Guided Hunting in Northern California
Dishin’ Out Dirt Naps
Experience the Thrill of the Hunt
Explore Northern California's Trinity Alps Wilderness in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest with Backcountry Guided Hunts. Since 1989, we've specialized in providing unforgettable hunting adventures in some of the most remote and pristine areas. Join us on a backcountry guided hunt in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, the second largest wilderness area in California. Here, you can hunt Columbia blacktail deer and bear on the same trip. Facing the challenges of thick underbrush and steep landscapes, our hunts are challenging and rewarding. Gary Cyphers, our seasoned hunter, will guide you on horseback to a remote campsite and ensure you have the opportunity for a winning shot, delivering the thrill of a lifetime.
Backcountry Hunting
Guaranteed Deer & Bear Tags in California
Backcountry Guided Hunts delivers exceptional hunting adventures deep in the Trinity Alps Wilderness with over 35 years of experience. We transport our hunters on horseback, traveling 5-18 miles to remote base camps where you'll live and hunt for 3-5 days. From these secluded camps, accessible only by foot or horseback, hunting excursions stretch an additional 2-5 miles daily. Each day begins before dawn, with our guides preparing a hearty breakfast and discussing the day's strategy. Whether you're bow hunting in the early season or rifle hunting later in the year, our organized pack trips and seasoned guidance promise a truly immersive hunting experience.
Columbia BlackTail Deer Hunt
Embark on an backcountry guided trip in the stunningly beautiful Trinity Alps Wilderness, where the elusive Columbia black-tailed deer offers a unique hunting experience. This region, one of only three in the U.S. that hosts this subspecies, provides rich opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters. Our skilled hunting guides ensure you'll have the opportunity for a successful hunt by positioning you for the perfect shot.
2024 Deer Hunting Season
Archery: Aug 17 – Sept 8
General Season: Sept 21 – Oct 27
Black Bear Hunt
Our guided hunting trips often reveal quality black bears in the same areas as our deer hunts, offering a dual-target expedition. Using the same remote camps, we employ expert glassing techniques to spot bears in their natural habitat. Once identified, our guides help plan the perfect approach, considering weapon range, wind, and landscape. As with our deer hunts, bear tags are readily available over-the-counter.
2024 Bear Hunting Season
Archery: Aug 19 – Sept 10
General Season: Sept 21 – Dec 31
What You Will Need for Your Guided Hunt
For your adventure with Backcountry Guided Hunts, preparation is key. Being in good physical shape is crucial for enjoying and succeeding on your hunt. The challenging wilderness of our hunting grounds demands stamina and endurance. Ensure you are prepared for the physical aspect of the hunt to fully engage with and appreciate the breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you bring your own gun or bow or prefer to use equipment from Backcountry Guided Hunts, being well-prepared is key to a rewarding experience.
Pack: Minimum 4500+ cubic inches (73+ liters)
Binoculars with Harness Chest Rig
Headlamp: Must have a red light feature.
Lighters
Appropriate Clothing & Hiking Boots: Including rain gear
Sleeping Bag: Synthetic insulation with liner
Weapon: High power rifle capable of shooting 300 yards min.
Ammunition & Cleaning Kit (rentals available)
Ammunition: Copper only, as required by California law
Battery Pack with Charging Cables
Spotting Scope & Range Finder (if owned)
Dry Food
Water Filter (optional)
Hunting License & B Zone Tag: Available first-come, first-serve (over-the-counter)
Tents / Sleeping Bags / Hammock
Did You Know?
The Trinity Alps Wilderness is home to over 600 miles of pristine streams and over 50 alpine lakes, making it a paradise for hunters, anglers and nature lovers.
Ready for the Hunt of a Lifetime in NorCal?
Contact Backcountry Guided Hunts today to reserve your spot and experience an unforgettable hunting adventure with our expert guides. Limited spots fill up quickly — book now to guarantee your place in the wild! Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to hunt with the best.
Over 92 Hunt seasons
Your Hunting Guides, Mike & Gary Cyphers
Gary Cyphers, the owner and founder of Backcountry Guided Hunts, has been passionate about the outdoors since childhood. Starting his hunting journey at 12, Gary has harvested two deer annually in California since 1989, showcasing his expertise and dedication.
With over 35 years of successful hunting experience, Gary ensures every hunter a great shot. His love for the outdoors extends to riding three-wheelers, jet skis, and horses, as well as fishing and spearfishing in the ocean. Despite a full-time job and family life, Gary eagerly awaits each hunting season.
Backcountry Guided Hunts offers more than just game pursuit; it's about immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Trinity Alps. Our team is dedicated to providing an exceptional hunting experience, helping you connect with nature and create lasting memories. Whether seeking a mature buck, a black bear, or simply enjoying the wilderness, we make your hunt unforgettable.
Hunt of a Lifetime
Hunting Testimonial
“I was lucky enough to hunt with Gary and I can easily say it was a trip of a lifetime. We were in the Trinity Alps and I was fortunate enough to harvest an amazing blacktail. I’ve hunted blacktail deer for 30 years and this was by far my favorite hunt. It was top notch: from the scenery, the food, the quality of organization, and the commodore. There is not a better blacktail hunter than Gary Cyphers hands down. If you want an awesome experience, I highly recommend Gary!”
DAVE B.
Hunting Gallery
Our hunting gallery showcases a variety of images capturing the thrill and beauty of hunting in the great outdoors. Backcountry Hunting Guide celebrates the connection between humans and the wilderness.
Hunting Guide FAQ
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Yes, it's possible to hunt for both Columbia black-tail deer and black bears during the same trip, depending on the season and tag availability. This offers a comprehensive hunting experience in the Trinity Alps Wilderness.
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If you prefer not to ride, you can walk behind the horses. Our horses will pack the gear, and you can enjoy the trek at your own pace, accompanied by our guides.
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Participants must be able to walk at least 5 miles a day in steep, rugged terrain. The distance and difficulty of daily excursions can be adjusted based on your skill level and physical abilities to ensure a comfortable yet challenging experience.
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Yes, we offer drop camping services. We can transport you into the backcountry, set you up at one of our pristine campsites, and return a few days later to pick you up. This allows for a self-sufficient wilderness experience.
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No, food is not included. Hunters are advised to bring their own dry food supplies. We provide recommendations and can help plan adequate meal options for the duration of your hunt.
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We can coordinate with a taxidermist on your behalf and arrange for your trophy to be prepared and shipped to you. This service is available for an additional fee.
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We assist in the field processing of the game, which includes harvesting, quartering out, de-boning, and packing out the meat. We ensure the meat is properly handled and transported back on the horses. Further processing and butchering services can be arranged for an additional fee.
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Yes, hunters need to purchase the appropriate tags for their chosen game. Tags for deer and bear can typically be bought over-the-counter and are first-come, first-served.
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We offer a variety of hunting excursions, including:
Columbia Black Tail Deer Hunt
Black Bear Hunt
General Backcountry Hunting
Bow Hunting
Rifle Hunting
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Due to the logistical and scheduling demands of our hunts, all sales are generally final once dates are booked. Cancellation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances and timing of the cancellation.
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To book a trip, you can either call us directly or submit a form on our website. We will then contact you to discuss the details and finalize your booking.
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Pricing varies based on the specifics of the trip, including the number of people, the length of the stay, and the type of hunting excursion. Please reach out directly for detailed pricing information based on your preferences and needs.
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Backcountry hunting with a horse trek offers a unique blend of tradition and adventure that sets it apart from more conventional hunting experiences. The use of horses allows for deeper penetration into remote, less accessible parts of the wilderness, enhancing the solitude and pristine nature of the hunt. This method reduces physical strain and increases the range of territory you can cover, allowing you to focus more on the hunting experience itself. Additionally, traveling by horseback adds an element of connection to the environment and history of hunting, offering a serene and timeless journey through the rugged landscapes.
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We conduct our hunts in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, located in Northern California. This area is part of the larger Klamath Mountains province and spans over 500,000 acres, making it the second largest wilderness area in the state. The Trinity Alps are renowned for their stunningly rugged terrain, which includes towering granite peaks, lush meadows, and crystal-clear alpine lakes. The wilderness is situated approximately midway between Redding in the east and Eureka on the west coast, offering secluded and extensive habitats that are ideal for diverse wildlife, including blacktail deer and black bears. Our hunts take place across various parts of this expansive and beautiful wilderness, providing a true escape into nature.