Archery Coues Deer impossible?

RidgeRebel · Jun 6, 2017

I have been thinking I really want to try Coues deer hunting in AZ, but I look at the success rates and it seem dang near impossible. At nearly $500 just for the tag I have a hard time wanting to take the chance. But again I really have an itch to go see these deer in person. Anybody tried it or had success? I have killed a few mule deer and and elk with my bow so I feel somewhat confident in my archery hunting ability. What do you guys think?

Canyoncountry · Jun 7, 2017

Just a warning, coues deer hunting will turn into an addiction! You will be put to the ultimate test archery hunting them, yet if successful on getting a shot and making it happen it will be absolutely rewarding. Even with no kill, it will be a success and many new techniques will be learned. They are very sneaky and weary. Also, depends on the time of year you plan on hunting them, if you're looking at the rut hunts in December-January or early hunts when in velvet in end of August-September. If you do a January hunt, look into applying for an archery Javelina tag as well so you can get the chance at another animal if you're interested in that. Good luck!!

BOWUNTR · Jun 8, 2017

They are not impossible... a lot of works and luck can make it possible. Ed F

pushin_30 · Jun 17, 2017

Like hunting any animal with a bow and arrow. Lots of persistence and work ANYTHING can be accomplished! That being said luck is always a plus to have on your side.

I shot a small 3 by 4 coues a few years ago on one of Arizona's late archery hunt.

bigbull1 · Jun 20, 2017

My first buck with a bow was a Coues....
http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID19/1088.html
Go for it and good luck!
Ed

oneshot1 · Jul 10, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Jul-10-17 AT 09:36AM (MST)[p]Totaly possible...

oneshot1 · Jul 11, 2017

>LAST EDITED ON Jul-10-17
>AT 09:36?AM (MST)
>
>Totaly possible...
>

Bowdeadly · Jul 13, 2017

Not impossible because I was able to pull it off. All luck though. Was hunting mule deer in NM and there are a few Coues deer in that area. Smack Dab in the middle of the day I was driving down a 4 wheeler trail with all my gear strapped, and release in my pocket. Buck jumped the trail and ran down the hill. I figured he was in Arizona by the time I parked and got my crap together. I sneaked over the edge to take a look and to my surprise the bad boy laid down. I was able to sneak up on him to 35 yards and arrow him right where he laid. I can't figure out to post pick if anyone can post one for me I can send it by text. Let me know thanks.
505 203 5138
Geno

WHT_MTNMAN · Jul 24, 2017

If you get a chance to get a tag, try to hunt the January, Aug/Sept and also the December hunt of the same year.
You can hunt all 3 (depending on unit) with the same OTC tag.
I have killed a few bucks with my bow and they sure are not easy.

bojangles · Aug 13, 2017

>I have been thinking I really
>want to try Coues deer
>hunting in AZ, but I
>look at the success rates
>and it seem dang near
>impossible. At nearly $500 just
>for the tag I have
>a hard time wanting to
>take the chance. But again
>I really have an itch
>to go see these deer
>in person. Anybody tried it
>or had success? I have
>killed a few mule deer
>and and elk with my
>bow so I feel somewhat
>confident in my archery hunting
>ability. What do you guys
>think?

Hunting in arizona is just stupidly expensive.

that said, with proper scouting and technique, you can kill a coues. hunt the rut, and approach it like any other whitetail hunt in the east. There is zero difference in hunting coues and eastern whitetails.

458win · Jan 18, 2018

>LAST EDITED ON Jul-10-17
>AT 09:36?AM (MST)
>
>Totaly possible...
>

I don't know your story but you sir are one bad hombre... a coues with a recurve is a trophy of trophy?s.

458win · Jan 18, 2018

>>I have been thinking I really
>>want to try Coues deer
>>hunting in AZ, but I
>>look at the success rates
>>and it seem dang near
>>impossible. At nearly $500 just
>>for the tag I have
>>a hard time wanting to
>>take the chance. But again
>>I really have an itch
>>to go see these deer
>>in person. Anybody tried it
>>or had success? I have
>>killed a few mule deer
>>and and elk with my
>>bow so I feel somewhat
>>confident in my archery hunting
>>ability. What do you guys
>>think?
>
>
>Hunting in arizona is just stupidly
>expensive.
>
>that said, with proper scouting and
>technique, you can kill a
>coues. hunt the rut,
>and approach it like any
>other whitetail hunt in the
>east. There is zero
>difference in hunting coues and
>eastern whitetails.

Pretty sure wherever you hunt eastern white tails there isn't 500 species of cactus or thorn bushes ready to impale you

Mobowhunter · Mar 30, 2019

I had always heard of them as desert ghosts. I figured they were very elusive. We were in a drop camp in the Gila last September and a trophy ten point came into camp and ate some spilled grain and horse #####. Yeah I'd say they are hunt able with a bow.