, swamps and associated woodlands, and agricultural fields in portions of the lower Eastern Shore. The highest population density exists in Southern Dorchester County.

Sika Deer Seasons & Bag Limits
Dorchester County, Maryland

*(see disclaimer below)

Sika Deer Bow Season 2006-2007

Dates

Bag Limit

Sept. 15 - Oct. 18
Oct. 23 - Nov. 24
Dec. 11 - Dec. 15
Jan. 1 - Jan. 31

Total Bag Limit
1 antlered
and
1 antlerless

Special Regulation for November 11:
(1) Bowhunters must wear fluorescent orange; (2) Any deer taken with a bow on this date must count towards the Bow Season Bag Limits.

Crossbows are legal for all hunters during the September 30 - October 14, 2006 and January 15-31, 2007 segments of the Deer Bow Season.

Sunday Deer Hunting: In Dorchester County on private land only - Deer Bow Season is open on Sundays, October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5 and November 12, 2006. Deer bow season is open on Sunday, November 5, 2006 in Caroline and Talbot counties on private land only.

Sika Deer Firearm Season 2006-2007

Nov. 11
Junior Hunt* Only 1 deer may be taken on this day) Antlered or Antlerless Total Bag Limit
1 antlered and 1 antlerless

Nov. 25 - Dec. 9 Antlered or Antlerless 1 antlered and 1 antlerless

* Junior Hunt for hunters age 16 or younger only; Junior Hunter must be accompanied by a licensed (or exempt from license requirement) unarmed adult age 21 or older.

Sunday Deer Hunting: Deer Firearms Season is open on Sunday, November 26, 2006 in Dorchester, county on private land only.

Sika Deer Muzzleloader Season 2006-2007

Oct. 19 - Oct. 21 Only 1 sika deer may be taken on these dates Total Bag Limit
1 antlered and 1 antlerless

Dec. 16 - Dec. 30 Antlered or Antlerless 1 antlered and 1 antlerless