Blacktails are just a mule deer with a little different color,
but the same animal none the less.
I TO would rather hunt up in the n.w. corner, and have done so many times- starky unit,near LaGrande was a favorite for many years, back when my best freinds dad owned a cabin near Meacham- have had many good hunts up there, deer and elk.
Also done some hunt'in around Monument,John Day, Prairie City,Fossil,Steens Mtn. Lakeview, Burns, and Seneca.
So I know how you feel about staying in your local area that you know so well.
I am in so. or. ( Medford ) and this is my local hunting area,and I'm just saying, it's not so bad around here!