Free: Contests & Raffles.
I think trail cams have changed blacktail hunting more than any other thing. Those big bucks go nocturnal as soon as they shed their velvet. In my opinion, knowing what is in your area makes it a lot easier to spend time hunting there, especially when you aren't seeing any game. I've noticed there are WAY more bucks on a given mountain then you would ever expect when hunting it. You just have to count your self lucky to even put your eyes on one of them in person. I love blacktail hunting!
If you like the meat and don't mind shooting small bucks, blacktail hunting is fun. If you are a trophy hunter and don't care for the meat, like me, Don't ever start hunting for BIG blacktails. They will ruin you!!! A bit of humor in this post but mostly I'm not kidding, haven't killed a blacktail in many years just because I'm looking for a 120'' or bigger. Toughest animal to hunt in the pacific northwest in my opinion is a big blacktail. I have love/hate feelings for those deer.