The Largest Columbia Blacktail Deer Ever Caught in Oregon

Technically a subspecies of black-tailed deer classified as Odocoileus hemionus columbianus, Columbia blacktail deer are only found on the western coast of the United States and Canada. This includes the state of Oregon, a state known for its lush forests, wildlife, and hunting opportunities. 

Deer are prolific in Oregon, so much so that even the Columbia blacktail deer is considered a common enough species in this state. But just how large is the largest Columbia blacktail deer ever caught in Oregon? Let’s discuss these deer in detail before going over some record-breaking bucks caught in the Beaver State.

Columbia Blacktail Deer: An Overview

Columbia blacktail deer are a subspecies of blacktail or black-tailed deer. They are closely related to mule deer and are an animal of least concern when it comes to their conservation status. This subspecies exists along the California and Oregon coastlines. They can be found in most inland areas west of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges as well.  

Columbia blacktail deer eat grasses, poison oak, and other vegetation. They prefer habitats that afford them a balance of protection and grazing areas. This particular subspecies is most commonly found in California but Oregon has its fair share of Columbia blacktail deer.  

According to many experienced hunters, Columbia blacktail deer are often incredibly rare, special deer to catch. They are skilled when it comes to hiding and waiting out hunting seasons and times. The largest and most prized bucks rarely show their antlers unless it’s their rutting time. 

However, some hunters have excellent luck when it comes to catching large, impressive Columbia blacktail deer– no matter how elusive these prized bucks can be!

The Largest Columbia Blacktail Deer Ever Caught in Oregon

According to the Boone and Crockett Club, the largest Columbia blacktail deer ever caught in Oregon earned a score of just over 208. It was hunted by Frank S. Foldi in the Black Rock area west of Salem and scored in the year 1962. Not only is this the largest Columbia blacktail deer ever caught in Oregon– it is the largest non-typical Columbia blacktail deer ever caught, period.

Boone and Cockett rank their catches by both the mass of the animal’s antlers as well as how symmetrical the antlers are. The health of the animal’s population also contributes to their overall rank. A score of 208 is very impressive, especially for Columbia blacktail deer. The largest typical Columbia blacktail ever caught in Oregon only scored 179. An average score typically falls within the 150-175 range. 

Given their propensity for seclusion and secrecy, Columbia blacktail deer thrive in the mysterious, hidden rainforests of Oregon. These locations provide Columbia blacktails with plenty of cover and protection during their lives. This allows the bucks to grow larger and more impressive by the year. This is just one reason why they are revered in the hunting industry and highly sought-after, especially in Oregon.

Where Can You Find Columbia Blacktail Deer in Oregon?

Besides the forest where the largest Columbia blacktail deer was caught, these ungulates live in many Oregon forests. They are more commonly located west of the I-5 freeway, an integral interstate running through all states on the West Coast.

Some of the most common locations and counties where you may find Columbia blacktail deer include:

• Jackson County
• Coos County
• Douglas County
• Josephine County
• Northern Oregon rainforests (such as the Siuslaw National Forest)
• Tillamook State Forest
• Clatsop State Forest