HillsToRivers Report post Posted December 31, 2016 After waiting 8 years to pull a late December tag, I finally got my opportunity to harvest a good (First) Coues buck in the rut. Knowing that even though it was the prime hunting season in Arizona for Coues, the unit I got drawn for got pounded by those 950 early season tag holders. After countless scouting trips I was able to locate good bucks by getting off the roads and putting the miles on the boots. Opening day was rough in the morning, only seeing 2 does at 2PM! I was still hunting a canyon when i bumped a small buck which I elected to pass. Later that day i glassed a bigger buck, but still was not the quality I was looking for, especially on the first day. Little did I know that this hunt would not be like the hunts I've helped on years past. The next 2 weeks I spent bumping into what seemed to be like the other 50 tag holders and little to no deer movement or signs of the rut. I spent day after day glassing till i could not glass anymore, turning up doe after doe, with no bucks not even the little guys. On the 27th, I woke up at 5:00 AM and laid in bed, sore, head pounding, and my eyes still hurting from the day before. I decided to get some rest and I'd try my luck only hunting the afternoon. I left my house at 12:00 PM reaching my spot around 1:40 PM. I gathered my gear, and started the hike into the canyon I saw the 2 bucks opening day. 200 yards into my hike I was taking a short break as the hill was straight up and happen to catch movement to my right. I pulled up my binos and immediately saw it was a solid buck (and the only buck I've seen in 14 days). I loaded the gun, set up the shooting sticks and ranged him at 358 yards. At this point, I'm shaking and buck fever was in full force. I let the first round go, missing just over his back. After a brief gathering of my breathing I sent the second shot, finding its mark. I must say this hunt tested me physically and emotionally and its a hunt I will never forget! I couldn't be happier for my first Coues buck. 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildwoody Report post Posted December 31, 2016 Great deer congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viper Report post Posted December 31, 2016 Nice buck for your first! Way to stick with it. I like the license plate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattys281 Report post Posted December 31, 2016 Awesome buck congrats to you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Will K Report post Posted December 31, 2016 Nice buck. Cool plate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
22Jet Report post Posted January 1, 2017 Outstanding! Nice buck and way to get it done. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deerhunter Report post Posted January 2, 2017 Congrats on a nice buck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
