California Tule Elk, Blacktails and Hogs Plus Hawaii Axis Deer #182

There’s a select group of hunters who have as one of their lifetime goals the wish to collect all of the deer species native to North America. To succeed in achieving the “deer slam” (Rocky Mountain Mule Deer, Desert Mule Deer, Sitka Black-Tail Deer, Columbia Black-Tail, Whitetail and the Coues White-Tail) or the slam of all North American game, you will need the Columbia Black-tail. The Columbia Black-tail is the least known of the various deer species. It’s found mainly along the coastal areas of California.

The black-tail deer can be distinguished from a mule deer by their tail, metatarsal glands, overall coloration, face and antlers. A black-tail’s tail is nearly as long as a mule deer’s, but is much wider, which makes it larger in comparison to the body. It is solid black on top except for a slight white fringe near the bottom and the underside is white.

The underside tail hairs are not erectile, and the tail is not used for signaling as it is by whitetails. The summer coat is similar to that of a mule deer, but the winter coat is redder, or a cedar brown. The black-tail’s face is noticeably shorter and darker than a mule deer’s, and the ears are smaller. The antlers are small, compact and relatively stout for their length, as befits a deer living in thick forest. Blacktails from drier, more open California habitat tends to have longer, wider antlers. Columbia black-tails often have only three to four points per side (including brow tines – meaning a 3x 3 western count), like their Sitka black-tail cousins. However, they have five per side more often than the Sitka, but less often than the mule deer. In terms of size, they are much smaller then the Rocky Mountain muley and Desert muley.

In terms of racks here are the SCI book standards:

Gold: (rifle) 132 1/8″ Gold (Bow): 118 1/8″
Silver(rifle 116 4/8 Silver (Bow): 108 1/8″
Bronze (rifle 95″ Bronze(Bow): 85″

So you can see that horn sizes are more akin to typical average whitetail sizes, meaning 100” to 120”, although a few much larger have been recorded. There are some areas in California known for producing some very big Columbia’s, but hunting prices in those areas are at premium prices, often well over $5,000 and even more. This hunt, by contrast is much more reasonable. It is more reasonably priced because it is very much a suburban style hunt, taking place in small woodlots and isolated sections of brush, power lines and the like. This is not a wilderness hunt in any sense! You are hunting in and near suburban living areas. Success is very high, usually near 100% even though about 70% of the hunters use a bow! You’ll see lots of deer. Most hunters tag out in less than two days.

Hunts are three days. Hunting is almost all from stands, either ground blinds or tree stands. Shots are usually under 25 yards. Some of the outfitter’s stands are bow only areas, while others are for either weapon. Crossbows are legal.

The outfitter considers any deer up to 20” in spread with good mass to be a mature deer. Points will vary with many 3 x 3 and 4 x 4 racks (counting brow tines). A “trophy deer” is over 20” in width with good mass and points. The outfitter has a couple of trophy ranches where deer run larger, but pricing is also quite a big higher. It is also possible to sometimes combine deer with turkey and especially with hog hunting. He takes some huge hogs.

Bow is approximately September 3 to 25; Rifle is October 8 to November 6. Some areas run later. Check with us. There are tag quotas. You must present either a hunter education certificate with number, or else a current hunting license.

We consider this primarily to be a hunt to get the Columbia specie of deer, rather than a pure trophy hunt. Some trophy deer are harvested, but be reasonable in your expectations. These are smallish-horned animals as a specie. Most representative bucks will have spreads under 20” and counting eye guards will be 3 x 3’s. If you take a trophy over 20-inches there will be an up charge commensurate with size, possibly as much as $2,000 for a big trophy. Witness the SCI rankings of Silver and Gold. But, here is a chance to take a Columbia without mortgaging the old homestead! This unique location for deer and turkey hunting allows you to be hunting after a short drive from Oakland airport.

Deer over 20” will have a surcharge. Because he has extensive trail cameras set up, you will know which deer to expect before the hunt and can discuss any possible extra charges in advance! That should avoid surprises you don’t want. Again, expect deer in the 100 to 120 range.

(Guiding only, no meals or lodging) Three day hunts.

CALL FOR CURRENT DATES AND PRICES
Hog Hunts
Bow or Rifle It is possible to add these to a deer or elk hunt.
Dates: Hogs-All Year – 2 day hunts

Turkey Hunts
Spring and Fall Turkey

Also Coyotes, Bobcats, Squirrels and Doves

TULE AND ROOSEVELT ELK HUNTS:

TULE ELK HUNTS: We get one to four or more of these PRIVATE LAND TAGS AND HUNTS each year with this outfitter and his contacts. Prices range from around $45,000 and up, depending on when and where you choose to hunt They often sell out in the first few hours that we offer them?

Success has been 100% on 5×5 or better bulls, with most bulls larger, including the 9×5 shown above. Most bulls score very well for Tule elk – in the 290-to 310-inch range and larger. Boone and Crockett is 285 net. RARE OPPORTUNITY! Call for full details. Generally fly in to San Luis Obispo or San Jose or Oakland for free pickup. Hunts are normally in the Paso Robles area or at other nearby ranch locales.
July through December (weapon of choice): Price on Request

Tule elk are the hardest elk to secure, living only in California. Chances to hunt them are extremely limited, almost non-existent, some say. But if you want the North American Slam or the Elk Slam, or just plain want a free range Tule, here is your chance.

Bulls are generally plentiful on these large private ranches. This hunt is conducted via a private land permit issued to you by the landowner. We strongly urge you to hunt as early in the season as possible, as bulls fight constantly and break off points and even beams.

The outfitter scouts and locates the best bulls prior to the hunt. Guiding is 1×1. Terrain is rolling with oak brush, barley and alfalfa. Shots average 200 yards. Arrive a day early, spot some bulls from the ranch where you will stay, and hunt the next day. Over the last few years, every hunter has killed in the first day! NOTE: Hogs can be added on, and deer too when in season.

Here is a Tule report from a past Hunt Nation client:
Hi Butch, I had a great hunt and the bull is in the salt. Outfitter was super. The ranch was great. Food was superb and friendly people. Saw a total of 7 bulls and shot the biggest one. Had great fun and I am very pleased. Jim S.

Turkey Hunts
California is home of the Rio turkey and this outfitter’s ranches are loaded with them year-round so whether you are looking for a spring or fall hunt, they have you covered. One or two day hunts available with options of lodging and meals or hotel hunt where you pay for your lodging and meals. Spring season for Archery runs March 26- May 19. Shotgun season runs March 30th – May 5th. Fall shotgun/ archery is from November 10- December 9th.
Pricing:
1 day 1 bird hunt $1,500
2 day 1 bird hunt $1,500 Second bird fee of $1,000.
Lodging and meals $1,000

HERE ARE TWO TULE REPORTS FROM OUR CLIENTS:

Our second client Ron M. — Also took a great massive Tule (9X5) on his hunt. Picture is above.:
NOTE THE BACKGROUND.

HAWAII:
In 2024 this outfitter expanded his hunt offerings to include a fabulous 40,000 acre ranch on Maui where he offers various packages for axis deer. This ranch is located just outside of Kihei.

Hawaii is a true sleeper state for hunting. Hawaii and the word HUNTING don’t seem to belong in the same sentence together. Yet, hunters in the know realize that hunting on the islands is truly awesome and very productive for a wide variety of species. Throw in the incredible scenery and weather, top it off with some fine bird hunting, spend some beach time with a loved one, and you a recipe for a great trip! Oh yes, there’s some great fishing for billfish, tuna, wahoo and more, plus diving and snorkeling. Take your favorite gal on this trip! During the winter, spring and early summer is a good time to go, meaning your regular hunting seasons are unaffected.

For Axis deer, April and May mark the pre-rut, with the peak of the Axis rut usually around June 1. It is very good hunting from mid-April to mid-June. You will hit both the pre-rut and the rut, meaning bucks are moving freely. By mid-May to mid-June they’re rutting pretty hard. They are vocal so you can listen for them. Average buck size will be anywhere from 26”-33”.

Axis Deer Packages:
One day hunt. Includes one buck and one doe. $4,500
Two day hunt. Includes 2 bucks and 5 does. $6,500
Two day super hunt. Includes 2 bucks and 10 does. $8,500

These are hotel hunts where you arrange your own lodging and meals. Food and lodging can be arranged for an additional $1,500 for the 2 ½ day super hunt as well as the other offered hunts. This lodging normally consists of Airbnb’s with ocean front views. If you would like to stay longer this can also be arranged.