Coues Deer · State-by-state

Coues Deer hunting regulations.

Coues deer are a small-bodied subspecies of whitetail occupying the Sky Island ranges and oak-juniper foothills of southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and northwestern Mexico. Mature bucks weigh 80-110 pounds with antler racks that look like miniature whitetails. They have a reputation for being one of the most challenging deer hunts in North America — country that opens up to glassing distance, deer that hold tight in cover, and a rut that runs late.

Huntable in 3 US states

Arizona and New Mexico both run Coues hunts, with general-season archery and tag-allocation rifle hunts depending on unit. The Coues rut peaks in mid-to-late January, driving most of the rifle hunting effort into winter. Glassing from a high vantage with a good spotting scope is the dominant technique; the deer are there, but you have to find them. Texas has a small isolated population in the Davis Mountains region with restricted hunting.

State-by-state legal status

50 states + DC

Tap a state to view coues deer regulations and other species huntable there. Bield Hunt does not yet publish specific season dates or bag limits — verify with your state F&W agency before hunting.

Status legend

  • YGeneral season
  • DDraw / limited entry
  • PPrivate land / specific zones
  • SSpecial permit / depredation
  • RRestricted (subspecies / units)
  • -Not huntable

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