Black-Tailed Deer

Top States to Hunt Black-Tailed Deer

Looking for your next hunt? These are the most popular states for this species.

California

Hunts Available

About Our Black-Tailed Deer Hunts

Intro to this species—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.

Summary

The Black-Tailed Deer, a subspecies of the Mule Deer, is primarily found in the coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest, characterized by its distinctive dark brown to black tail and large, alert ears. These deer are known for their adaptability to diverse habitats, ranging from dense forests to open meadows. Unique features include their robust build, large antlers in males typically forked with a distinctive "black tail," and a keen sense of smell and hearing, which can make hunting them a challenge. Effective hunting strategies involve understanding their feeding patterns, particularly during the early morning and late evening when they are most active. Utilizing scent control and camouflage, along with tracking their movements in the terrain, can significantly increase the chances of a successful hunt. Ethical hunting practices are paramount, ensuring sustainable populations while enjoying the pursuit of this iconic species.

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Hunt Features

Black-tailed deer hunts range from coastal oak and grassland ranches to remote backcountry in the Trinity Alps, offering diverse terrain for both rifle and archery seasons. Hunters move between glassing points on ridges and canyon benches, or settle into stands, with guides positioning you for clean, ethical shots. Over-the-counter tags and flexible trip lengths—typically 2–4 days with options to add days—make planning straightforward. Small group sizes or one-on-one outings ensure personal attention, and fully outfitted packages include guiding, field dressing, meals, and either comfortable lodging or rustic camps accessed by vehicle or horseback. Expect to encounter multiple mature bucks per day, plus optional dual pursuits like black bear in some areas, creating an accessible yet challenging experience for newcomers and veterans alike.

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Amenities

Black-tailed deer hunts typically offer a choice between lodge-based lodging and tent camps. Lodge hunts provide private rooms or shared quarters with standard beds, full-board meals, and modern climate-control systems. Tent-camp options feature canvas shelters outfitted with cots, more rustic sleeping conditions, and meals are included on some packages but not all. Heating and cooling vary by location—lodges are climate controlled, while tent camps may lack dedicated systems, so hunters should prepare for basic or natural ventilation in camp settings.

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States Offered:

California

Featured Black-Tailed Deer 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

Horseback Pack-In Combo Black Bear & Blacktail Hunt - OTC Tag

Our guided hunting trips often reveal quality black bears in the same areas as our deer hunts, offering a dual-target expedition. Using the same remote camps, we employ expert glassing techniques to spot bears in their natural habitat. Once identified, our guides help plan the perfect approach, considering weapon range, wind, and landscape. As with our deer hunts, bear tags are readily available over-the-counter. 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

Combo Hunt