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Physical
Description
Adult coloration is generally a brownish or grayish body with a
white throat patch, underbelly, and bottom of tail.
Coloring is very similar to the Whitetail Deer. Coues deer
have a tendency to be slightly paler then other white-tailed
deer. Mule deer have a white tail with a black tip while
black-tailed deer have an all black tail. Mature Coues deer are
roughly 28-30 inches tall at the top of the shoulder and have
prominent eyes and ears. A good buck might weight only
80-90 lbs. Few ever exceed 100 lbs.
 Reproduction
Breeding occurs from October through January depending on
latitude. Peak activity is in November. Does are in heat for
approximately 24 hours every 28 days for two to three
consecutive cycles during this period. Most does breed during
their second fall. Gestation is about 190 days with most births
occurring in May or June. Adult does typically have two fawns,
while the bred fawns normally have one young. During this
breeding season bucks also show characteristic changes in
behavior. They become more solitary and go through a process of
communicating with the other deer in the area about their
reproductive viability (dominance). Dominance refers to the
animal’s social standing in the herd and is established
primarily through pre-breeding sparring. Sparring normally
begins shortly after velvet is removed and consists of little
more than pushing matches between two bucks. The winner is
dominant to the loser. By breeding season the dominant social
hierarchy is in place. During the breeding season however, bucks
of the same size do sometimes get into more serious conflicts.
This can result in serious injury or death, to one or both
animals, especially if their antlers become locked. The more
dominant bucks normally breed more of the does. It is during
this time frame that individual rubs and scrapes are created, as
well as rub and scrape lines. These rubs and scrapes are signals
to the rest of the herd about an individual’s dominance and
incorporate both sight and smell. This process is referred to as
the rut and is normally classified into three periods- pre-rut,
rut, and post-rut. Different hunting techniques can be used
during each period.
Food Usage/Selection
The Coues deer is an herbivore and feeds on many trees and
shrubs. They also take advantage of fruits, nuts and
agricultural crops when available and in season.
Range
Coues deer can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, Mexico, but only
hunted in Arizona and Mexico.
Habitat
Coues deer use a variety of habitats, ranging from woodlands of
chaparral, oak, and pine interspersed with openings, to forested
mountainous areas with clearings, and marshy areas.
Common Hunting Methods
The Coues deer is pursued with rifle, shotgun, bow and arrow,
pistol, and muzzleloader. There are many different techniques
that can be used when trying to bag these deer. Included are
calling, rattling, blind use, scent and lure attractants, still
hunting, and spotting and stalking.
Hunting Challenges/Values
A keen sense of smell and hearing mixed with an ability to blend
into their surroundings make the Coues deer extremely
challenging to hunt. They provide excellent table fare, that is
notably low in fat.
Interesting Tidbits
Mature Coues deer range in weight from 65 to 90 pounds. Few ever
exceed 100 pounds.
Coues Deer Hunting Tips
Because of the very rugged terrain the Coues Deer inhabit,
be prepared for a long shot. Keeping in mind the size of
the coues deer, you may consider using a smaller caliber weapon
- from a .270 to .243, but many people use 7mm mags. Your
professional Coues Deer hunting guide will help you with shot
placement, which is critical for these illusive and hard-to-hunt
trophies.
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The
illusive and challenging Coues Whitetail Deer can be found in in
western parts of the continent from Mexico all the way to
Canada. It thrives in environments that are subject to
extremes in temperature - both hot and cold. 
