Date of Hunt: January 6-11, 2007
Location: Sonora Mexico
Animals Harvested: Coues Whitetail
Animals Seen But Not Hunted: Javalina
Outfitter: Pusch Ridge Outfitters
Website: http://puschridgeoutfitters.com
Guides: Luis, Dennis

This is the second time I've hunted with Kirk Kelso in Sonora. As usual, the quality of the animals, guides and food was superb. Kirk knows how to run a camp.

For this hunt, I used a 6.5 WSM built by Territorial Gunsmiths LTD (http://www.gunsmith.net). The rifle used an MRC 1999 action with a Lilja Barrel and Lone Wolf stock. The scope was Leupold LPS 4.5-14 scope. I was shooting the 140 gr Sierra Gameking at 3300 fps.

The ranch we hunted was typical for Sonora. Low mountains, thick brush and lots of deer. When we arrived, I think the rut was just beginning. Over the first two days, we saw at least a hundred deer a day, but nothing over the 85 mark. We were seeing a lot of deer chasing does, but they were mostly 3X3's. On day three, we spotted a good buck heading away from us as the sun was just coming up. After looking at the deer, my guide Luis told me that while he was a good deer, he wasn't as big as the one I had shot last year. This was a nice deer and I decided that he was worth taking.

I wish I could say that I fired one shot and the deer fell over and died, but that's not exactly how it happened. The deer was moving up the side of a large mesa and paused at 350 yards. I used my bipod to get into a sitting position for the shot. Just as the trigger broke, I flinched and shot over the top of him. He bolted at the shot and didn't stop until he was at 475 yards. By this time, I taken the time to set up for a prone position shot. When he stopped at 475, I fired again and he rolled down the side of the mesa.



I thought he'd score right around 100, but after measuring, he scored around 94. For the trip seven of us took six deer, one of which was a bruiser of a non-typical.



Kirk Kelso has some of the best ranches in Mexico and runs a first class operation. If you're looking for a "book" coues deer, I highly recommend him.

Pete

Can u hunt with a handgun in Mexico?

Almost forgot..nice coues

Hi Josh-

I'm not sure about hunting with a handgun in Mexico. I've never heard of anyone doing it, so my guess is that you can't, but I'm not sure.

Pete

I did a coues hunt i Chihuahua last year .
I shot a 94 3/8 Coues , Missed a 120 class deer.This year I am booking a hunt in Sonora.

Mexico has a no hand gun Rule and nothing above 30 cal rifle. If you remember you get checked by the Mexican Army when you bring your guns.

Grate coues deer , I am waiting on my full body mount now.

That`s a hunt a would like to do for myself! Have read several stories about Coues deer.. Interesting animal!
Can you always expect long shots on such a hunt?

Thanks for sharing!

Wow, that double drop coues buck is amazing! I think it is the only one I've ever seen. Congratulations on a great hunt!

Anders- Coues deer is my favorite hunt in North America. I would highly recommend trying it if you have a chance. I've only hunted them twice, but both times I think 300-350 yards was about the average shot distance. The one I took last year was 327. Most guys use the big 300's (Weatherby or Ultra) and 7mm's with 14-20X scopes.

Bwanamrm- That was an amazing buck. He grossed around 129. The deer on the far left is also an interesting one as he had a lot of palmation. It was almost like he had a little moose in him!

Yep thats right ,I used a 300 wby but this time it will be a 7 mm STW with a night force scope one of 2 3.5x15x 56 or 5.5 x 22 x50.

Pete- nice job, nice deer! My buddy and I are thinking of taking a trip there with the same outfitter so your report is well received. I am interested in a lot of details so may be PM'ing you from time to time.

Thanks again for the report and pics!

John

I am not sure how the local hunting laws are rigth now. But you can carry a handgun up to .38 special with you as long as you are outside a city. It would requeire a lot of paper work and i am not sure if you will be alowed to bring it from abroad. But in theory you should be able to carry a handgun while hunting

Montes
You are wrong. There is no handgun hunting allowed in México; Even more, it is prohibited to carry a handgun with you, any caliber, except if you have a special permit. It is a Federal felony if you carry or transport a handgun or any weapon used by the Army, Navy, Air Forces or any other Federal Agencies like "AFI".
Regards