Best Times to Hunt Black Tailed Deer

There are two subspecies of black-tailed deer: the Sitka blacktail, which is located in parts of the Alaskan and British Columbia coast, and the Columbia blacktail, which is found from central California north through coastal British Columbia. The Columbia blacktail is the more common of the two subspecies, but both are equally sought after by skilled hunters.

When should you plan your hunt for these mysterious deer? Keep reading for our insights into the timing and conditions for a successful hunt.  

Why Hunt Black-Tailed Deer

It's thrilling, and it definitely means hunters can claim bragging rights for tagging a black-tailed deer. These deer can be found only in a few locations, and their movements are different from those of other deer, such as whitetail or mule deer.

If you're up for the challenge, make sure you scout and plan so you don't come home empty-handed.

What to Consider When Hunting Black-Tailed Deer

As we mentioned, don't assume these deer behave like the whitetail you're used to hunting. Sure, they're deer – but you'll need to go into a blacktail hunt with an open mind to different hunting methods and strategies to bring home one of these prizes.

Use HuntWise to research real-time animal movements and e-scout locations, and keep the following variables in mind as you plan your hunt.

The Location

Black-tailed deer prefer the thick brush and woodland forests of the Pacific Coast from central California to Alaska. Their habitat preferences make them even harder to spot as they move swiftly and quietly through the dense forests of the northwest, almost completely undetectable. 

This is where the insights you'll gain from the HuntWise app can help you "see" these deer that don't want to be seen and learn about their habitat before hitting the ground for your hunt.

The Solunar Calendar

Black-tails are nocturnal, making them most active during the hours between dusk and dawn. Their behavior is affected by the fullness of the moon, which serves as a night light for them as they search for food.

In general, the larger the moon, the higher your chances of spotting one of these elusive animals. 

The Time of Year

Blacktail deer can be hunted in most areas where they live from early fall to mid-winter. However, if you plan on bringing home a trophy black-tailed buck, it is best to start scouting in July and early August.

Observing their pre-season habits makes you more likely to track one down during the open season. 

The Time of Day

Black-tails are the most active between dawn and dusk. However, plan on long days and long nights of scouting if you hope to spot one during times of peak activity. 

The Temperature

Temperatures in the Pacific Northwest can range from hot and humid to freezing and damp. These dramatic temperature variations have an effect on blacktail movement, so hunters should pay close attention to these variations. 

As the days get cooler, signaling rutting season, bucks begin their pursuit of does, increasing your chance of spotting one using specific mating calls and techniques. 

Barometric Pressure

Experts say the best hunting times for these deer are when the barometer reads between 30.00 and 30.40. Anything lower can dramatically decrease your chances of spotting a deer on the move. 

General Weather Conditions

Unfortunately for hunters, the best weather conditions for spotting black-tails are rainy, foggy, or misty days.

However, due to their keen ability to elude even the most skilled hunters, be prepared for long days and every type of weather condition if you are serious about catching one of these Pacific ghosts. 

The Wind

Like whitetails, black-tailed deer have an incredibly keen sense of smell. Though it is best to hunt during days when the wind is calm, if that is not possible, make sure to keep downwind of their tracks and trails. 

Use HuntWise and These Tips to Tag a Black Tailed Deer

We love it when hunters bring home rare finds with fantastic tales to tell about the hunt. If you plan to hunt black-tailed deer this season, we hope you find the one you're looking for and have plenty of stories to tell friends and family about the adventure.

Use the insights we've provided today and the HuntWise app to learn about these creatures and how they move.

Content updated June 24, 2024.