I’m not certain why this limited opportunity Sambar deer hunt in the Florida panhandle seems to generate controversy every time I discuss it, but it simply fascinates me each time the topic arises.

My resounding sentiment is that the hunt is operated each year and the draw is limited. Folks often keep the quote hunt opportunity not just close to their vest, but inside their inner vest pocket. This hunt is akin to almost every adventure I’ve ever read about or imagined. Its more than a hunt from my experience, it’s an adventure in the pursuit of a elk cousin that is native to India and somehow persists on a Florida barrier island.

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Simply stated, hunting Sambar deer on St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge (SVI) is just as available for a draw hunt to YOU as it was to ME. The hunt is posted annually for both Whitetail and Sambar deer. Most notably, the landscape is worth the trip purely to enjoy the inherent ecological value of the public landscape and barrier island experience quite unlike most southeastern hunting trips.

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Introduction

The intent of Part 1 is to briefly discuss the history and acquisition record, limited entry application process, awkward sensitivity of openly discussing the hunt, and a few other rhythm section type details. I invite you to research publications and history prior to applying for this hunt. This is especially appropriate if you aren’t accustomed to panhandle conditions and weather patterns. SVI is as beautiful as it is wild and seemingly unforgiving.

St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge

SVI is a ~12,000-acre, virtually undeveloped barrier island near Cape San Blas and St. George Island in the Florida panhandle. The only significant infrastructure is lodging for staff. Since European contact, SVI has experienced a varied history. Most notably, the island was purchased in 1948 by a private landowner and a suite of non-native animals were imported to serve as a game-style ranch. SVI is a barrier island, so it was determined to be a natural, unfenced location and truly must have been quite a paradise, if you fancy that lifestyle.

History

In 1968, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) acquired the entire island. Subsequently, funds from the Duck Stamp program repaid TNC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service became the public land stewards and wildlife- management entity. As a proud owner of dozens of Federal Duck Stamps over the years, it was rewarding to roam this land and enjoy the plights of being a Public Land Owner. I highly suggest securing a camping spot well within the scrub live oak canopy and with as much windbreak from saw palmettos that you can tolerate.

Sambar Deer Hunting Management & Draw Opportunities

Although managed by the Department of Interior, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) administers the limited opportunity application hunts for Sambar deer.The draw opportunities are generally low, but the application cost is marginal. Application cost for Florida residents is $25 and non-residents can apply for what I view as a nominal additional fee as a non-resident. Preference points can be accrued annually to increase draw odds. I suggest applying as a group of four, mainly because this hunt is worthy of a group effort and camp is always better with friends. I encourage you to study the draw odds and preference point system as you develop your award strategy (individual or group).

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Weather

This isn’t your typical Florida deer hunt. The conditions are wet, external assistance is unavailable, and the weather is completely subject to change hourly.For instance, frog choker bands of rain and extreme winds occur over lunch and then Chamber of Commerce wispy clouds and blue skies occur just moments later. I consider that to be a predictable coastal weather forecast overall; however, the drenching rainfall mid-day often disrupts the flow of the hunt and hinders the afternoon hunt spirit. Arriving back to camp each day to your hunting party after a significant day in the field results in spirited campfire fellowship. The vistas of hunting and rucking around SVI far exceed any mid-showers and unpredictable storms.

Sambar Deer Hunting Application Process

Our group of four friends applied in 2007 and were quite fortunate to draw in Fall 2008. Prior to applying, I scanned through limited public information regarding Sambar deer and the overall draw odds. In 2007-2008, limited cursory information regarding the “the approach” was available, so I was intrigued. Once we were successfully drawn, I began to canvas the internet for snippets of information to help us prepare for the impending hunt.

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I was the primary organizer of the group hunt, so I was compelled to acquire and secure information useful to increasing our hunt experience and potential success. It was a painful chase to garnish info, but a handful of books were available for context and research. My general sentiment was that Sambar hunters intentionally or generally subscribed to not sharing significant information regarding the hunt and hints of successful tips.

Sambar Deer Hunting Discussion

Perhaps this post will elicit some meaningful lessons learned. To this day, I have been publicly shamed for even speaking of this hunt opportunity. On a few occasions during purely random conversions and online discussions, recreational keyboard outrage has transpired just for the mention of this hunt opportunity. My response has been and will always be “why?” It’s not exactly a secret, the draw odds are challenging, the logistics are uncommon, and foremost the harvest success is the ultimate hurdle.

This is a National Wildlife Refuge and the hunt is markedly limited to folks that are willing to plan and commit to a Florida barrier island hunt with primitive accommodations and a dealers choice poker game of public land hunting hurdles.

Part 2 of the post will discuss some of the details and nuances of the four day hunt we enjoyed. Sambar deer behaviors and their habits will be addressed on a general scale. Furthermore, lessons learned, physical and mental hurdles, logistical considerations, camp provisions, and the daily pursuit of Sambar deer will be addressed. Stay tuned!

Links

Check out Part 2 of the St Vincent Island Deer Hunting Blog Series HERE

Read Part 3 of St Vincent Island Sambar Deer Hunting HERE

Chad Rischar is a Southeast Chapter Board member of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and resides in Northeast Florida. He’s a generalist hunter, angler, and outdoorsman. As a scientist, natural resource manager and conservation advocate, he appreciates the inherent value of the out-of-doors and is seeking to improve the well, not just the pump. Chad can be contacted at Florida.BHA@gmail.com