Oregon Blacktail advice

Hey all I posted this in the blacktail forum too but it doesn't look like its frequented too much. Since I haven't draw jack this year except for doe antelope in Wyoming, I'm thinking going to Oregon to try my hand at blacktails is the best option. I have killed mule deer, whitetails, coues, and Sitka blacktail so all I have left is a Columbia blacktail. "insert not after anyones honey hole line" I'm really just looking for a fun hunt with a chance at a decent buck. I'm looking more at SW Oregon but my mind could always be changed. I haven't picked a unit yet but I have narrowed it down to a few. If anyone knows SW Oregon and would be willing to chat about the different units in general terms I'd appreciate it! I've been to Portland but that is my extent of visits to Oregon but being in Idaho now I can and plan on going over to do a little scouting before season or may just go earlier in the season and hunt more days. Any advice from anyone on tactics and how hunting Columbia blacktails would be different from any of the above species that I've been successful in hunting? I'm a strong back pack hunter so I plan on taking that gear but I was also thinking of taking a nice base camp with wood stove to dry out gear. Most likely I'll be doing this solo this year.

I can provide advice and help folks with info on my experience with the above species as well as lots of experience with hunting all species in NM and some in Idaho.

side note....hows the fishing in SW Oregon in Oct/Nov?

thanks!

I don't know a lot about SW Oregon but if you look at the record books for big Blacktails Jackson county is up at or near the top. I think it is more open with Oaks and scrub brush so may be a little easier than typical Blacktail country?

If you are in Idaho the Santiam unit is closer to you and has nice deer in it. There are several private timber companies that have locked gates but allow people to walk in and hunt. Some may have a fee but some don't as well.

I would hunt the last 5 days of the season if you can make it. The leaves on the vine mapels might be off making visibility better. Also a mature Blacktail Buck will live mostly nocturnal but those last few days they may be up a little more than usual roaming. The timber companies can log their own property and usually still will clear cut units which make for great habitat.

The clear cuts can be great feeding locations, but still hunting through the tall timber next to them can also be productive. Just go Sloooooow.

PM if you want a little more info or a few Timber companies names to see if they still allow walk in hunters at their locked gates.

Good luck.......

Dean

Thanks for the info. Will send a PM shortly!

I grew up there and spend a lot of time in the fall in SW Oregon. If you are willing to hike a few miles, I have a few spots I can send you where you should see a number of nice bucks. Good fishing in the area for steelhead and chinook too. I'm off to a wedding here in a bit, but send me a PM later and I'll get you the intel you need to fill a tag.

Pm sent

Like kickerbuck said, make sure you hunt the last few days of the season.

LAST EDITED ON Aug-19-18 AT 12:45PM (MST)[p]if you archery hunt there is a late hunt here outside of medford where we harvest some really nice bucks every year, so happens i am looking for some new areas in idaho for muleys i have some private ground that provides excelent access...