Discover The Largest Blacktail Deer Ever Caught in California

California is home to over 400,000 deer in California. It’s a hunting paradise. California is also home to many other unique animals. Some of these animals are very big. If you are looking to break the record for the largest blacktail deer caught in California, keep reading to learn more about this impressive record.

About Blacktail Deer

There are two forms of blacktail deer, although they are commonly confused with each other. One form is the Columbian blacktail deer, which is the largest subspecies caught in California. The Columbian blacktail deer are found across western North America. The second form is the Sitka deer which is commonly found in British Columbia, southeast Alaska, and as far as Kodiak Island in Alaska.

Description and Size

Blacktail deer have large ears and antlers. Their coats change from reddish-brown in summer to brownish-gray during winter. As their name suggests, blacktail deer have short black or dark brown tails with white underneath. Columbian blacktail deer are long and stocky. They can weigh over 200 pounds. However, most female blacktail deer (does), weigh about 130 pounds. Blacktail deer shed and regrow their antlers every year. They grow quicker and larger every year.

Diet

Deer are calm animals and browse for food. Blacktail deer are mainly vegetarians. These deer mainly feed along tree-line edges in forests and woods. They prefer this feeding environment so they can run quickly and hide from predators. Their diets change with each season. For example, during summer through winter, blacktail deer eat berries, grasses, nuts, shrubs, and fungi. In the spring, deer eat new plant growth and herbaceous plants.

Predators

Blacktail deer are vulnerable to many large predators. However, deer are smart and observant. They have great hearing and freeze in the presence of potential danger. Blacktail deer sprint quickly, after raising their tail to warn other deer that a predator is close. The most common blacktail deer predators are mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, grey wolves, black bears, and humans.

The Largest Blacktail Deer Ever Caught in California

The largest typical blacktail deer ever caught in California scored 175 2/8. In 1981, Clem Coughlin caught the massive blacktail deer. The catch is now owned by D.M. and J. Phillips. Although not as large, the second-largest typical blacktail deer caught in California scored 170 6/8. Frank G Merz caught this second-place blacktail deer in 1979. Another record for the largest blacktail deer caught in California is the non-typical Columbia blacktail deer record. In 1955, Newt Boren caught the largest non-typical Columbia blacktail deer record, which scored 197 4/8.

The Largest Blacktail Deer Ever Caught in the World

In October 1953, Lester H. Miller caught the world’s largest Columbia blacktail deer ever caught. It scored 182 2/8 and was found in Lewis County, Washington. Lester first spotted this large and majestic blacktail deer in 1950. For three years he stalked the deer, hoping to catch it. On the day of the catch, he followed muddy tracks and found the large buck in a clearing. With one shot through the shoulder, which pierced its heart, he caught the massive deer. Over 70 years later, no other Columbia blacktail deer have gotten close to beating the world record.

Other Animals in California

Although many blacktail deer roam California, there are other animals. There are over 1,000 animal species in California, with nearly 300 species of mammals. Listed below are some common animal species in California.

Elk

Elk are large animals in the deer family. In the wild, they live about 10 to 13 years. Elk can weigh over 700 pounds, however, female elk usually weigh between 500 to 530 pounds. While male elk are larger than female elk, both are still massive. Female elk reach about 4.3 feet tall, while males reach 4.9 feet. That’s the size of a pre-teen!

Blue Whales

Not all animals in California are land animals. A common marine animal living off the coast of California is the blue whale. These whales are one of the largest animals in the world. The largest recorded blue whale measured an astonishing 98 feet long. Blue whales typically weigh 290,000 to 300,000 pounds. While there’s still a lot we don’t know about blue whales, scientists estimate they live up to 90 years.

Coyotes

Coyotes are canines native to North America. Although many live in wooded areas, they are also common in suburbs. Coyotes are known for hunting pets and farm animals if left alone outside. They are smaller than wolves but just as smart and fierce. Coyotes can run up to 43 mph. Typically, they are about 1.9 to 2.2 feet tall. Most adult coyotes weigh between 15 and 46 feet.

The House Finch

The house finch is the most common bird in California. They are small finches with long beaks and short wings. This bird is common throughout western North America, but it can also be found in Hawaii. These birds are so small, they weigh less than 1 ounce. Most house finches are 5.5 inches long and live about 11 years in the wild.

Where is Lewis County, Washington Located on a Map?

Located in the state of Washington, Lewis County is home to a population of 82,149 as recorded in the 2020 census, with Chehalis serving as the county seat and Centralia as its largest city.

Here is Lewis County, Washington on a map:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Bob Keefer/Shutterstock.com