What Are Black Tail Deer [8 Tips for Hunting Them]

The hunting will be tough. You'll be out before the crack of dawn, packing miles into some drizzly or downright torrential rainfall, heavy winds, and thick brush. However, at the end of the hunt, you'll feel gratitude. The thrill of a black tail hunt is like no other, and the opportunity to spend some time in these zones you won't soon forget.

Today, we're breaking down the mystery of black tail deer and exploring some hunting options to get you out on your first black tail hunt. 

What Are Black Tail Deer?

While there was some ongoing debate about the origin of blacktail deer and whether it was treated as a separate species, it is now reasonably well established that blacktails are a coastal subspecies of mule deer. They are differentiated by their distinctive black-tipped tails and more compact, stockier build.

There are two subspecies of blacktail deer:

• The Columbia black tail (Pacific Northwest)
• Sitka black tail (coastal Alaska and British Columbia)

These deer are smaller than mule deer, with large males standing up to 3 ft (1 m) at the shoulder. They're highly reliant on the old-growth forests and deep, thick, coastal forested environment for survival. 

Where Do Black Tails Live?

While black-tails inhabit a narrow strip along the Pacific coast from California to southeastern Alaska, the span and natural diversity within this strip create a wide range of differing terrains and natural environments. 

• The Colombian black tail can be found in northern California, Oregon, Washington, and parts of British Columbia. Within these states, black tails can be found in the alpine zones of the Cascades and lower elevations, particularly in the rich agricultural zones.
• The Sitka black tail deer live primarily in the dense forests of Alaska's coastal islands, such as Prince of Wales Island. 

Where do black tail deer live? When it comes to habitat, black tails favor wet, temperate zones and coastal areas with access to dense, brushy, and foggy forest environments. Areas with sufficient shelter, abundant meadows, and logged or regenerating timberland should be designated as high-priority hunting zones. 

Can You Hunt Black Tail Deer?

Yes, you absolutely can.

Black tail hunting is legal in many western states. With a range of hunting opportunities, such as an adventurous DIY hunt in Alaska or a more managed hunt in a timbered company lease in Oregon, there are opportunities to suit all types of hunters. Just be sure you check the state regulations regarding your intended zones. 

Hunting strategies vary depending on your intended hunting environment. However, still hunting, spot-and-stalk, and stand hunting are all standard methods.

On foggy and low-vis days, still hunting may be your best bet to surprise a careless buck. Spot-and-stalk can be highly effective during feeding periods, especially in open zones, meadows, or high-elevation alpine areas, such as those found in Alaska. Additionally, tree stands placed at well-worked deer trails can also prove a highly effective strategy. 

Licensing, stamps, and deer tags will be state-dependent, so make sure you apply for the appropriate tag during the correct application window. If you're an experienced hunter and outdoorsperson, consider public land hunts, especially in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, as these are often prime areas for black-tail.

Why Hunt Black Tail Deer?

While the racks may be smaller than their fellow mule and whitetail counterparts, this is not what draws black tail deer hunters into the misty cool rainforest before sunrise. A black tail hunt is a challenge in and of itself, whether it's deep in the forest or high up in alpine zones. These hunts call for the very best in bushcraft, hunting strategies, and physical fitness. 

As responsible and ethical hunters, it's always essential to utilize as much of the deer as possible. Black tails are top-tier venison, characterized by a mild flavor and an incredibly tender texture. 

8 Tips for Hunting Black Tail Deer

No matter which hunting strategy you prefer, black tail deer are most active at dusk till dawn. This is the time that you will want to focus your hunting efforts.

Here are eight expert tips to help you bring home one of these unique deer. 

1. Hunt the Edges

Black tails absolutely love forest edges, clear-cuts, timberlines, and brushy slopes. Set up near openings of these zones that connect with feeding areas, such as small meadows. Deer will use these areas to feed and bed.

Concentrate glassing efforts on these areas, especially on the first and last minutes of daylight. Black tails keep a relatively small circle of activity and will often hang by cover that they can easily slip in and out of. 

2. Be Patient and Still

Black tailed deer are there for a second and gone the next.

While scouting, these slow, silent, and controlled movements are crucial for getting a clear shot at a buck. Still hunting suits low visibility and foggy days (of which there are many) or zones deep in rich vegetation. 

Approach openings and old cuts with care, using your binoculars frequently, as you may catch a glimpse of a black-tailed deer's movement. 

3. Use the Rain to Your Advantage

Rain and drizzle will trigger movement in the deer, increasing your odds while reducing your noise impact as you move about the terrain. Wet, overcast days, especially during the rut, are peak times to put eyes on a black tail.

Couple this with some early morning scouting, and you'll be on your way to spotting one of these stunning creatures. 

4. Scout Ahead of Season

Before you head out into the field, download the HuntWise app and start exploring some of these mixed-edged terrains, marking high-potential zones in the app.

From there, trail cameras and boots-on-the-ground scouting will help locate travel corridors and bedding areas. Well-used trails and rubs along ridgelines and benches, especially in the summer season, will set you up for success during the hunting window. 

5. Time It Right (Rut or Late Season)

When the rut is in full swing (typically November for Columbian black tail), you will naturally notice an increase in deer movement and activity. It is the best time to catch a mature buck on the move.

Nothing will bring them out in the open, especially during the day, like the call of a doe. 

6. Stay Low on Windy Ridges

Scent control is paramount, especially on ridgelines.

Utilize terrain to maintain a low profile and minimize wind turbulence. Pace out your movements to reduce sweat and scent in the field, and have your HuntWise WindCast feature open and ready to go, as well as insights gathered from game cameras on recent deer movement. 

7. Use Calls and Rattling Cautiously

Black tails have earned their reputation for a reason. They are elusive!

Light calling can be effective, especially during the rut. Fawn bleats from deep cover can be effective in drawing does, and light rattling can also prove effective. 

8. Expect Tough Recoveries

Black tail hunting calls for accurate shooting. Then, recoveries can be challenging as wounded black tails can be tough to track as they slip into deep cover.

Take some time in the range and carefully practice different shooting positions. Bring a friend along to help with recovery and pack the meat quickly and efficiently. 

A Successful Black Tail Hunt Starts With HuntWise 

While it won't be the biggest trophy on your rack, bagging a black tail brings big-time bragging rights. As one of the most challenging deer subspecies on the North American hunting roster, you'll want to throw everything at it to maximise your chance of success.

With the HuntWise app, you can start scouting out edge zones early and leverage the WindCast and RutCast features when the time comes for optimal sightings and shootings. It's the tool you need for a successful black tail hunt!

Don't have HuntWise yet? Download the app and enjoy a free week to start scouting and planning your hunt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Check out the answers to common questions about black tail deer!

Q: What kind of deer has a black tail?

A: The black-tailed deer (a subspecies of mule deer) has a brown tail with a distinct black tip.

Q: What states have black tail deer?

A: You'll find black-tailed deer along the Pacific Coast, mainly in Oregon, California, Washington, Alaska. You can also find them in parts of northern Nevada.

Q: How rare are black-tailed deer?

A: They actually aren’t rare in their range or where they're known to be found. Blacktails are the most common deer in coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Q: Are mule deer and black tail deer the same?

A: Yes, sort of! Black-tailed deer are a subspecies of mule deer. However, they differ in size, range, and behavior.

Q: Why are blacktail deer so hard to hunt?

A: Blacktails are elusive because they move quietly, live in dense forests, and are most active at dawn and dusk.