Coues white-tailed deer. (O.v. couesi)

Named in honor of American army surgeon, ornithologist, and naturalist, Elliott Coues. 1842-1899.
Pronounced "cows"

Hunt location: Central Arizona, public land
Outfitter/guide: Self
Dates: January 3 to 9, 2016
Method: Archery, Spot & Stalk

Wow Man! The desert is beautiful!

I don't even need any written details, the photos say it all.

Congrats! I've only briefly considered bow hunting the desert for deer and immediately discarded the notion as I don't think I could ever actually finish the deal. Getting that close to an animal as elusive as an Arizona Coues deer is exceptional. Well done my Man.

What a beautiful scenery, very nice pictures! Im really impressed you could stalk those crafty little deer with a bow, congratulations and thanks for sharing!

What's their typical diet out there ?
Scenary is wonderfull .Reminds me when we subscribed to" Arizona Highways "

Congratulations, Ty.

However, try as I might, I just can't bring myself to call them "Cows" deer. I and all of my hunting buddies have called them "Cooz" deer for all of the close-to-seven decades we've hunted them. I guess I'm stubborn. Until someone pats the ground above me with a shovel, I'll continue to call 'em that.

Elliott may be their namesake, but as far as I can tell he only hunted them once, and that was down by Tumacacori where the type specimen was collected.

Congratulations again.

Bill Quimby

great photos and a very nice buck.

Love the photos and a great trophy with a bow! Congrats and well done.

Thanks folks for the nice comments and congrats!

Scott, the desert is particularly beautiful right now because we have been blessed with 3 unusually wet seasons (summer, fall, winter) in a row this year. It has barely made a dent in our 17 year long drought, but, a dent none the less.
Hey, I think you should come and give this hunt a go with your bow. The non-permit tags are over the counter, and although the opportunities aren't exactly endless, they are here. Once you're here it's a pretty cheap date so to speak if you do it yourself. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have and point you in the right direction if the interest crosses your path again.

Señor Maldonado, gracias.
I will admit that there was a bit of luck involved too. The rut is in full swing here right now and this particular buck's attention was absolutely focused on beating up a little tree. It has been my experience in the past that these bucks won't loiter too long at a rub, but, in this case he did. After spotting him I managed to quickly and quietly work my way to exactly 20 yards before taking the shot. Lucky me!

mete,
These diminutive deer are mainly browsers. Like their eastern cousins, they have a long list of different things they like to eat. They will move from one source to another as the seasons change. Interestingly, they will eat the ripened fruits of several of the cacti that I have posted pictures of in this thread.
For a comprehensive list of their favored foods I would highly recommend a book written by two gentlemen by the names of Duwane Adams and Tony Mandile (Tony is a member here on AR). The book entitled "How to Hunt COUES DEER", is a very valuable resource.
Oh, and mete, yes "Arizona Highways" is a fantastic publication/magazine that Arizonan's are very proud of.

Bill Quimby,
Thanks buddy, I appreciate it.
Like you, I hunt with others who stubbornly cling to the "cooz" handle. Ironically, one or two of them will jump like their pants are on fire to correct anyone who dare to utter phrases like Elk "horns" or "Canadian" geese...
Me, I'm more of a live and let live sort. But, facts are important. So, "cows" it is for me.

Mario and bwanamrm,
Thanks fellows, I'm happy you enjoyed the photos.

Folks, if you enjoyed the landscapes posted in this thread, you might also enjoy the report I posted in the Bird Shooting Forum here on
AR entitled "Gambel's quail"

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Congratulations. I have tried to hunt them three times without luck. Maybe I will have a lucky fourth hunt.

Coues with a bow... They said it was impossible. They said wrong. Great job!

And the desert pics rock!

Thanks Samir and Jack!

Samir, best of luck with the fourth hunt.
The proverb "...If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try, again" is good inspiration when hunting these little deer. Persistence pays!

Jack, Ha! It's not impossible. Just a tough nut to crack. Of course making a little luck and having a little luck is good too.

Thanks again fellas.


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Enjoyed the pictures. Nicely done with the bow!

Well done indeed.

Outstanding!

Great report. Congratulations on a nice buck!

Congrats
That is one of the hardest earned archery hunts in NA.
Impressive!

quote:

Originally posted by Jack D Bold:
Coues with a bow... They said it was impossible. They said wrong. Great job!

And the desert pics rock!

+1, I'm very impressed.

Crafty, Savvy, Sneaky Bugger aint Ya?
Well Done!

Great photos and a worthy trophy. I smiled when I saw the "South African Blend" spice!!

JCHB

Very well done with a bow!