Zone B2 Questions/Blacktail Deer

[twopointdn]

I have been thinking about trying a blacktail deer hunt for several years now and 2023 might be the year I get to try it. My thoughts so far are to try a backpack style hunt in the Trinity Wilderness in Zone B2. In general, am I on the right track or should I be looking elsewhere? I do at least one backpack style hunt each year so I am not going into that part blind but I know nothing about hunting in California or hunting blacktails. I hate to be that guy to ask for help but here I am trying to get a start. I am trying to get the poor man’s grand slam over the course of my life. I have got three (mule deer, eastern whitetail, Coues) of the five so far. The two blacktail species will likely be the toughest logistically for me to get factoring in time and money that is not easy to come by. I cannot afford a guide or pay trespass fees so it will be a DYI on public land. A rifle is my preferred weapon for out of state hunts in new areas. I’m in decent sharp for my age and can probably plan on 8-10 day for the hunt. I was thinking about starting my hunt at the beginning of the hunt but if it is better to hunt the end of the hunt I can go that route as well. PM are welcome if that makes it more comfortable to help me out.

Thank you for reading my post.

 

[bubba]

two point,
The trinity mountains is a place for some great blacktail hunting. You are on the right track. California Blacktail are some of the most elusive animals. The only thing predictable is that they are unpredictable. I've spent years hunting Blacktails in Central and Northern California. One of the things you need to consider is that we have had many years of drought and major fires that have changed the landscapes in certain areas. The weather is hot and dry and water is key. The next few years with all the regrowth and decent winter should make for some good horn growth. As for time of year it depends on the hunter. Some like the later part because some years a less pressured area might get some rut activity and with cooler weather might see them out moving more during the day. Some like the early part because the deer tend to move more right at first light and before dark. I myself prefer the 2nd or 3rd week. The hunting pressure is reduced after the opener. When E scouting look for water, feed and cover. Especially for the areas that burned. This year I watched a small buck feed along ways off came all the way over to my location and bed just up from me. This area burned very hot in a fire and the cover was limited.
The key to success for me is finding several glassing areas and spend a lot of your time behind the glass. once you are done glassing find some areas that you can drop off the ridge a hundred yards or so and still hunt. I never return back the same way I came in on. I make everything a new hunt. This year, i would glass the morning and side hill slowly through the oak brush and jump bucks late morning out of their beds. The brush was knee to waist high. I never seen them till i was within 20 yards of them. They stayed tucked in till I was on top of them. The hardest part going into the trinity mountains is finding water specially up high. Its there you just have to find it. You'll want plan on going in at least 3-5 miles or more if you can. let me know if you have anymore questions.

 

[Rie bread]

brush busting is the only way we’ve had much luck but i know other guys who sit in a stand or ground blind that have good luck.
beautiful area, rugged

 

[Snoopdogg]

If you do a backpack style hunt each year, pushing into the Alps is a good plan for pursuing blacktails. It isn't for everyone, but since you're familiar with packing everything on your back, you'll have a solid chance at busting a blacktail and/or a black bear. Do it. Good luck!

 

[Moe]

Be careful at the trail heads at any of the N Comifornia wilderness areas. Yollys, Marbels or Trinitys. Leave nothing in your vehicle. The tweakers know your hiking, very little law enforcement, smash and grabs happen at all of em.

 

[twopointdn]

Thank you so much for the advice and encouragement. Sounds like it will be worth having a bear tag in my pocket as well but my focus will definitely be on getting a blacktail. I hunt mule deer every year in my home state but it seems that every species of deer have their own unique challenges. Sounds like blacktail deer hold to the thick stuff and that style of hunting is definitely my weak area. I am looking forward to exploring new country and it will be a plus to be in beautiful country. I wish we did not have to worry about our vehicles at trailheads but I guess that is the reality of the world we live in. If you think of anything else that will be helpful please feel free to send it my way, I am going to be like a sponge as I prepare for this hunt and learn as much as I can.

Thanks again and have fun.

 

[Rie bread]

the best times we have had luck is during super warm weather or the first snow of the year.

 

[Cahunter805]

Sounds like you have a good plan in place. I would definitely recommend having a bear tag. Blacktail are very fun to hunt and I’m sure you will have a blast.

 

[twopointdn]

Thank you for the added information. I’m trying to gauge my expectations in my head, as every area offers something different. Examples, I hunt areas for mule deer that I may see 30+ bucks on opening day and then 3-5 bucks per day after opening day. In other areas I may see 5-10 bucks per day no matter the day of the season because pressure is low in those backcountry spots. Some hunts I’m lucky to see one or two bucks during the season. Some hunts you see 50+ bucks with only one or two being shooters and others you may only see two bucks during the season and both are shooters. I am not a trophy hunter but I try to find mature bucks if they are offered in the areas I hunt. General season hunts are common to me so I know how to have realistic expectations but it is nice to have a little knowledge to gauge my expectations. What am I in for on the Trinity’s regarding this topic? Feel free to PM me if this question is to close to private and you don’t want the whole world to see your reply. I get it. Thanks again for the help.

 

[woodturner]

You need to keep an eye on the fire situation. Lots of area closures have happened in the past. Right during deer season.
Some people have a friend drop them off at the trail head and then pick them up when they return. Saves a vehicle being broken into.

 

[Homer]

Kill a bear and your deer hunt is over........

 

[twopointdn]

Thank you for the additional information everyone.

Homer, thank you for that thought. I will forgo a bear tag as my focus is definitely on getting a blacktail.

 

[heywouldya]

I like B5, but that's where I have the most experience. There's plenty of hiking to be done in most of the B zones. The Alps can be a lot of fun too. PM me if you'd like and I'll be happy to help you as much as I can. Good luck

 

[twopointdn]

I like B5, but that's where I have the most experience. There's plenty of hiking to be done in most of the B zones. The Alps can be a lot of fun too. PM me if you'd like and I'll be happy to help you as much as I can. Good luck

Thank you for the offer to help. I will send you a PM.