Blacktail advice

Califelkslayer · Jun 2, 2011

I would like to get some advice from "EXPERTS."

My experience hunting blacktails is limited to a couple of hunts around Covelo and between Fort Bragg and Ukiah over 20 years ago. This year, doubting any out of state draws, I bought both my wife and I "B" zone tags.....and put "B" zone as a back up if we don't draw X6A. So most likely we'll both have 2 "B" zone tags. My thought right now is to pack into the Alps with horses a couple of days early and hunt the first 4-5 days of the season. The goal is to get my wife a buck or two. Trophy quality isn't that much of a concern, just a good enjoyable hunt for her. I have friends that back pack hunt it every year in archery so i guess I have a starting point.

I would like some advice especially if this plan has obvious flaws.

Thanks.

manny53 · Jun 16, 2011

I've hunted N, Calif bucks since I was 13, I mostly concentrate on water holes or springs, hunt 1/4 mile circumference around them even better a migration route, get up on higher ground and glass... Good Luck on your hunts....

sageadvice · Jun 16, 2011

Slayer, No other deer i've hunted was it so important to get out and hunt early and then again, hunt to the very last bit of light in the evenings. When i know the country, i always plan to be in a certain spot both at first daybreak and then near dark to wait out mr big in showing himself going to food and, like Manny mentioned, water. Blackies with some years on them just know to not show themselves in daylight. There are exceptions, but by a wide margin, most of my better blackie's taken were at these times.

Joey

Califelkslayer · Jul 8, 2011

Thanks guys.

Sage, I grew up hunting D5 and although they are "crosses," I learned the same thing. Early and Late.

I was hoping someone could give me something about the Trinity Alps, Yolla Bollys, even Marbles. Leaving in 3 weeks for a week in the Alps. Gonna just be relaxing trip (I hope) to get the horses in better shape and to perfect equipment. BUT I will be on a high point most mornings and evenings, glassing.

huntindad4 · Jul 9, 2011

I have hunted the Cecilville area of the Trinity Alps (Five Dollar camp and into Mary Blaine Meadows) with some success but I think you will have some competition early in the season.

Bill

Look out Forkie, FTW is watching us!

Califelkslayer · Aug 14, 2011

What I wonder is this, I've had people tell me the deer move out of the Alps early. First full moon in Sept. And everyone says the opener is crowded. Well, the opener this year, 9/17 is the full moon. How in the heII could i guy miss the opener and still see deer????????

But I don't believe everything I hear. My scouting trip turned up two things i think will be useful. One I saw bucks, including 2 4X4s, one a great blaktail. The other was as the wife and I walked along meadows with willows along the water course, my shorthair jumped tons of deer out. And the bucks were in such a panic that they ran through open area.

So here is my plan. Gless at daylight. Hope that works. if not, unleash the dog. He runs em out but a simple tone on the e-collar brings him right back. Here's some photos from our scouting trip.

Hoping this is the winning combo, deer dog and shooter.

huntindad4 · Aug 15, 2011

The deer may start their way out on the first full moon in Sept. (matter of opinion that I don't hold) but thie big bucks will stay as long as weather and feed permit. IMO

The dog hunting plan sounds like a good one (in rifle season right?)

Bill

Look out Forkie, FTW is watching us!

BomberBlackies · Aug 15, 2011

Exactly! No full moon has ever started a migration. Weather and feed issues start the yearly movement. I've seen blackies leave the wilds as early as the 15th of Sept and as late as mid to late Oct. Have fun.

Califelkslayer · Aug 15, 2011

Kinda what I thought. I grew up huntin D5, blacktails really dispite the fact that they are east of I5.

Archery was usually high, Opening weekend of rifle in Desolation Wilderness, last weekend below ,000 feet. When they moved depended on weather, not moon phase. BUT a few cold nights could get em going, a snow meant a mass exodus.

We'll have fun for sure......and yes rifle. Wife doesn't bow hunt. But i would like to be there next weekend myself.