Quick Answer
To effectively track blacktails in thick timber, focus on looking for signs of travel, such as hoof prints, scat, and browsing, and use techniques like following ridge lines and cutting trails to locate your quarry. Keep in mind that blacktails tend to use game trails and travel during dawn and dusk. Staying quiet and patient is key.
Understanding Blacktail Behavior
Blacktail deer in Oregon’s thick timber tend to use established game trails and avoid open areas due to the presence of predators like mountain lions and bears. These trails often follow ridge lines, creek beds, and the edges of clear-cuts. When tracking, look for signs of recent travel, such as fresh scat, tracks, and browsing on trees and shrubs. Blacktails tend to travel in a more linear fashion than whitetails, making it easier to follow their tracks.
Tracking Techniques
To effectively track blacktails, use a slow and deliberate pace, scanning the forest floor for signs of travel. Pay particular attention to areas where the terrain changes, such as at stream crossings or where a ridge line dips into a valley. Use a tracking stick or a long-handled probe to gently mark the trail and avoid stepping on the tracks themselves. When following a trail, aim to stay within 10-15 feet of the tracks to avoid spooking the deer.
Reading the Tracks
When reading the tracks, look for signs of recent travel, such as fresh scat, tracks, and browsing. Look for the direction of travel and the speed at which the deer was moving. Pay attention to the size and shape of the hooves, as blacktails tend to have larger hooves than other deer species. By combining these factors, you can gain a better understanding of the deer’s behavior and movements, ultimately leading you to your quarry.
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