Mexico’s Sonora is the epicentre of the Coues Whitetail; North America’s smallest deer species.

Coues Whitetail, Sonora, Mexico

Hunting Season:  November 29th – February 16th (we recommend the January rut as by far the best time to hunt)


Although very closely related to the Whitetail, considered as a subspecies by some, the Coues White tail or Coues deer is a similar size to the Sitka Black tail. Like the Sitka he only has a small range in the mountainous areas of the Sonora Desert, encompassing Arizona and New Mexico in the USA, the epicentre of his range running down through Mexico. He is a deer species that thrives in a desert environment. Similarily to a Whitetail he is very territorial, his territory often only encompassing 1 – 2 square miles. Although generally considered a desert species if given the choice they will spend time and live in timber, but prefer to browse in open plains. Due to the arrid and hot environment that they live, there will always be a water source in a coues deers’ home range.
Along with the Sitka Black Tail the Coues deer is often the deer species missing from an American hunters collection. Due to the open habitat that he lives hunting Coues deer is very different to Whitetail. Although sometimes blinds will be set up near to watering holes, more often than not the hunt is done by spot and stalk. The vast area that the deer lives and his relatively small size makes a coues deer hunt very challenging and exciting. Although there are opportunities in both New Mexico and Arizona, we prefer to hunt Coues deer in Sonora in Mexico where they consistently harvest much bigger heads.
Along with the Sitka Black Tail the Coues deer is often the deer species missing from an American hunters collection. Due to the open habitat that he lives hunting Coues deer is very different to Whitetail. Although sometimes blinds will be set up near to watering holes, more often than not the hunt is done by spot and stalk. The vast area that the deer lives and his relatively small size makes a coues deer hunt very challenging and exciting. Although there are opportunities in both New Mexico and Arizona, we prefer to hunt Coues deer in Sonora in Mexico where they consistently harvest much bigger heads.
Stereo typed as North America’s hardest deer species the little Couse deer is a worthy adversary. Hunting can be done from a high rack, but we prefer to hunt them using a spot and stalk method. Large periods of the day will be spent glassing the desert floor and hillsides until a suitable buck is located. The final approach will be done by way of stalking, which is extremely difficult. The thick terrain is very dry underfoot, coupled with the animals small size and elusive nature mean that unless he is standing in a clearing or on a mountain side a shot is almost impossible. The relative fair price and very high reward for a successful hunt, mean that Coues deer is popular among America’s keenest sportsmen.
There is also an option to harvest: Mule deer, Collared Peccary, Bobcat & Coyote

To book your Coues Whitetail Deer hunt, contact Real Big 5 on
+44 7977150104

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