The advantage of upland hunting the Cape is a chance at wild Quail,warm weather, and the combination of hunting and everything else a resort community hasto offer. (Invite your partner for a week of sun, swimming and tennis in October and takea few hours out each morning to kick up Quail or Cottontails; catch big Stripers or shootSporting Clays.)
Of course, the Cape's hunting seasons are the same as the rest of the statebut the weather is milder and the options are greater.
We also have Pheasant, Snowshoeson the Islands and Grey Squirrels. And we have too many Raccoons, Red Fox, and Coyotesthat are vulnerable to calling and live off of the gigantic rabbit population. Unlike the rest ofNew England, WE DO NOT HAVE RABIES.
Then there are the Whitetails. There are so many Deer on the Cape and Islands thatDoe tags are granted at 100%. And these aren't little Florida Deer either. Yearly, 200lb.bucks and 175 pt. racks appear at the weighing stations. Life is easy here so why not growbig? There are many town forests and miles of National Seashore to stalk or stand withbow, shotgun or blackpowder. And its shirtsleeve weather to hunt in with the bow andonly a light morning frost in early December.
The key to hunting Deer on the Cape is food. Since much of the Pine-Barrens ecology is scrub pine, scrub oak and blueberry, by fall anapple tree looks pretty good. Where there are farms* and there are more than at firstevident, there are a lot of deer. So too with watershed land which almost every town has. A topo map tells all.
A recent request for more information on hunting the Cape spurs me on to provide more information. Check under "local knowledge" for tips and leads. If you still need more information before throwing the shotgun in the trunk and coming on down, then consider this.
Almost every town has a town forest so get an Atlas or contact the town ahead of time. Thirty minutes in a plane for fifty bucks can be a real eye opener for finding new places to explore. See videos of the Cape from the air.
Every upland mammal lives off the primary cover of lowbush blueberry, red oak and wintergreen PLUS what they can supplement from marsh edges, field edges and development edges.
Rabbits and grey squirrels are plentiful. Check the regulations for seasons and other limits ( like no 22 cal. for squirrels ).
Pheasant and Quail are stocked weekly across the Cape. There are wild Quail about, look for field edges.
There are a few Ruffed Grouse but don't expect anyone to give up a spot because they are few and going fast.
Deer are relatively easy if you find food (see above) or do a little exploring in public places (see above) and can sit still. Most Cape and Island Whitetails are back to bedding by 0800 hours. So they are close (500') from bedding at 0730. Find where they bed, like dry evergreen rises near swamps or low evergreen swales in the woods and back off a couple hundred yards "up trail" and take a stand. Watch the wind or get 10' off the ground and don't turn at the sound of every grey squirrel jumping through the leaves. You'll have less "company" hunting in bow season.
Predator calling can be VERY effective on the Cape. Pick an expanse of beach or marsh, or take a tree stand in the woods, for best effect. Remember the rifle restriction on Cape? Nothing larger than 22 cal. But "pistols" can be up to 38 cal. and 223 and 7mmbr are both smaller then 38! Furthermore, the limitation is not such a liability when you can call 'em into 50 yards or less. The ultimate "blind" may be to call from an anchored boat just off shore or in riverine watersheds.
Check waterfowling for more information there.
Have I missed something? Guides? There are guides available
for waterfowling, check under services.
For upland game or big game, none that I know of for public grounds.
If you think of something more you need, let me know.
*Postscript: I've recently learned of a private hunting preserve on the Cape. It is Windstar Farms in Forestdale. This is something new to the Cape. Check it out!
And another postscript: There was a "bill to legalize sunday hunting" in the Massachusetts Legislature!!! IF you are in favor of repealing this archaic and unfair "Blue Law" please contact your local representative and senator to let them know your feelings. Info on lawmakers is at Citizen Information Service - 617-727-7030 or 800-392-6090. The Bill to support is H1559. It is very important to contact your lawmaker (think about it..."lawmaker") directly! Testimony will be heard in June on this bill and let them know if you want to testify. This will be a struggle against the anti's who recently passed Question 1 successfully! Lets get in there and win this thing. Call now. Right now. And lend your support. Thanks and spread the word, okay! My thoughts on the subject.
This page last updated 3/1/99.
Return
to Cape Cod Outdoors.
This page was created by Michael Eichenseer. Contact me through Email or snailmail at: Cape Cod
Outdoors, P.O. Box 591, N. Chatham, MA 02650