Do I have to go in draw for Arizona Coues Whitetail?

[aushunter]

I'd really like to hunt Coues Whitetail in Arizona in the next few years. I'm from Australia and not sure of whether all coues whitetail hunting in Arizona is by draw and what are the chances of success in the draw? I would be going on a guided hunt. If someone could explain the system or direct me to where I could get the answer, it would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[bonecollector]

You could grab an over the counter archery tag that takes place in Aug and then again in Dec. The draw usually takes place in June for the rifle hunts in the fall. You can get more info at azgfd.gov

[CouesWhitetail]

You can find a lot of information on your chances to draw a tag for each hunt and unit in AGFD document called Hunt Arizona. It also contains lots of population data and hunt success rates.

 

you can download that publication here:

http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/hunt_arizona.shtml

 

 

If you are planning to go on a guided hunt, then I would talk to your guide about which unit to put in for.

[PatrickJr]

I would first find a guide, then tell them what you want and they will try their hardest to satisfy you,

 

here is my recommendation for a guiding service.... you will find Dan Adlers contact info and get a call into him

http://azdiamondoutfitters.com/

[PRDATR]

Well aushunter you have certainly come to the right place so welcome to the site.

[pwrguy]

aushunter welcome to the forum. Lots of good info here, and lots of good guides in Arizona.

[Kaffer62]

If you decided to do a DIY style hunt and don't put in for the draw you can look into a leftover tag as well. Basically you can pick up any tags that weren't used during the draw.

[ForkHorn]

You might look into a guided hunt in Mexico as well. You won't have to wait to get drawn for your tag of choice.

[aushunter]

I was interested in Sonora. Then I was told how they do their hunts mainly driving around in a truck with a high seat....not sure though if this is true. I want to do a spot and stalk hunt in the hills preferably on foot. Also, I understand travelling around the north of Mexico is not very safe. Lastly, I thought I might have trouble with my rifle at LA airport in transit to Mexico from Aus. So with all these issues (as well as reading about Jack O'Connor's and Warren Page's coues whitetail hunts in Arizona), I thought I would go to Arizona instead. I've hunted pronghorn in Wyoming and bear, caribou in Alaska. This November I am hunting mule deer in Alberta. I appreciate all the replies I've received.

[pwrguy]

Aushunter. I wouldn't rule out Mexico for those reasons. They do all types of hunting down there including hunting just like we do on this side of the border. If you hired a guide on this side of the border and crossed with your rifle with them you would have no problems getting it in and out of Mexico. These guy's do this every year and know how to get accross with minimal hassle. As far as safety I think most of the violence that is down there is caused by people that really have no interest in you. I never felt threatened down there and once I got to the ranch that I hunted on it was far better than the experience that you have here many times because of all the hunting pressure on this side. I will say this, the only thing that would stop me from going to Mexico for deer every year is cost. Good luck with your endeavor, that is a long way to travel to hunt deer...and I can say that with experience

[Ernesto C]

aushunter,

 

The hunts for coues deer in Mexico aren't from a high seat. That will probably be a mule deer hunt. There are diff. styles of hunting you can choose yours.

You will not have any issues or problems bringing your gun(s) into Mexico; your Outfitter will take care of that.

 

Any way, where ever you choose to hunt, check the Outfitters that are sponsors in this website, they will take care of all your needs and will answer your questions.

 

Thank You.

 

Ernesto C

[aushunter]

It was mule deer hunting that was done from the high seat on a truck in Mexico. If I land at LA airport from Aus.,in transit to Mexico, will I need some in-transit permit from the US for my rifle? Normally a non-resident visitor to the US with a rifle needs an ATF form. To get an ATF form they need a state licence from any US state that they will hunt in. However, I wouldn't be hunting in a US state, but in Mexico. I emailed ATF about this issue and didn't get a reply.

[yotebuster]

Why not fly directly into Mexico?

[aushunter]

Why not fly directly into Mexico?

I have to fly to LA or Houston first.

[Ernesto C]

Once you get your gun(s) in the U. S. Your Outfitter will issue you a "Gun Permit" to travel into Mexico with your gun(s) and you can carry up to 100 rounds per gun.

 

Now if you want to hunt Mexico and bringing your gun into the U. S. is to much problem; talk to your Outfitter, you can borrow one of his rifles.

 

Ernesto C