Arizona Coues Deer Hunts

Arizona Coues Deer Hunts: Not your average Whitetail…

The Coues deer inhabits the “sky-island” mountain ranges of south-eastern Arizona and in pockets along the Mogollon Rim of central Arizona. We typically look for Coues deer in elevations above 4000 feet, though great bucks can increasingly be found along the desert floor. The Coues deer’s small size and grey hair make them excellent at slipping detection from even the most seasoned hunters. Excellent optics and careful glassing are important for finiding this diminutive deer.

Every year hunters on public land in Arizona take big Coues bucks. A typical year will see 10 to 20 bucks killed that score over 120″.

Hunting Coues deer in Arizona requires a tag. There are two types of tags: permit tags and non-permit tags. Hunting during the general seasons, when there are no restrictions on legal weapons requires a permit-tag. Permit tags are issued through a lottery draw process. The best hunts in the best units see intense demand, so it is important to have an effective draw strategy. To hunt Coues deer with archery equipment requires a non-permit tag. Non-permit tags can be purchased over the counter.

Rifle hunting seasons

Booking now for  Fall 2012 and Fall 2013

There are four general seasons for hunting Coues deer in Arizona, although not every hunting unit is open for each season. The first Coues hunt typically begins the last week of October. Temperatures in Arizona have yet to subside and buck activity is concentrated in the early mornings and evenings. Ample preseason scouting is crucial to knowing where to find good bucks during this season. Good bucks can be found, and this season gives you a chance to find deer before they have been disrupted by earlier hunts.

2010 Early Season Coues

November has two Coues deer seasons. The early November hunt starts just after the October season ends, enjoys slightly lower temperatures, and bachelor groups of bucks. The late November season starts around Thanksgiving, when daytime temperatures have subsided, bucks begin pre-rut activity, and smaller bucks are starting to run with does.

The December season starts the second weekend of December and runs through the end of the year. The photoperiod in December is the shortest, weather is the coolest, and the Coues deer is in full pre-rut activity, with the peak of the rut typically coming a few weeks later. Large Coues bucks actively pursue does, and are at their most vulnerable to prepared hunters. This hunt provides the best chance for taking a trophy Coues deer in Arizona.

2010 December Rifle Coues

Archery hunting seasons

Booking now for Aug/Sept 2012 , Jan 2013, and Aug/Sept 2013

Archery hunters in Arizona enjoy three seasons. The early season begins in the middle to end of August and runs through the middle of September. Temperatures in the desert are high and buck activity is minimal. Coues bucks typically only move in the early mornings and late evenings or after dark. Most movements at this time of year center around sustaining food and water requirements. Bucks are vulnerable at this time of year to hunters willing to sit ground blinds or tree stands over water or travel routes. Scouting is important to establish movement patterns.

2011 Velvet Coues

The next season begins the second week of December and runs through the end of the year. Bucks are easy to find during this time of year, as they are in pre-rut or early rut activity, and move throughout the day looking for does. However, they can be difficult to hunt because they move great distances.

The December season runs into the first season of the new year, beginning January 1st. A new hunting license and non-permit tag are required. January hunting can be the most exciting time to watch Coues bucks, as they remain active throughout the day.

2011 January Archery Buck

Hunting Strategies

We spend significant time every year scouting the best Arizona Coues deer units. Our hunting strategies depend significantly on the time of year and the type of weapon you are using. Our rifle hunts are spot and stalk. We use high-powered optics mounted on steady tripods to locate acceptable bucks. Once a buck is located, we then plan a stalk to get within range. Spot and stalk hunting with a bow is very demanding, but it is fairly easy to get within rifle range of Coues bucks. Archers also have the option of sitting in ground blinds overlooking water sources, travel routes, or scrape lines.

Accommodation and other details

We accommodate our Arizona Coues deer hunters in base camps outfitted with wall tents, state of the art sleeping systems, a heat source (depending upon the season), light, and other comforts. Food is expertly prepared in large portions, and any diet requirements can be accommodated.

Wilderness Coues deer hunts are outfitted with backcountry gear including lightweight tents, sleep systems, and backcountry stoves. The nature of these trips demand more from hunters in terms of physical exertion and comfort sacrifices, but the rewards include hunting areas devoid of other hunters, undisturbed deer, and scenery seen by relatively few others.

Arizona Coues Whitetail Deer: Prices and inquiries

Prices include: All local travel including pickup at Tucson International Airport. Please bring your own firearm and ammunition, unless prior arrangements are made. Other gear will be supplied.

License and tag fees are not included.

Please contact us for additional details. If you are hunting as a group, contact us for special group packaging.