Washington blacktails

BBB · May 27, 2005

I notice that most talk on this site is for Cali. blacktails. I just moved to SW Washington (Kalama) and have never experienced a blacktail hunt. I have looked in the regulations and have seen various seasons available OTC and am curious on which hunts are closest to the rut, unit qualities, etc. I hunt all three weapons and am willing to hike backcountry. If you'd rather email me, [email protected] Thanks guys, Michael

MikeLonsford · May 27, 2005

If you want a true blacktail you should probably hunt more from where you are towards the coast (heading towards Raymond and up the peninsula) basically most of SW Washington there is lots of private timber land open for hunters and you can get maps showing which roads are open for driving or hike in only (the trend). If you hunt the Cascades (Nat'l forest or private timber)the further east you go the more chance you have of getting into mule deer crosses or outright mule deer. Which is fine by me but not sure if you want any deer or blacktail only. There are deer all over the western slope of the Cascades. The state classifies them by geography, if you are west of the Cascades Crest then it's a blacktail, if you are east it is a mule deer. Very scientific.

kirkl · May 27, 2005

They have OTC november rut late hunts for blacktail, look in the regs and it will tell you dates and units open for it.

BBB · Jul 12, 2005

Any good bucks spotted in Wa.? I have a few little ones around the house.

bonefreak · Jul 13, 2005

it seems like i see more big bucks in the high country than anywhere else
good luck this year

Dmanmastertracker · Dec 8, 2005

Mike, if you want a good hike-in hunt for Blacktail in your area, I would get a map of the Wheyerheuser St. Helens Tree Farm. A few years ago they closed most of the side roads in there to vehicles, so if you can scout it good I have no doubt you'll find some animals. I've also had good luck during the late Blacktail season in Lewis County, North of St. Helens Tree Farm. You have some great Blacktail hunting East of you too in the hills right above the Columbia River, but most of that is open general season only and is also two-point or better.
Good luck -Dman

BBB · Dec 12, 2005

Thanks DMAN.
I have seen quite a few does and a little forky so far but the archery-season is winding down. I think next year it will be rifle or smokepole.

Dmanmastertracker · Dec 12, 2005

I got spoiled last two years with nice 3 points, this year though got busy and only got out twice with no luck. Gonna do a drop next year though with an outfitter. Supposed to be pretty good success rates.

Jeremy1746 · Feb 13, 2006

This year was a good year i thought for blacktails here in Washington. Seen alot of legal bucks during the end of the modern season. 4 dandys and we ended up with two of them. 4x5 and a tank of a 4x2.

Jeremy1746 · Feb 13, 2006

I guess i have to post the pics of the deer huh.

Dmanmastertracker · Feb 14, 2006

Cripe, what was the weight of that pig??

Jeremy1746 · Feb 14, 2006

I will have to get back to you on what is dressed out at but the drag out was a nightmare. Both deer were nightmares to get out because they were both back country deer. Not really any roads near by.