Black-Tailed Deer Hunts in California

Featured Hunts

We think these three hunts should be at the top of your list.

3-Day Blacktail Hunt Management Buck Hunt on Private - OTC Tags

2M Hunting offers blacktail deer hunting trips on the central coast of California in San luis Obispo Monterey and San Benito Counties. Our ranches range from rolling oaks to steep rocks and open grasslands. Hunters can expect to see 5 to 10 bucks per day. Most of the time spent on this hunt is moving from spot to spot glassing canyons and ridges looking for that mature Blacktail Buck. The Hunt will take place in southern A zone which is an “over the counter” tag. The A Zone Rifle Blacktail Deer season starts on the second Saturday in August and runs for 45 consecutive days. Deer hunts are scheduled for three full days; additional days can be added. Maximum of Two hunters. This hunt is fully outfitted and includes lodging, meals, and transportation. The A Zone Archery Blacktail Deer season starts early July and runs for 22 consecutive days. This is great way to target Trophy Bucks.

3250

2M Hunting

Fair Chase

Private

Unspecified

Yes

Unspecified

Meals Provided

Unspecified

3250

Horseback Pack-In Blacktailed Deer Hunt - OTC Tag

Embark on an backcountry guided trip in the stunningly beautiful Trinity Alps Wilderness, where the elusive Columbia black-tailed deer offers a unique hunting experience. This region, one of only three in the U.S. that hosts this subspecies, provides rich opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters. Our skilled hunting guides ensure you'll have the opportunity for a successful hunt by positioning you for the perfect shot.

Backcountry Hunting Guides

Fair Chase

Public

Tent

Yes

Unspecified

Cot

Meals Not Provided

Unspecified

5-Day Trophy Blacktail Hunt on Private - OTC Tags

5000

2M Hunting

Fair Chase

Private

Unspecified

Yes

Unspecified

Meals Provided

Unspecified

5000

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About Our Black-Tailed Deer Hunts in California

Most important info about these hunts—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.

Summary & Terrain

California’s black-tailed deer hunts span diverse landscapes, from the rolling oak woodlands and grass-covered ranches of the central coast to the rugged, remote backcountry of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. On the central coast, deer frequent canyon rims, brush-covered ridges, and open pastures, producing regular daily sightings of five to ten mature bucks. In the Trinity Alps, the Columbia black-tailed subspecies inhabits steep forested slopes, subalpine meadows, and granite outcrops, adding a true wilderness element to the hunt. Both regions offer iconic California scenery and the chance to pursue deer in settings that range from gently undulating farmland to high-elevation alpine terrain.

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Difficulty & Strategy

Most hunts rely on spot-and-stalk tactics paired with methodical glassing. Guides and hunters move between vantage points—whether in a pickup on a coastal ranch or on horseback into a remote mountain basin—to locate bedded or feeding deer. Physical demands vary by region: central coast outings are moderate, using roads and ranch trails to access glassing benches, while Trinity Alps trips can be more strenuous, requiring pack-in to drop camps and multi-mile stalks at elevation. Stand hunts or ground-blind setups are also an option on some ranches, providing a semi-static alternative for those preferring a lower-impact approach.

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Amenities

Black-tailed deer hunts in California generally offer a mix of lodge and field-camp accommodations to suit different preferences. Lodge operations feature private rooms with beds and full modern climate control for both heating and cooling. Backcountry camps utilize sturdy tents or canvas shelters, furnished with cots, and depend on seasonal temperatures or portable heat sources for warmth. This combination of options allows hunters to choose between a more comfortable, climate-controlled setting or a classic outdoor-style camp experience while accessing prime deer habitat.

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Season & Additional Info

Archery season for central coast black-tails opens in early July (22-day window), with rifle season commencing the second Saturday in August for 45 consecutive days under California’s over-the-counter A Zone tag. Standard packages allocate three full days afield, with extra days available upon request. Central coast hunts typically include lodge or bunkhouse accommodations, meals, and transport. Trinity Alps trips run on a backcountry schedule, usually two to four days, and include guided pack-in, spike-camp lodging, and field dressing. Tags are generally obtained over the counter, and meat-processing services can be arranged to ensure your harvest is packed and shipped or prepared locally.

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Pricing

Black-tailed deer hunts in California typically run in the $4,500–4,700 range per person. Most packages span three to five days and include a professional guide, ground transport between camp and hunting zones, accommodations (lodge rooms or canvas-field camps), and basic meals. At the lower end, you’ll find shared or semi-guided hunts with rustic tent camps and shorter durations. Mid-range options generally feature private rooms in climate-controlled lodges or heated canvas shelters, full-service meals, and more flexible daily itineraries. Premium hunts often extend the trip length, add trophy processing services, and grant access to private ranches or high-density public grounds during peak activity. Whether you’re a first-time hunter seeking guidance or an experienced sportsman aiming for trophy Black-tails, there’s a package to match your goals and comfort level.

FAQs

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Black-Tailed Deer Hunts in California

Featured Hunts