I can't really add much to what Dogfish and Riverswild have said, but will add a few things anyway. First, I took Dogfish's advice and have shot 2 blacktail down in your neck of the woods over the last 3 years (probably would have been 3 for 3 if I hadn't rolled my truck while hunting 1 of those years). I hunt muzzle loader on foot or on a bike. Very few people....which is the way I like it.

Second, I think its worth checking out Ifish (Oregon based website) to tap into the knowledge of several blacktail hunters on that site. In particular there are several very good threads on hunting the rut. I am hoping to put some of that knowledge to work this upcoming season.