Coues White Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus couesi)
Arizona's other deer, the Coues, is a subspecies of the white-tailed deer. Coues deer are most common in Arizona's southeastern mountains, but range up to the edge of the Mogollon Rim and into the White Mountains. They are most abundant in areas of predictable summer precipitation.<br><br>
The Coues white-tailed deer is perhaps Arizona’s finest game animal. Wary, and expert at using cover, whitetails rarely offer the hunter a standing shot once jumped. Perhaps for this reason, the species has become increasingly important in the harvest. <br><br>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.
History:
Although the statewide take has varied from 1,500 to more than 7,000 whitetails a year, depending on the vagaries of drought and fawn survival, the recent trend has been for this species to constitute an ever greater proportion of the statewide harvest. For example, whitetails comprised less than 15 percent of Arizona’s deer harvest in 1961 but nearly 40 percent in 1998.
Life Span:
Size:
Bucks stand just over 30 inches at the shoulder
Weight:
M-125lbs.; F-80lbs.
Food:
Weeds, shrubs, mast, grass, mistletoe, and cacti fruits in season
Habitat:
In Arizona's southern mountain ranges whitetails are generally found at higher elevations than are mule deer.<br><br>
They prefer woodlands of chaparral, oak, and pine, with interspersed clearings
Range:
4 sq. miles<br>4K-10K ft <br>in central and southeastern Arizona
Reproduction:
2
Population:
Hunting Information:
Oct. 7- Nov 27, 2005<br>
Juniors-only deer season in selected units
<br><br>
Oct. 28 - Oct 31, 2005<br>
General deer season in selected units
<br><br>
Nov. 4 - Nov. 13, 2005<br>
General deer season in selected units
<br><br>
Nov. 4-15, 2005<br>
C.H.A.M.P. deer season at Fort Huachuca Unit 35A
<br><br>
Nov. 11 - Nov. 20, 2005<br>
General deer (whitetail) season in selected units
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