Coues deer are found in desert mountain ranges above 3,500 feet where the desert meets the oak savanna and pinyon/juniper of the higher elevations. Coues look like any other whitetail but are smaller - a good buck stands less than three feet tall at the shoulder and is 130 to 140 pounds live weight. They tend to have very symmetrical antlers. A 16-inch buck with three main points and eye guards is a good one. The minimum B & C score is 110, and SCI is 85. Coues deer hunting is a challenge; the animals are elusive, blend in perfectly with their surroundings and are masters of concealment and escape. The key to success is lots of glassing and knowing the animal's habitat requirements. The season in Mexico is generally December and January.
Coues whitetail deer hunting has become very popular in Sonora, with more than a dozen outfitters offering hunts. Here is a short list of recommendable outfitters - Solimar Hunting Safaris; Arrow Five Outfitters; Pusch Ridge Outfitters; Alcampo Hunting Adventures; Muy Grande Outfitters; Carlos Hermosillo Outfitters; and Campillo Brothers.
While Sonora has good Coues deer populations and trophy quality, recently some of the best trophies have come from Chihuahua. A case in point are two bucks that scored 127 typical and 130 non-typical. They were taken in 1999 on ranches leased by outfitter Manuel Enriquez, Jr., of El Halcon. Enriquez has 500,000 acres leased on four ranches north and northwest of Chihuahua City. This season was the fifth Enriquez has been offering Coues hunts, and virtually all his hunters have been........(continued)
