Sika deer facts & photos

Jack O'Conner · December 29, 2005, 11:43 AM

These amazing deer originated from Manchuria and Japan. But thriving in North America, New Zealand, and portions of eastern Europe. Back in 1916, several breeding pair were released by citizens (without permission) onto small coastal islands of Maryland. They have flourished and moved to the mainland to sustain huntable populations.

Sika deer are also hunted at game ranches throughout USA. A good trophy weighs close to 200 lbs with antlers of 4 points on each side. It is said that sika deer meat is tasty, more alike elk than deer. I have not yet feasted on this exotic dish.

I've never hunted these deer. My sole reason for this post is to share with other hunters that many species of deer inhabit our planet. All created by our Lord for our good stewardship and use.
Jack

Trip20 · December 29, 2005, 12:10 PM

I watched a hunt of this species on OLN. I can't remember how many times the hunter kept remarking on how tasty these beasts were. I thought the hunt took place in Texas... but I might be mistaken.

beenthere · February 4, 2006, 12:37 AM

Another beautiful species. If they've moved to the mainland it's likely they'll keep expanding their range. Once they pass the turkey neck into the Pennsylvania, Virginia area the migration might even speed up.

December 29, 2005, 11:43 AM	#1
Jack O'Conner Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2005 Location: Manatee County, Florida Posts: 1,976	Sika deer facts & photos These amazing deer originated from Manchuria and Japan. But thriving in North America, New Zealand, and portions of eastern Europe. Back in 1916, several breeding pair were released by citizens (without permission) onto small coastal islands of Maryland. They have flourished and moved to the mainland to sustain huntable populations. Sika deer are also hunted at game ranches throughout USA. A good trophy weighs close to 200 lbs with antlers of 4 points on each side. It is said that sika deer meat is tasty, more alike elk than deer. I have not yet feasted on this exotic dish. I've never hunted these deer. My sole reason for this post is to share with other hunters that many species of deer inhabit our planet. All created by our Lord for our good stewardship and use. Jack

February 4, 2006, 12:37 AM	#3
beenthere Senior Member Join Date: November 16, 2004 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 460	Sika Another beautiful species. If they've moved to the mainland it's likely they'll keep expanding their range. Once they pass the turkey neck into the Pennsylvania, Virginia area the migration might even speed up. __________________ The weak, and those unwilling to make the struggle, soon resign their liberties for the protection of powerful men or paid armies; they begin by being protected, they end by being subjected. Louis L'Amour

December 29, 2005, 12:10 PM	#2
Trip20 Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2005 Posts: 2,181	I watched a hunt of this species on OLN. I can't remember how many times the hunter kept remarking on how tasty these beasts were. I thought the hunt took place in Texas... but I might be mistaken.