COOSEFAN

I've been watching this "Mexico" forum sit with no action for several months, and I'm dyin' to hear about the place I've dreamed of hunting for so long. I finally saved up enough $ and bought a hunt in Chihuahua. I'ts supposedly a low pressure, high quality hunt, great references, and monster bucks killed every year. I know of most of the risks involved hiring an outfitter, and being one myself, I've never done it before. I felt that this is the safest way to hunt Mexico, and the outfitter I'm using has a great rep. with everyone I've talked to. I purchased the last tag he had and it is for Jan. 19. He assured me thats a good thing because by then he'll know whats on the ranches and what to hold out for. My concerns are, will the rut be winding down? Will there be alot of broken points? Is there anything I should or shouldn't take down there? I'm debating on taking my Swarovski STS 80 HD scope, I never leave home without it or my EL's or my 15's, but seems scary to take that stuff down there. I've already given my serial #'s to them for this stuff. Would you take it to Mexico? I was given a choice to hunt the normal ranches ( there's 2 ) with ranch houses and cooks or hunt a ranch with no facilities or cooks, and hasn't been hunted ever by Americans, with the exception of 1 guy last year that took a 130" class buck! This ranch is a new lease and the outfitter doesn't want to hunt it until next season but said I can hunt it if I want! No Brainer! I got a deal anyways because I'm self guiding but I'll also be hunting out of a tent eating what ever food he brings me from the other ranches. Sounds incredible to me, I'll just have to wait and hope it all turns out like I hope. Any tips, ideas, or past experiences would be cool! Thanks for your time. JIM

I tried to buy the hunt in auction at the R.M.E.F. banquet in Flagstaff. I was sitting at the same table with the donor of that tag ( Gary Howell ) and then bought his last one after the auction. Last years auction tag buyer was there also, he killed a 117" buck while stalking in on a 130" class! That's really what sold me on it and Gary seemed like an incredibly nice guy. I planned on taking my bow, Gary actually said I would have a great chance of getting several shots at 100" class bucks! But I have no time to practice enough, so I'm rifle hunting. He told me he had a client coming before me that was archery hunting, and seemed very optimistic about your success as well. Is He the same guy you've talked with? JIM

That's awesome! congrats! JIM

Congratulations on an awesome buck! I love that kicker! JIM

Those G3's just made me a little weak in the knees! That's a toad, congrats to you guy's. JIM

I haven't been on for a while and just read through how this thing exploded! I did make a comment on what I thought the buck scored based on a pic' of a head on a bench. I just read the story and saw the great in-field pic's and definitely change my mind. Mace, that is truly a monster, and great story of perseverance, and dedication to back it up! To have the huge body and you in the pic with it for comparison really puts it into perspective! I never said anything disrespectful, and never would, just made a guess on score based on a bad pic. I don't remember anybody sayin' anything bad about it at that time, actually complete opposite! I did see the B.S. that is on here now and they're just jealous. Ignore the bad feedback and enjoy that incredible buck! It definitely sounds like you deserve it! What a monster! Congrats!!!! JIM

I'm new to this "posting" stuff, but hopefully it works. I'm a guide here in AZ and NM and specialize in Elk, and they have always been my favorite animal to hunt, except they share that top spot with these addicting little creatures called "Coues". The country you hunt, the way you hunt, the challenges they put you through, and the beauty of the prize are all reasons they are so addicting. This buck is only a 2 point (I actually cringed a little when I typed "only") but I was fortunate enough to experience the whole package in one day. I had to get the hunt done ASAP because of upcoming elk hunts. I hiked farther, glassed harder and longer, and was rewarded with a beautiful buck. I wouldn't have passed on this buck, even if I could hunt longer. I just can't get enough of these deer and will sit for hours on this awesome website, lay awake for hours thinking of upcoming hunts, and even spend thousands of dollars for Mexico tags. My wife thinks it's a sickness, and I agree, but she knows the only cure is for me to be out there hunting coues! We are leaving tomorrow for her LATE Kaibab 12AW tag. I'll try to post pic's of her buck if successful! The details of my buck are on "rifle page 66"

I appreciate it Amanda, I will call them. It sends chills down my spine to hear you say 100 inch bucks are average there! That's exactly why I saved my pennies for so long to finally be able to do it. If I can sit and watch a 120" class buck through my optics for at least a minute, undisturbed and doin' what they do, then it was all worth it, kill or not! I'm excited! Thanks JIM

Yeah, I remember, I forgot you got the tag, otherwise I would have contacted you about hookin' up durin' the hunt. It would be nice to have some law enforcment guys close by! I think someone owes ME Mcdonalds! I believe those guys tried to hook up at Grubstake saloon for a meet and eat. I actually killed my buck on the far east side of the unit and was keeping it as plan B and it would be not far from the saloon. When I finalize a plan, we'll set a date and time, that would be cool to meet up. HEY bchoitz, I've got a mental note on those spots and will look for you, I would love to stop and chat. I should be there during that time and I know I'll be there the whole week after Christmas, I appreciate it! Good luck to everyone! JIM

That's and incredible buck! I don't see it beein' anywhere near 130's. Unless there is an extra 10" long point somewhere I can't see, I'll say 122" max! Compare with my brother-in-laws' buck on the "Az coues rifle 64" page. His scored just under 114" and has a very similar rack. I do see where this one is bigger, but I think a typical 136" would look bigger than that! Just my thoughts! That's a freak of nature though! I WANT ONE! JIM

I don't see 340"! Small G2's and G3's to reach 340". Probably added bases! What a character that guy is, seriously backwoods!!!!! He probably could talk his brother Darrel or his other brother Darrel in to selling a couple of there cars parked on the front lawn to buy it from him for that much money, telling them it was killed by a magical unicorn that left part of it's horn in it! That's wild! JIM

I don't even have a tag and I'm losin' sleep! My brother has the tag, we'll be camped about 3 or 4 miles before the Tres Bellotas ranch. There will be a white utility trailer and tan 4 door F-350 with CW.com stickers on both and a white Expedition there. I'll be there for the first 3 or 4 days then have to go to 35B. Anyone is welcome in camp ( unless you are an illegal ) if need any help or want to camp in more numbers for safety. It's not the best place to camp though, unfortunately nowhere is safe anymore down there! Good Luck, JIM

I've always thought that the thick stuff is where the big stuff is. As well as the most remote/inaccessable places. I've thought this because during the rut, I seem to find bigger bucks near these places looking for does, like the rut is what brought them out of it. I have always used Red Rabbits' philosophy about "hunt-ability". This philosophy will help you be more successful for sure, because your not wasting time. If you just want to see deer, such as scouting, than don't worry about it,but if you only have a limited time and want to kill a deer, follow it. Just my thoughts JIM

Couesnut, thanks for the info, and advice. Much appreciated! The outfitter has a storage place for my truck in Deming, NM. Thats where we are crossing, and I'll be riding there and back with him, crossing both times with him there. When I signed on, I expressed my concern about the problems I've heard and read about, crossing the border. He told me that his Mexican affiliate is well educated and is someone of importance in Mex. and is probably the safest person to cross with. I did write that number down and will check it out, Thanks! That info that megahunter replied really made me feel better! Thanks again! JIM

I'm not after any secret spots, just curious about the unit and it's reputation. I am helping a guy in there during the week after Christmas. I've got a little pressure on me because he's after 95" or better or nothing! Walking long distances or over rough terrain is probably out of the question . I do know he can shoot long distance, and has a lot of experience doing so That helps! I'm in the process of getting maps together, and don't have one in front of me now, but I will. Is this unit known for big deer? What side of the unit would be better for my situation (hunter's restrictions)? I'm looking for areas that afford better vantage points, without busting brush too much?! Any places to avoid; private ranches, roads etc.? I'll be staying down there the rest of the month after this weeks 22S late bull hunt, so I'll have time to scout. Again, just after general info but email me if you want, I appreciate any info, thanks JIM

bchoitz, very well said! JIM

I would like to add to this. My favorite thing about this site is the fact that it ISN'T just about trophy hunting and score! We all want to kill a huge buck and we like to talk about killing huge bucks. But, We all love HUNTING COUES DEER in general, no matter what the size. I told everyone that I was after 90" or better on my NOV. 36b tag this year and killed a two point opening day. I'm more proud of that two point, than any other deer I've killed, because of the experience and knowledge gained in that one day. I'm a big advocate of making the most of a hunt, enjoy every aspect from the scenery, weather, wildlife and its habits and making memories with friends, family or just by yourself. You never know when it will be your last hunt, or a last hunt with a good friend or family member. Don't miss any detail and enjoy every last moment, if you don't tag out, you"ll be going home with all of that at least and a smile on your face. P.S. there is always two sides to every story, try to keep an open mind and be careful about passing quick judgements. JIM

Sorry to hear of your bad experience. If you filed a complaint, it will be dealt with. The AZGFD is actually on a push for better relations with hunters right now, they're actually passing out ( supposed to ) "report cards" to everyone they come in contact with in the field. This "report card" doesn't have his or her name on it, it's just for you to fill out about your experience with a G+F officer in general. There is a comment section though. I've never had a bad experience ever, actually all have been very pleasant, and I've been checked this year more than ever before. I will tell you that there is alot of things the Dept. deals with and does, that us, the general public, doesn't know about, and is easy to criticize and make accusations based on just what we see. FYI: a very close family member of mine is probably the person that recieved your complaint and is in charge of correcting things of that matter, and I guarantee he doesn't take them lightly, it will be taken care of. The whole situation still seems odd to me though, it just doesn't add up, there must have been more to why he did what he did. But, you never know, he could be just an idiot! Sorry again, JIM

Welcome to the site, my advice is to buy the book,"How to hunt coues deer", by Duwane Adams. You can buy it here in the CW.com bookstore. I think it's the best tool for anyone new to coues hunting. He actually tells of some great spots to hunt in 21! It's full of great information, the main fact about the 21 hunt is, The harder you hunt, the farther you hike in, the bigger the reward! My family and friends have killed a few bucks there and none have been close to any roads! Be careful and always identify your target there, the WT's and Mulies overlap in most, if not all of 21. Best of luck to ya! JIM

Hi Amanda, I'm not very knowledgeable about balistic stuff, but I did just buy that exact scope for my .270. I debated on the 50mm also but went with the 40mm because it does seem overkill, and a little more expensive. I have a VX-II in the 50mm on a 22-250 and love it but couldn't justify the extra money this time for my .270. The reticle works with the power settings to use the extra crosshairs. There is a large triangle mark at the 14X setting which you use for faster loads and a smaller triangle mark at about the 11X setting which you use for slower heavier loads. I believe if you use the extra crosshairs, you have to shoot on these settings, otherwise there not accurate. You do sight this scope in zero at 200 and then everything falls into place as long as you use the right triangle mark " power setting" for the load you are shooting. I did that, using 130 grain ballistic tips out of the box, and use the big triangle mark at 14 power for use of the extra marks and it is accurate like it says. So 200 yrds or less you can use any power setting and it works with the main crosshair, if you use any other lower mark, you have to raise the power to either 11X or 14X to be accurate. I love this scope and I am definitely alot more accurate with it. A rangefinder is a must along with this scope and is deadly! hope this helps a little, JIM

I was hoping to have a pic' to post of my wife's mulie, but none ever hit the ground. Incredible hunt, incredible deer, incredible experience. I did have this photo to show, it is my wife's uncle from CA. He hired me for his late 5BN hunt last week and it lasted less than 2 hrs., ( 1 week and 2 hrs for me with scouting). We had 17 bulls glassed up within the first hour, two groups of hunters shooting at bulls on either side of us in the canyon, and all my bulls I had picked out scouting were heading north! This bull however was being sneekie and moved into the thick cover in a side canyon and crawled up under two cedars. I set Dave up for a shot, but the bull wasn't visible at all. I snuck down and pushed up the other side, the bull let me get 30 yrds. in plain view before busting. He stopped at the top for Dave to make a perfect shot and put him down. We knew before hand he was broke on his G4 and snapped off on his G5 and about 8 inches off the beam tip, but had great tines everywhere else. I saw only 1 person in there while scouting, and there were at least 6 trucks in there opening morning. With that pressure this hunt was going to get tough fast and this was a great bull to take early with that in mind! He would have been just under 330" if not broke, the broken side was his strongest side, and he was the 3rd largest bull we'd seen in the first hour of the hunt. This was also my first time hunting elk in 5BNorth, definitely changed my viewpoint about this unit for a late hunt!

Not even a shot fired! I would have been throwin' lead! The late hunts were very tough, and my brother and friends of mine were going in to tanks at 2:30 AM while clients slept, to make sure they were there first, and to see what tanks were being hit and by what. One guy just sat down in the blind and was about to turn his headlamp off when he saw eyes in the sage looking at him. He shined the big light and had TWO lions sneaking through the sage towards him. Needless to say, he sat in the truck till his client showed up. This tank is very close to the one that the lion was eating the hanging hind quarter. These tanks are too close to the park fence to turn dogs loose. The cats in unit 10 were either too fast or too far, and I know the four together were to close to the rez. fence to chance with dogs also. It was actually a lion hunter that saw the four together, but was guiding elk clients. It's also not good to put your clients hunt on hold while you go hunt for yourself, " I still would have been throwin' lead", except the ones at night! As for sitting tanks at night, the competition for them was very bad, and they had to go to those measures to hunt them. We feel no one owns the tank, but be respectful to the first person there. I definitely see a growing lack of respect in the woods every year from other hunters and it's sad. Sorry for getting off topic,"PRICE INCREASES SUCK", there I feel better!

That looks like it was a lot of work skinnin' and cuttin'. Looks like an incredible hunt, with great bulls! Congrats to everyone!!!

That's a good point about the cost of everything else in our lives! I actually have relatives and friends that work for AZGFD and I remember asking my uncle about the deer tags. They had just done a survey( 2 years ago ) with several resources, ground and air, of the deer in unit 4B ( I'm almost positive it was for 4A also). They had observed a total of 63 deer and 3 of those were fawns! Yet they still issued a huge amount of tags! They have a system that figures in the deer they didn't count and go off that, but still issue even more tags to keep the general public happy! My uncle said they don't want an uproar from the general public from reducing tags. He said, they can't just shut an area down because of the backlash from the poeple that are more concerned about getting a tag than the welfare of the herd. These same poeple then complain about not seeing any deer on their hunt! The AZGFD has a lot of things to deal with, that we usually don't see or understand, but overall tend to do what the general public wants. As for the lion hunters, your right! They need to make life a little easier for them and keep it out of the public eye! It's amazing how many lions are actually out there today! In unit 10 and 9 on the late hunt last week alone, my guides, hunters and friends together saw 9 lions!!!!!!!!!! 6 lions in unit 10 and 3 lions in unit 9. 4 lions running together in 10 and 2 together in unit 9. I'm in the process of aquiring the photos for this site, but my brothers client photographed a big lion eating his elk quarter hanging in a tree at less than 30 yrds last week! The lions are a big problem and need to be delt with! Sorry for ramblin' or gettin' off subject. Thanks JIM

" there's always a way". It sucks, but we'll find a way to continue doin' what we love. Change is inevitable, but we'll work through it. More importantly, setting cost aside, I hope there's at least hunting opportunities still available to our kids in the future. BTW, I've spent close to $ 4,000.00 in gas since July 05". Thats all on hunting and scouting, that SUCKS. (appearently so does my V-10)