Coues Whitetail Deer Hunting

Coues White-tailed Deer

(Odocoileus virginianus couesi)

Current SCI all time record (typical antlers): Score 149 4/8 - Arizona, Pima Co. - 1953

Current SCI all time record (non-typical antlers): Score 184 7/8 - Arizona, Pima Co. - 11/91

Description: The Coues, is a subspecies of the white-tailed deer. They are most abundant in areas of predictable summer precipitation. They prefer woodlands of chaparral, oak, and pine, with interspersed clearings.

Other Common Names:

Size: The Coues deer is much smaller than most of its eastern cousins. Bucks stand just over 30 inches at the shoulder and rarely weigh over 100 pounds. Does average 65 pounds.

Range: Southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northwestern Mexico; November-January.

Natural History: In contrast to a mule deer's equally branching antlers, those of the whitetail consist of a number of tines arising from a main beam which curves forward. Mature bucks generally have three to four tines per side.

Coat color is grayish-brown salt-and-pepper with white underparts; the face is marked with white 'halos' around the eyes and a white band across the muzzle. The most distinguishing characteristic of the whitetail is its long, broad tail. The tail is all white on the underside, gray to reddish-black on top, and is often carried high as an alarm signal.

A doe's first pregnancy usually results in a single fawn; thereafter she may bear twins. Fawn drop coincides with the new growth following the summer rains. Usually, a whitetail fawn will stay with its mother longer than a mule deer will.

Behavior: When seen at a distance, two distinguishing characteristics between the species are evident in their tails and gait. The Coues has a flagging white tail and a more natural run. Mule deer on the other hand 'run' using a stiff legged, bounding gait. When at a closer range, other differences include facial markings, ear size, and antler configuration. In addition to physical features, habitat preferences vary.

Hunting Characteristics: