Was it an enjoyable hunt? Would you recommend anything in particular to someone like myself that is considering hunting them for the 1st time? If I pursue it I’m thinking of going through an outfitter. Just curious if anyone here has any helpful advice before I start digging into it and decide what direction I want to go with it.
Casey (Firstcoueswas80 here on the fire) Contact him. I've been twice and thinking a mule deer hunt next.
Casey is a glassing machine, Not Good Boots, GREAT Boots, both hunts ended with my boots in the trash. I have no idea how people cross that stuff in sneakers.
Don't shoot farther then you're comfortable with, it's a HUNT not a sniping contest.
And these zombies line up and eat from the media’s trough
My first Coues hunt was in 1978. I have shot quite a few. They are hands down my favorite animal to hunt. Better than archery bull elk. I like it because of the challenge - both physically, mentally, and the techniques used to be successful.
Hunter success rates are not that high. Early season might be say, 30% in AZ. Late season (December) are in the 50% range.
If you are planning your first hunt, like mentioned, get a guide. They have been there, down that, so your learning curve will be much better. Get in good shape - my pack and gun will weigh about 20 pounds. It’s very rugged country - not a lot of flat country - very rocky and rough. You are likely going to be hiking in a ways - say a couple miles. Elevations will be around the 5,000 foot range. Get good boots. It’s big country out there. You will be hiking up and down. Plan for long range shots. We are talking 200-300 yards is considered a close shot. 700 yards is not unheard of. Folks who think “why don’t these guys just close the 700 yard distance” haven’t seen the country these deer live in. The buck might be on the other side of the canyon, and it’s 600 across the canyon. And it’s very noisy vegetation, rocks, and rugged country. You are not gonna close the distance. As soon as you start moving, the buck will notice you and be headed out.
The gun I personally use is a 300 Weatherby magnum with a Swarovski scope.
Bring a tripod and the best optics you can afford. 10 power would be my minimum. Learn how to glass for long periods of time, looking for a small grey deer (they weigh about 100-120 pounds on the hoof, and stand about 32” high at their shoulder) in country that has a considerable amount of cover, with deer densities in AZ about 3-11 deer per square mile. With buck to doe ratios about 1:4. They typically aren’t in herds - 2-3 deer gathered up is about it, and typically those are does with fawns. With those numbers, we are talking 1 buck per square mile. With a lot of vegetation and cover. Bucks are often bachelors, or might be around another buck in the early deer hunting seasons. So if you want a nice buck, we are talking a nice buck every say 4 square miles. You will be cover a lot of country, and glassing your eyeballs out.
It is very pretty country I think.
Let me say again, it’s rough country they inhabit. There is a reason this country they live in (southern Arizona, southern New Mexico and northern Mexico) was some of the last places people came to as the United States was being settled. Arizona and New Mexico were the last States in the lower 48 states to join. The rough country is the same reason the Apaches were the last tribe to be conquered by the US Army. It’s is rough country.
If hunting in AZ or NM, you gotta get drawn. Draw rates are somewhat decent in the early seasons, but the December season is difficult as the draw rates are low as that is when the bucks rut and everyone wants to go then as the bucks modify their behavior and are easier to locate (they drop their caution and start chasing does - don’t we all?!?!)
There is a book by Duwane Adams and Tony Mandile who wrote about hunting Coues deer. It does a good job describing what I have briefly stated above.
Last edited by flagstaff; 11/25/20.
"Successful is leaving something in better shape than you inherited it in. Keep that in mind, son." Dad
My first Coues hunt was in 1978. I have shot quite a few. They are hands down my favorite animal to hunt. Better than archery bull elk. I like it because of the challenge - both physically, mentally, and the techniques used to be successful.
Hunter success rates are not that high. Early season might be say, 30% in AZ. Late season (December) are in the 50% range.
If you are planning your first hunt, like mentioned, get a guide. They have been there, down that, so your learning curve will be much better. Get in good shape - my pack and gun will weigh about 20 pounds. It’s very rugged country - not a lot of flat country - very rocky and rough. You are likely going to be hiking in a ways - say a couple miles. Elevations will be around the 5,000 foot range. Get good boots. It’s big country out there. You will be hiking up and down. Plan for long range shots. We are talking 200-300 yards is considered a close shot. 700 yards is not unheard of. Folks who think “why don’t these guys just close the 700 yard distance” haven’t seen the country these deer live in. The buck might be on the other side of the canyon, and it’s 600 across the canyon. And it’s very noisy vegetation, rocks, and rugged country. You are not gonna close the distance. As soon as you start moving, the buck will notice you and be headed out.
The gun I personally use is a 300 Weatherby magnum with a Swarovski scope.
Bring a tripod and the best optics you can afford. 10 power would be my minimum. Learn how to glass for long periods of time, looking for a small grey deer (they weigh about 100-120 pounds on the hoof, and stand about 32” high at their shoulder) in country that has a considerable amount of cover, with deer densities in AZ about 3-11 deer per square mile. With buck to doe ratios about 1:4. They typically aren’t in herds - 2-3 deer gathered up is about it, and typically those are does with fawns. With those numbers, we are talking 1 buck per square mile. With a lot of vegetation and cover. Bucks are often bachelors, or might be around another buck in the early deer hunting seasons. So if you want a nice buck, we are talking a nice buck every say 4 square miles. You will be cover a lot of country, and glassing your eyeballs out.
It is very pretty country I think.
Let me say again, it’s rough country they inhabit. There is a reason this country they live in (southern Arizona, southern New Mexico and northern Mexico) was some of the last places people came to as the United States was being settled. Arizona and New Mexico were the last States in the lower 48 states to join. The rough country is the same reason the Apaches were the last tribe to be conquered by the US Army. It’s is rough country.
If hunting in AZ or NM, you gotta get drawn. Draw rates are somewhat decent in the early seasons, but the December season is difficult as the draw rates are low as that is when the bucks rut and everyone wants to go then as the bucks modify their behavior and are easier to locate (they drop their caution and start chasing does - don’t we all?!?!)
There is a book by Duwane Adams and Tony Mandile who wrote about hunting Coues deer. It does a good job describing what I have briefly stated above.
Great advice and summary here....
- Greg
Success is found at the intersection of planning, hard work, and stubbornness.
Was it an enjoyable hunt? Would you recommend anything in particular to someone like myself that is considering hunting them for the 1st time? If I pursue it I’m thinking of going through an outfitter. Just curious if anyone here has any helpful advice before I start digging into it and decide what direction I want to go with it.
About as fun of a western big game hunt going IMO....
I enjoy the hell outta them. I've been on a mule deer kick but the coues urge is strong, especially after your first.
- Greg
Success is found at the intersection of planning, hard work, and stubbornness.
I wouldn't hunt Coues, too dangerous. Most are down around the border. You'll see illegals every day, some will approach you for water, a very uncomfortable situation. Just pray they are not mules. Its just not worth the risk for a buck that will in all probability be less than 100", most likely less than 80".
As mentioned, optics for Coues are imperative. Here are a few pictures of my homemade dual optic mount I made about 10-15 years ago. I find it very handy. I can glass with the binoculars and if I see something I really need to take a closer look at, just turn my head and look through my Zeiss spotting scope. In the picture, I have my Swarovski 7X42 mounted as my son in law was using my 15X56’s on his tripod.
There is also a picture of a buck I decided not to shoot my past October hunt. It shows how brushy their habitat can be.
I am technically challenged. Sorry I don’t know how to post the pictures like you guys do.
Last edited by flagstaff; 11/25/20.
"Successful is leaving something in better shape than you inherited it in. Keep that in mind, son." Dad
I wouldn't hunt Coues, too dangerous. Most are down around the border. You'll see illegals every day, some will approach you for water, a very uncomfortable situation. Just pray they are not mules. Its just not worth the risk for a buck that will in all probability be less than 100", most likely less than 80".
Originally Posted by ctsmith
I wouldn't hunt Coues, too dangerous. Most are down around the border. You'll see illegals every day, some will approach you for water, a very uncomfortable situation. Just pray they are not mules. Its just not worth the risk for a buck that will in all probability be less than 100", most likely less than 80".
Exactly!! And if they wanna steal your cheeks, your really fuucked!!!
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
Was it an enjoyable hunt? Would you recommend anything in particular to someone like myself that is considering hunting them for the 1st time? If I pursue it I’m thinking of going through an outfitter. Just curious if anyone here has any helpful advice before I start digging into it and decide what direction I want to go with it.
Just shiittin ya, coues deer is a “deer hunters hunt”. I’ll take deer, any deer species any day/everyday over elk or any other species. Get in shape, get some 15’s, tripod, and some good britches that fend off brush/thorns/cactus. I’m not big on turrets, but a good accurate rifle with turrets and lotsa practice will definitely be handy down there. I’ve hunted with Greg, he makes glassing look easy, almost like a art, he can spot deer, and knows where to look like no one I’ve seen. Patience, soak it in, and enjoy the ride, probably the “coolest deer and hunt” that there is.
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
I'm going with GregW in the next couple of years. Not sure if he knows it yet, but that's irrelevant to me.
I’m not Greg, but if your goin, count me in uncle Johnny, I’m there!!!
Hint Greg!! 😂😂
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
I'm going with GregW in the next couple of years. Not sure if he knows it yet, but that's irrelevant to me.
I’m not Greg, but if your goin, count me in uncle Johnny, I’m there!!!
Hint Greg!! 😂😂
I'll invite you bud, guaranteed. I bet you're a helluva pack mule! I have no coues gear except for rifle, glass, and badass britches. That's all I have to offer. Don't tell Greg.
Last edited by JGRaider; 11/25/20.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
Freddy Flintstone feet........I should have known. I was going to ask Jud a question Clint, but I'll go ahead and ask you since it was about you in the first place.......just what do you bring to the table on this hunt? I may want to invite you too.
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
Johnny is sleeping in Juds tent. Heads up, snoring is tolerable, but those feet! I seriously considered burning all his socks late one night.
Haha 😂😂
You loved it Bama!!!
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
Freddy Flintstone feet........I should have known. I was going to ask Jud a question Clint, but I'll go ahead and ask you since it was about you in the first place.......just what do you bring to the table on this hunt? I may want to invite you too.
I wore some synthetic kenetrek socks, oh fuuck, they were rank!!! Haha
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
I made Judd sign an agreement, wool socks if he hunts with me. While I do love the fit and function of the synthetic kenetrek liners, they stink up worse and faster than anything I've ever worn. Absolutely horrible. My wife tossed at least 5 pairs, and I didn't argue.
Johny, I think they just like listening to me talk.
You won't sound that weird to me Clint. I hunt and fish with a couple of Louisiana boys every year. I don't speak very good English either. I'm partial to these Darn Tough wool socks I've been wearing. They're sweet! I'm guessing I'll probably need something besides my Woolverine pull on's though, huh?
It is irrelevant what you think. What matters is the TRUTH.
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
I wouldn't hunt Coues, too dangerous. Most are down around the border. You'll see illegals every day, some will approach you for water, a very uncomfortable situation. Just pray they are not mules. Its just not worth the risk for a buck that will in all probability be less than 100", most likely less than 80".
I've been a few times and have yet to see a "tonk" as the BP refers to them, Seen some evidence (old camps and TRASH) But never a real live person waking into the US.
And these zombies line up and eat from the media’s trough
Hancock, that was tongue in cheek, but in all seriousness, I've been down there at least 4 times in the last 7-8 years. We see illegals on every hunt, and have interacted with them on several occasions, up close and personal. They will only approach if in bad shape, needing water, or sometimes even wanting you to call BP to bail them out. Greg called me last week while scouting, talking loud, with intentions of subtly announcing his position to a swarm of illegals passing through. They avoid you if possible, and its best that there are no surprises, hence Greg talking loudly.
i have hunted them a lot . never seen an illegal only about 10 Border patrol per square mile...... a long range gun is better , rarely can you cut the distance once you glass them . they are easy to get tags for. you will see a lot more buck in dec but big ones are killed in all the seasons. . .. if you have a size expectation you may want a guide, except for mule deer this is my favorite hunt. and they taste better and are lighter to pack out. the weather is good . virtually all good coues country is very rough. the last one my brother shot. rolled and fell 175 to 200 yards.
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
Hunting Coues deer with Greg was an absolute treat. The fact that he put me on a beautiful 105 buck was the cherry on top.
Thanks again Greg!
"What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated." Thomas Paine
Shot was actually a chip. Luckily the deer cooperated after feeding until 10:15 AM. Deer were likely 15-30 minutes from feeding back over on the other face which would have been devastating to our position ..
- Greg
Success is found at the intersection of planning, hard work, and stubbornness.
Nothin but Mezicans and thorny [bleep] down in that country. Coues are pissy in size not worth eatin and ain’t got [bleep] for head gear. Nothin to see ain’t worth doin move along. Kinda like Montana move along. Congratulations to Greg and Clint. Must’ve be hell hunting those things. 😀
Shot was actually a chip. Luckily the deer cooperated after feeding until 10:15 AM. Deer were likely 15-30 minutes from feeding back over on the other face which would have been devastating to our position ..
Open country Coues deer hunting is all that and a bag of chips. It's also frequently less than 100F, which is a real treat. It is also possible to hunt them in the oak and pine forest and scrub using east coast whitetail techniques. That's the route I usually take, probably because it is more familiar and I can get a good hunt in over a weekend. They are beautiful animals. Looking forward to sitting in my blind or tree stand during the rut (archery). While not the very best Coues hunting, there are good bucks within 100 miles of Phoenix. Lots of them.
This buck was taken at 13 yards using a bow equipped with a fixed single-pin sight. There were no optics on my person at the time
I do not entertain hypotheticals. The world itself is vexing enough. -- Col. Stonehill
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