Columbian Blacktail Deer

Offering fully guided Columbian blacktail deer hunts in the backcountry and wilderness of California’s B zones. Guides spend the summer scouting and patterning big bucks so that they can get you in the perfect position for the shot when the season comes. If you are interested in a spot and stalk hunt in truly spectacular country chasing mature blacktail bucks this may be the perfect adventure for you. We have a team of pack llamas to haul in comfortable camps and aid in game retrieval.

We offer two styles of hunts to suit the guest(s) preferences:

1. A true wilderness experience where we will camp deep in the backcountry and in many cases can glass excellent country right from camp.
2. Hunts closer to the road system where we spike out for the day but make camp in dispersed or designated camping areas near roads.

Both styles are physically demanding and require early mornings and long days of glassing. Days are often hot, but we get our fair share of cold or even snow at times. The reward for hard work can pay off in the memories, meat, and antlers of the unique Columbian Blacktail.

The Hunt

A “typical” day with your blacktail deer hunting guide consists of rising well before the sun and having a quick bite to eat.  Wilderness hunting camps are placed at or very near prime glassing locations. Using high quality optics on tripods we will pick apart the mountainsides looking for any part of a deer. Once a shooter buck is spotted we will plan a stalk based on the weapon, wind, the animals direction of travel, and the contours of the land. During archery season, when bucks are in velvet, we see 3-4 times as many bucks than during the general season; however, stalks must be made with patience. Just prior to the general season bucks lose their velvet and have developed a sixth sense for staying alive. These bucks tend to hole up in thicker country. Spotting them becomes the more challenging aspect – once located we can often slip within rifle range for a shot.

If a shooter buck has not been spotted by mid-morning, or if other hunters in your group have not yet had an opportunity, we may move locations slightly to get views of new territory. We move more with our glass than our bodies once in a good location. Bucks can be seen at any hour of daylight and we will glass all day if needed. As dusk approaches we will make sure to be in a strategic position to spot bucks as they rise from their day beds. At dark we will head back to camp for a good meal and to relive the days hunt before getting much needed sleep.

After a kill we immediately field process the animal to get it cooled off. Depending on the weather we may hang the trophy and quarters in camp or have the llamas pack them out to the vehicle to get them on ice.

Deer hunts may also be combined with bear hunts. During our summer scouting trips we see numerous quality black bears in the same areas deer hunts are conducted.

Notes: Our guides work extremely hard, year-round to get you in the right location, however, there is no guarantees in hunting. Very few outfits offer fully-guided Columbian Blacktail hunts on public land; that’s because it’s one of the most difficult animals to hunt due to their elusive behavior and the rough terrain. Some of the biggest bucks live in the remote locations that we hunt and we wouldn’t have it any other way. If a shot is made and blood is drawn, that’s considered your animal whether recovered or not. Be proficient with your weapon of choice.

Please contact us if you’re seeking a Columbian blacktail deer hunting guide. We’ll discuss your groups needs and we can tell you about the bucks we have been seeing and how best to get you on them. 

2024 Deer Season in our hunt area

Archery: August 17 – September 8

General Season: September 21 – October 27

M11 Northwestern Muzzleloading Rifle Buck: November 9 – 24

J4 Shasta-Trinity Apprentice Buck: November 23 – December 1

General B Zone deer tags can be purchased over-the-counter. The M11 muzzleloader and J4 tag are a tough draw but are exciting hunts if you’re one of the lucky few.

Rates – Columbian Blacktail Deer Hunting Guide

Food and accommodations are provided.

Rates are per person.

3 day 3 night	3 day 4 night	4 day 4 night	4 day 5 night	5 day 5 night	5 day 6 night	6 day 6 night	6 day 7 night	7 day 7 night	7 day 8 night
$4,000	$4,200	$4,600	$4,800	$5,200	$5,400	$5,800	$6,000	$6,400	$6,600

Extra nights = $200

Extra days = $400

No trophy fees!

Often combined with black bear hunts. For combination big-game hunts the first animal is included in the price. Additionally harvested big-game is $2,200 per animal. It’s not a trophy fee but covers the extra labor and skill.

Inclusions

• A knowledgeable and experienced guide.
• Transportation from pre-determined meeting location to the field.
• Meals and snacks.
• Non-alcoholic beverages.
• Accommodations are backcountry and wilderness camps. Tent/shelter and sleeping pad provided.
• Field care and pack out of meat and trophies.

Exclusions

• Hunting license and tags.
• Personnel effects, daypack, sleeping bag, and clothing. Detailed gear list will be provided. If you do need something let us know and we will do what we can to help.
• Weapon and ammunition. Practice with archery equipment out to 50 yards and with a rifle to at least 200 yards.
• Alcohol or tobacco products – no alcohol may be consumed before or while hunting.
• Lodging and meals for before and after the hunt dates.
• Transportation to the pre-determined meeting location.
• Storage, butchering and processing of game beyond the basic field care. It can be hot, have a plan in place for the animal after the hunt.
• Taxidermy services.

All photos on this page are deer harvested within the geographic range of Columbia Blacktail Deer as defined by the Boone and Crockett Club.