MEXICO: Sonora Mexico - Mule Deer

[HankBuck]

Agreed, my best mulie is a 170 buck and I had no hesitation in taking him. This buck is in another class altogether.

I am very curious about the high fence comments. I had no idea that there were high fence mulie hunts. Having seen these rascals jump, I have to admit that I am skeptical that this is even possible within practical limits?

@WAB - a friend ran a small “High Fence” on his property in NJ and said whitetail have trouble clearing even a 6’ fence and he only used 8’ because the State required it (although his gate was only 6’ so I didn’t understand why that was allowed?
I would doubt a Mule deer could clear a 6’ fence but certainly Not the 8’ fences used by High Fence operations …and they trust those fences to retain deer valued at $10,000-$20,000 trophy fees. I can’t imagine the cost to “fence in” 1000s of acres but even in Mexico it must be substantial —even if the labor is cheaper to install….alsothough maybe in the desert (No tall trees) it might be easier to maintain from damage.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Agreed, my best mulie is a 170 buck and I had no hesitation in taking him. This buck is in another class altogether.

I am very curious about the high fence comments. I had no idea that there were high fence mulie hunts. Having seen these rascals jump, I have to admit that I am skeptical that this is even possible within practical limits?

The ranches I have access to have only recently become high fence and we never got around the whole property in 5 days… 12,000 to 30,000 Acres respectively. Very thick Bushveld like cover for the deer to live and hide in to include: Manzanita, cactus, other trees, and tall grass… Tried a couple stalks on foot for Coues and a good management buck that was essentially a big 3x2 and they disappeared in an instant… Could have taken a Texas heart shot on the management Muley, but that’s not my style, so I passed.

I would have taken a long shot on a Coues if the opportunity presented, but it didn’t.

One guy was still there hunting and had not filled his tag because he is in pursuit of a 200” buck that he hunted last year and thinks is still there.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Mountain Lions and Coyotes also exist in those High Fenced areas. Not sure if they both come and go, but they are there along with javelina, bobcats, badger, and some other critters we didn’t see.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I’ve got several other hunts I’ll take (NZ, Spain, Africa) in the near future, but I won’t pass up another opportunity to go back and hunt Mule deer and of course a good Coues!

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

All in all it was a great hunt! 9 out of 10 rating. 10 out of 10 if I could communicate better in Spanish!

Had a slight mismanagement by TSA on our way back through with our rifles, just handling /checking of our rifles more than once in Phoenix on the way back. More irritating than anything else. No delays or damage incurred. Just inconvenience…

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Ammo: 40 rounds. Traveled in my (2) 20 round polycarbonate reloading containers. I taped them closed with clear packaging tape. They went in my checked bag which is a standard sized carry on roller hard plastic with a TSA style/keyed to unlock combination lock. Was not required to show anyone ammo in either direction.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

TSA Locks.

I always use Master locks - lighter brass body & steel chrome shackle, keyed alike. Model 140Q I believe. I get to the ticket counter ant American Airlines and present my permit, open gun case, for a quick inspection. Go back to lock it, ticket agent says you can use those locks, but you need to standby 15 minutes to 1/2 hour in the event an additional inspection is required. Now, I know these locks aren’t TSA locks, but I also know they have a master key to open them. I don’t argue, I quickly pull my TSA combination cable locks out of my backpack and swap them out.

Crises and argument averted!

Pro-Tip: If you use TSA locks, carry the master key with you, they are cheap insurance in the event there is a problem with your combo lock…

https://a.co/d/2rw8KmW

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Heck of a deer regardless of the score. Good shooting.
Bruce

Thanks Bruce. It was a great trip overall.

 

[Hyde]

What a great buck! I always appreciate all your travel tips.