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Muzzleloaders target big bucks with Talbot County Outfitters

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ST. MICHAELS, Md. — Honking geese sounding off overhead, a gentle breeze carrying the smell of saltwater. No, these are not what Pennsylvania hunters associate with a muzzleloader hunt.

They are, however, the norm when muzzleloader hunting in Talbot County on Maryland’s historic Eastern Shore. Sounds and smells aside, the most memorable aspect for muzzleloader hunters from Pennsylvania is the realistic expectations of taking an 8-point buck — or better — when hunting with Talbot County Outfitters.

Maryland has become a prime destination for Pennsylvania’s muzzleloader fraternity because bucks are legal during both the October and December seasons. Talbot County Outfitters manages its leases to produce large bucks with the 8-point rule and allows hunters to take three doe during a three-day hunt.

This year’s early Maryland muzzleloader season is Oct. 22-31 and the late season is Dec. 19 to Jan. 2. Talbot County Outfitters has no Sunday hunting, so to avoid down time hunters may want to avoid booking Saturday, Dec. 19, as the first day of their hunt.

To maintain the integrity of the hunt, there is a $400 trophy fee for a buck that fails to meet the 8-point minimum, which is based on points being a minimum of one-half inch. It is illegal to shoot button bucks and carries a $200 fine for doing so.

Operated by Bob Coyle and Corey Intyre, Talbot County Outfitters specializes in tailoring hunts to fit the needs of individual hunters and can also accommodate groups. Coyle began guiding when he was 12 years old and has done so professionally for more than 30 years.

“All of our property is privately leased directly from the landowners in Talbot, Dorchester and Caroline counties,” Coyle said. “They range from crop fields, big timber, pine thickets and marshland.

“Throughout the entire year we manage our deer herd with countless hours of scouting using trail cameras and good old-fashioned sitting and glassing. Another way we manage our property is by booking a maximum of 50 whitetail and 20 sika deer hunters per season, including archery, muzzleloader and shotgun seasons.

“Treestands will already be in place and safe for the hunt upon arrival, and we use Ameristep ‘Buddy Stands’ for gun hunters and Ameristep ‘Hang On’ platforms with climbing sticks for archery hunters. We also have ground blinds and box blinds, and stands are constantly being moved or added for better shot opportunity.”

All deer hunts with Talbot County Outfitters are guided, and guides meet their hunters at a predetermined location in the morning and take them to and from their assigned stand. All hunter communications will be through their guide for that hunt. Each guide has scouted and is familiar with the property their clients will be hunting and do their best to make the hunt successful.

For safety and to prevent scent from contaminating the hunting areas, stalking is prohibited and hunters are to remain in their stand after shooting a deer. Guides will do the tracking and retrieving of all deer.

Relatively speaking, deer hunting is the newcomer in the way of game species on Hooper’s Island, being imported from the Aberdeen area and stocked in the 1950s. Management and habitat allowed for the development of a large, healthy herd to the point that the area is now known for deer hunting as much as waterfowl hunting.

Bill Hall, who has hunted with Coyle for more than 20 years, remembers hearing stories about waterfowl hunting in the area from his grandfather, who was a guide and market hunter. One of his clients was Annie Oakley, who often hunted ducks and shipped them to restaurants in Baltimore.

In addition to deer hunts, Talbot County Outfitters provides guided hunts for Canada geese, sea ducks and turkey. Hunts can also be arranged for sika deer in Dorchester County.

Clients are responsible for securing their own lodging when booking a hunt with Talbot County Outfitters, and groups may find it practical to divide the cost of a suite at The Harbour Inn if wishing to stay at St. Michael’s. Individuals and couples will find other options with numerous chain motels within a 20-minute drive and several private bed-and-breakfast operations.

“Anyone who has been on a guided hunt knows that the main cog in the hunt is their guide,” Coyle said. “At Talbot County Outfitters we take pride in the fact our guides are responsible, honest and most importantly trustworthy and put their reputation on the line.”

For information about hunting with Talbot County Outfitters, access the website at www.talbotcountyoutfitter.com or call Bob Coyle at (410) 310-6328 or Corey Intyre at (240) 217-3672. For information about lodging at The Harbour Inn, St. Michael’s, Md., access the website at www.harbourinn.com or call (800) 955-9001. For information about other lodging options in motels and bed and breakfasts, access the Talbot County Tourism website at www.tourtalbot.org.


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