Archery coues deer opportunities in New Mexico

muleydoc · Dec 1, 2006

I don't usually research hunting opportunities this way but have never hunted coues deer before. I am strictly interested in archery hunting and wondering if anyone would be willing to share information on good quality trophy hunts available in New Mexico. I have maximum bonus points in Arizona so I am holding out for mule deer there. But I understand that there are a couple of top trophy units in New Mexico? Any information would be appreciated. Feel free to PM me if you prefer. I would be willing to help out with Utah and Colorado information in exchange if you are interested. Thanks and good luck with the hunting application season!

Muleydoc

redrabbit · Dec 1, 2006

You can purchase an archery deer permit in AZ over the counter. You already have the hunting license when you applied for mule deer. No loss of the bonus points if you do buy a OTC tag and arrow a deer. Archery season is at end of August into Sept, and again Dec 15-Jan 31. Most units south of Tucson are good. Access is real limited in 30A.

In NM, the best areas are probably the Burro Mountains in Unit 23, and unit 27. Both are Jan 1-15 archery coues hunts under a draw system.

http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/publications/BigGameRulesandInformationBooklet.htm

Doug~RR

Bura Nut · Dec 1, 2006

Doug, is it because its an OTC tag that you wouldnt lose your bonus points? This would be great for this guy if he can bow hunt OTC and retain his bonus points for an attempt on the strip tag or Kaibab. Great info Doug....... Thanks, Allen Taylor......

muleydoc · Dec 2, 2006

Doug,

Thanks for the information. Even if the Arizona tag is OTC if you harvest a deer in the January season then you wouldn't be able to apply for a deer tag that year? But you could apply and if you don't draw then you could hunt the early season? I appreciate the help and will look into the New Mexico draws.

Muleydoc

CouesFanatic · Dec 2, 2006

Arizona allows one deer per person, per calendar year. So yes, if you killed a deer in January with your bow, you might as well put in for points only because you have filled your deer limit for the year. I'm not sure by what you mean "the early season". January is open for the bowhunt as well as late august and late december. So if you did not draw you could hunt August or December. But for instance, hunting this January would be iffy because you may draw a good mule deer tag. I hope this makes sense.

GilaJeff · Dec 3, 2006

Several good Coues units in SW New Mexico. Unit 23 Burro Mtns. is a great tag if you can draw it. Very limited number of hunters for each hunt. Unit 23 outside the Burros is relatively easy to draw, and holds good numbers of Coues. I spent a lot of time hunting Unit 21, but that is because it was close to where I was living. It has good pockets of Coues, but most of that country will kick your a$$ hunting it. Units 22 & 24 are also good for Coues. 16B is mostly within the Gila Wilderness and there are pockets of Coues deer there that have probably never seen a human.