Pure Trophy Blacktail Deer Hunting in CA
Description
Trinity Fork Outfitters offers archery and general season backcountry and wilderness deer hunts for pure Columbian Blacktail deer in the "B zones" of California. B zone tags can be bought over-the-counter but that doesn't mean it won't be a hunt of a lifetime. We have permits to operate on thousands of acres of prime deer habitat. Guides spend the summer scouting and patterning big bucks so that they can get you in the perfect position for the shot when the season comes. If you are interested in a spot and stalk hunt in truly spectacular country and a chance at harvesting a mature blacktail buck this may be the perfect adventure for you.
2022 Deer Season in our hunt area
Archery: August 20 – September 11
General Season: September 17 – October 23
What to Expect
We offer two styles of hunts to suit the guest(s) preferences:
- A true wilderness experience where we will camp deep in the backcountry and in many cases can glass excellent country right from camp.
- A hunt closer to the road system where we spike out for day hunts but make camp in dispersed or designated camping areas near roads.
Both styles are physically demanding and require early mornings and long days of glassing. Days are often hot, but we get our fair share of cold or even snow at times. The reward for hard work can pay off in the memories, meat, and antlers of the unique Columbian Blacktail.
A "typical" day hunting deer consists of rising well before the sun and having a quick bite to eat. Wilderness hunting camps are placed at or very near prime glassing locations. For more front-country hunts we will usually have to wake a little earlier to get to a glassing knob. Using high quality optics and tripods we will pick apart the mountainsides looking for any part of a deer. Once a shooter buck is spotted, we will plan a stalk based on the weapon, wind, the animals direction of travel, and the contours of the land. During archery season, when bucks are in velvet, we see 3-4 times as many bucks than during the general season; however, making the stalk is the most challenging part. When the general season arrives, the bucks are out of velvet and have developed a sixth sense for staying alive. These bucks tend to hole up in thicker country. Spotting them becomes the more challenging aspect - once located we can often slip within rifle range for a shot.
If a shooter buck has not been spotted by mid-morning, or if other hunters in your group have not yet had their chance, we may move locations slightly to get views of new territory. We move more with our glass than our bodies once in a good location. Snacks are provided throughout the day while glassing. Bucks can be seen at any hour of daylight and we will glass all day if needed, but during the mid-day heat we will eat a more substantial lunch. Towards the evening we will make sure to be in a good position to spot bucks as they rise from their day beds. At dark we will head back to camp for a good meal and to relive the days hunt before getting much needed sleep.
After a kill we immediately field process the animal to get it cooled off. Depending on the weather we may hang the trophy and quarters in camp or pack them out to get them on ice.
Deer hunts may also be combined with bear hunts. During our summer scouting trips we see numerous quality black bears in the same areas deer hunts are conducted.
Notes: Our guides work extremely hard, year-round to get you in the right location, however, there is no guarantees in hunting. Very few outfits offer fully-guided Columbian Blacktail hunts on public land; that's because it's one of the most difficult animals to hunt because of their elusive behavior and the rough terrain. Some of the biggest bucks live in the remote locations that we hunt and we wouldn't have it any other way. If a shot is made and blood is drawn, that's considered your animal whether recovered or not. Be proficient with your weapon of choice.
Please contact us for a custom deer hunt offer. We'll discuss your groups needs and we can tell you about the bucks we have been seeing and how best to get you on them.
Gear & Equipment
Gear and equipment depends on style of hunt and time of year. A detailed list will be given to guest(s) after booking.
Weapon Details
Rifle, archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, and shotgun.
Pricing Details
Rate chart for deer hunts below. Food and accommodations are provided.
3 day/ 3 night = $4,300
3 day/ 4 night = $4,500
4 day/ 4 night = $5,000
4 day/ 5 night = $5,200
5 day/ 5 night = $5,700
5 day/ 6 night = $5,900
6 day/ 6 night = $6,400
6 day/ 7 night = $6,600
Extra nights = $200
Extra days = $500
Often combined with black bear hunts. For combination big-game hunts the first animal is included in the price. Additionally harvested big-game is $1,900 per animal. It's not a trophy fee but covers the extra labor and skill.
What's included:
• A knowledgeable and experienced guide.
• Transportation from a pre-arranged meeting location to the field where we will begin our hunt.
• Meals for paid days of the hunt - usually simple foods and snacks, such as, sandwiches, jerky, salami, pepperoni sticks, fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, trail mix, candy bars, and prepared freeze-dried meals. Please let us know of any allergies or preferences.
• Sleeping arrangements for paid nights –tent, properly rated sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.
• Field care and pack out of meat and trophies.
What's not included:
• Hunting license, and tags.
• Personnel items, backpack, and clothing. We will help you plan and prepare for the hunt and what to bring to stay comfortable. If you do need something let us know and we can usually figure out something.
• Weapon and ammunition. Practice with your method of take. Plan to be accurate with archery equipment out to 50 yards and practice with a rifle to at least 300 yards.
• Alcohol or tobacco products – no alcohol may be consumed before or while hunting. • Lodging and meals for before and after the hunt dates.
• Transportation to the pre-arranged meeting location.
• Storage, butchering and processing of game beyond the basic field care. It can be hot, have a plan in place for the animal after the hunt.
• Taxidermy services.
Terms & Conditions
50% non-refundable deposit due to book and reserve a hunt.
Remainder due upon arrival.
Deposit will only be refunded in very special circumstances.
A hunt agreement will be given to guests as part of the booking process.
Camp/Accommodations
Wilderness and backcountry hunts are based out of tents. Front country hunts closer to the road system have more options for sleeping accommodations.
Permit & Tag Application Process
B-zone deer tags can be bought over-the-counter.