Blacktail hunting

[Ksduckhntr]

i am wanting to head way west and shoot another blacktail deer. Obviously I am looking into the Washington, Oregon, northern CA areas. I am hoping to get into a DIY situation with decent to good odds. My only experience with blacktails was this past fall on Kodiak. Has anyone else done a hunt like this? What did you learn about the different states and their tag systems? I am open to any and all information. Looking to go 2020

 

[Salmonchaser]

I lived in Washington for quite a few years, returned home to Oregon to hunt Blacktail deer. Most of my Blacktail hunting was in the Alsea unit, the lack of logging the last twenty five years has really hurt the hunting.
There is a lot of good public ground in SW Oregon, Grants Pass and Roseburg areas. If we don't draw mule deer tags, we head to SW Oregon for Blacktail.
It is an over the counter tag.
Fella by the Name of Scott Haugen, buddy of mine, wrote a book on hunting Blacktail. Be worth reading prior to a DIY hunt.

 

[Ksduckhntr]

I appreciate that tip on the book. I will look into that. Black tail tags aren't otc for non residents are they? Every states wildlife website are so different I get lost sometimes tracking down easy information.

 

[Salmonchaser]

I appreciate that tip on the book. I will look into that. Black tail tags aren't otc for non residents are they? Every states wildlife website are so different I get lost sometimes tracking down easy information.

Well I haven't look at the refs this year, but yes blacktail tag has been OTC even for non resident.

 

[Sevy]

I cant find in the regs where it says whether or not a non res can buy an otc. But here is some screenshots of the regs. Your probably gonna want the general season western oregon deer tag. Unless you have any point then there are better tags.

 

[Sevy]

Here is a map of the district offices with their phone numbers. They should be able to tell you what you need to know.

 

[Ksduckhntr]

Thank you for that information. I will call and talk with a few of them. See if it's worth buying a PP or not for better hunting opportunities or the S. western tag may just be it.

 

[Ckgworks]

Washington is a over the counter for non residents.....I live in SW Washington, and love to Blacktail hunt. I would say would be a very tough hunt to come in from out of state as a DIY Hunt here, if you are looking for a trophy. Now that I have children hunting, I don't hit it as hard as I used to, but I sure don't get one every year. The areas I hunt in SW Washington, are thick and very brushy without alot of places to glass.....it makes for a very close fast shots. In fact the last one I shot was at about 15' in its bed.......
Bring raingear, hit it HARD and if you get one it will be one of the most rewarding hunts you have went on. There are areas around that you can glass, and I know people that do pretty well, but you also have competition in these areas. I think if it was me, I'd look at other areas than here if you are looking for a high success rate! Special draw hunts would probably increase your odds at dropping one.....
Good luck!

 

[Gwine]

If you are looking to hunt rifle, put in for the High Cascades draw hunt. More tags than applicants so always draw. (Not sure if same odds for non res.) Its 1st or 2nd week in September (before most hunting pressure). Its wilderness only areas so plan on hiking. I've always been able to connect with a mature blacktail. Not sure if your travels would allow, but if you are unsuccessful that week the same tag is valid for general season (month of October)

 

[Sevy]

If you are looking to hunt rifle, put in for the High Cascades draw hunt. More tags than applicants so always draw. (Not sure if same odds for non res.) Its 1st or 2nd week in September (before most hunting pressure). Its wilderness only areas so plan on hiking. I've always been able to connect with a mature blacktail. Not sure if your travels would allow, but if you are unsuccessful that week the same tag is valid for general season (month of October)

I forgot about the high cascade tag. That would be a good one to try for. Definate opportunity for a mature buck if you hit it hard.

 

[Barrelnut]

If you are looking to hunt rifle, put in for the High Cascades draw hunt. More tags than applicants so always draw. (Not sure if same odds for non res.) Its 1st or 2nd week in September (before most hunting pressure). Its wilderness only areas so plan on hiking. I've always been able to connect with a mature blacktail. Not sure if your travels would allow, but if you are unsuccessful that week the same tag is valid for general season (month of October)

This is actually a good idea for a nonresident. You can get lost in the coast range it is so overgrown. LOL
Check the wilderness areas along the back of the Cascades. Three Fingered Jack area can be good to look at. Was a big fire in Jefferson last year. That should be looking good in a year or two.

 

[Ksduckhntr]

Thank you for the recommendation on the cascade hunt. What type of terrain would that be? Just from the name I assume it's more mountain style hunting vs the western coastal hunt? On Kodiak we hunted in very dense rain Forrest topography until we summit the mountain. then terrain was like walking a hay field. Crazy how the vegetation just changes like that

 

[Gwine]

The Cascade hunt is in multiple wilderness boundary locations following the cascade range which travels north/south through the state. You will typically be over 4k feet. I usually spend most time in the Rogue Umpqua Divide. Mix of old growth timber, high meadows, deep draws. The same day could have you on your knees trying to get through the thick stuff and also glassing the edges of meadows hundreds of yards away. Success has always been spot and stalk in the timber, shots under 100yds. Thielson wilderness is a little higher, more lodge pole and mule deer. I have hiked in the Sky Lakes wilderness south of Crater Lake, but not hunted. Lots of mountain lakes, beautiful area.

 

[Gwine]

This is just a sample from the east boundary of the Rogue Umpqua.