Physical Description

Adult coloration is generally a brownish or grayish body with a white throat patch, underbelly, and bottom of tail. Coues deer have a tendency to be slightly paler then other white-tailed deer. Mule deer have a white tail with a black tip while black-tailed deer have an all black tail. Mature Coues deer are roughly 28-30 inches tall at the top of the shoulder and have prominent eyes and ears.

Average Weight Range

Mature Coues deer range in weight from 65 to 90 pounds. Few ever exceed 100 pounds.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs from October through January depending on latitude. Peak activity is in November. Does are in heat for approximately 24 hours every 28 days for two to three consecutive cycles during this period. Most does breed during their second fall. Gestation is about 190 days with most births occurring in May or June. Adult does typically have two fawns, while the bred fawns normally have one young. During this breeding season bucks also show characteristic changes in behavior. They become more solitary and go through a process of communicating with the other deer in the area about their reproductive viability (dominance). Dominance refers to the animal’s social standing in the herd and is established primarily through pre-breeding sparring. Sparring normally begins shortly after velvet is removed and consists of little more than pushing matches between two bucks. The winner is dominant to the loser. By breeding season the dominant social hierarchy is in place. During the breeding season however, bucks of the same size do sometimes get into more serious conflicts. This can result in serious injury or death, to one or both animals, especially if their antlers become locked. The more dominant bucks normally breed more of the does. It is during this time frame that individual rubs and scrapes are created, as well as rub and scrape lines. These rubs and scrapes are signals to the rest of the herd about an individual’s dominance and incorporate both sight and smell. This process is referred to as the rut and is normally classified into three periods- pre-rut, rut, and post-rut. Different hunting techniques can be used during each period.

Food Usage/Selection

The Coues deer is an herbivore and feeds on many trees and shrubs. They also take advantage of fruits, nuts and agricultural crops when available and in season.

Range

Coues deer can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico.

Habitat

Coues deer use a variety of habitats, ranging from woodlands of chaparral, oak, and pine interspersed with openings, to forested mountainous areas with clearings, and marshy areas.

Common Hunting Methods

The Coues deer is pursued with rifle, shotgun, bow and arrow, pistol, and muzzleloader. There are many different techniques that can be used when trying to bag these deer. Included are calling, rattling, blind use, scent and lure attractants, still hunting, and spotting and stalking.

Hunting Challenges/Values

A keen sense of smell and hearing mixed with an ability to blend into their surroundings make the Coues deer extremely challenging to hunt. They provide excellent table fare, that is notably low in fat.