The Mendocino County Blacktail Association (M.C.B.A) is committed to restoring the declining numbers of the Blacktail Deer in the Mendocino National Forest lands. Mendocino County lies in Northwestern California, and encompasses roughly 4,000 square miles, of rugged isolated mountains, of which the Columbian Blacktail reside. Established in 2005, the goals of the association stem from the significant decline of the deer herds since the 1960’s. The organization has the public lands as its focus, Such as the Mendocino National Forest, as well as Bureau of Land Management properties, as they are in the greatest need currently, and represent the publics interest.

With our current understanding of the needs of these lands, M.C.B.A wishes to inspire the sportsman, as well as the environmentalist, and conservationists, to take part together in managing our public lands for all wildlife species affected, particularly, the Blacktail that are in so great a need. It is essential that the public be involved in the management plans concerning our wildlife resources like the deer, if we are to have them for future generations.

With a human population of only 85,000 there are still abundant blacktail hunting opportunities in the county. Because of this Deer hunting has been one of the most popular outdoor recreational pursuits in the region for over 150 years. Sportsman in search of record class Columbian Blacktail travel from far and wide to hunt Mendocino’s vast expanse of both private and public lands. Mendocino County is the number # 1 big Buck County in the United States for Columbian Blacktail. With the highest entries of any county in the record books.

According to a 2007 survey, Sportsman spend $34,000,000 in our little town’s and hamlets surrounding our county, to pursue the Blacktail. The M.C.B.A has begun and extensive program, working with Ca Dept of Fish and Game, U.S.F.S. and Wil life Services from the U.S.D.A. ,and the Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission ,to address the issues that involve better future management of the counties forest lands. When we manage the habitat well, not only do the deer benefit, but all wildlife in the area as well. It is the responsibility of every person who takes from the forest, to replace something in the forest. It is not enough to spend money for management, and then just hope it goes into the proper place, we must know, the wildlife depend on this. Be a part of a 150 year tradition, join us in the effort.

Thank You,
Paul J. Trouette
President, MCBA
mendodeer@yahoo.com