Nocturnal Blacktail

Looks like a great place for a tree stand. If you are familiar with using a pump shotgun then you might want to consider a pump big game rifle like Rem 760.. lots of calibers to choose from that are better than the common 30-30. good luck finding that buck. A little bit of freezing temps wouldnt hurt getting those leaves to drop.
 
I stand corrected. An even better choice imho; gotta love bottom ejection & a tang safety.
 
Big meadows are pretty settings but older bucks rarely show themselves in those places during daylight. If there was a significant food source (probably isn’t if it’s a natural meadow) in that meadow, maybe it would attract a doe in estrus and maybe he’d follow her, but aside from that it’s highly unlikely he ever shows up there during shooting light.

A few cameras scattered around some of the trails being used might give you some clues. Unfortunately, the spots you’re most likely to have a chance to kill him, probably aren’t going to be spots that are “fun” to be in. I’ve only hunted WT and MD but big bucks are typically older and they’re all hard to hunt. He’s a stud of a buck! I’d love to see a picture of you holding his horns😀.

A tree stand would give you a better opportunity. Heavy timber and brush can feel like you’re viewing the world through s straw. An elevated straw is a little better.
 
Went out to split some firewood and disturbed a couple blacktail that were bedded down a few feet away. One doe and a 3-point buck. The buck was 3-point on his right side and broken off on his left. Maybe he got in a fight with the 4-point (if one of the neighbors didn't shoot him the other day). And he was limping on his right rear leg. I looked to see if he'd been shot, but there was no apparent wound. Anyway, they moved over to the neighbor's yard whilst I split firewood.
 
@Evan B have you been seeing doe’s? If you are seeing doe’s, the bucks will be around.

The interesting thing about blacktail season in western OR/WA is, depending on location, the rut varies quite a bit, but each day thing can change quite a bit. For reference, my buck was taken in the Willamette valley. The bucks have been pretty hot on the doe’s where I am for at least a week or more. Find doe’s you will find bucks
 
@Evan B have you been seeing doe’s? If you are seeing doe’s, the bucks will be around.

The interesting thing about blacktail season in western OR/WA is, depending on location, the rut varies quite a bit, but each day thing can change quite a bit. For reference, my buck was taken in the Willamette valley. The bucks have been pretty hot on the doe’s where I am for at least a week or more. Find doe’s you will find bucks
I've only seen does on camera in the meadow at night. Didn't see any while hiking today.

I am bummed I couldn't re-set the camera back on the trails today, and not sure I'll get them set before the season is done. But i've got plans forming for next season. I'm heading out there again Friday for the last day.
 
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