Guns and Gear for a Coues Deer Hunt

by
posted on December 7, 2017
gandgcouesdeerhunt_lead.jpg

Editor's Note: Executive Editor Adam Heggenstaller recently had the chance to put the following gear to use on a Coues deer hunt in Mexico. You can catch up on that story here.

Kimber Hunter
The stainless steel, controlled-round-feed action and barrel of the Kimber Hunter are mated to a polymer stock with an internal honeycomb structure that promotes rigidity. A detachable box magazine holds three rounds, and the rifle is available in several short- and long-action chamberings. Since the 6.5 Creedmoor I carried in Sonora weighed less than 6 pounds, I stayed nimble when scrambling over rocks and ducking around cactus.

Leupold VX-6HD
With a magnification range of 3X-18X, the Leupold VX-6HD riflescope is suitable for Coues deer and any other game at both short and long range. The scope’s Twilight Max Light Management System gives bright views of the target, while the illuminated FireDot reticle shows up quickly against hide and hair. Pressing an intuitive button unlocks the CDS-ZL2 dial for making elevation adjustments, and the scope is compatible with the company’s Custom Dial System that negates the need for counting clicks. One afternoon I watched Leupold’s Shane Meisel dial his scope for 425 yards and place two shots on a bedded buck in seconds. This system is fast and effective.

Leupold BX-3 Mojave Pro
The magnification and resolution provided by the Leupold BX-3 Mojave Pro Guide HD 12X-50mm binocular helped me pick out grayish-tan Coues deer on a landscape of largely the same color. Leupold has since upgraded this model to the BX-4 Pro Guide HD with improved coatings and ergonomics.

Hornady ELD-X Precision Hunter
Loaded with a heavy-for-caliber ELD-X bullet having a high ballistic coefficient and a Heat Shield tip for more consistent flight characteristics, Hornady Precision Hunter is intended as all-range ammo. Although I can’t speak for its long-range performance on Coues deer, the 143-grain bullet I used on my buck at 80 yards was plenty tough enough for a complete pass-through.

Latest

6.5 300 Weatherby 2
6.5 300 Weatherby 2

Behind the Bullet: 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum

Curious about the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum? Learn about the history and performance of this storied cartridge in Phil Massaro's latest Behind the Bullet.

First Look: Rossi LWC Folding Stock

Rossi's Lightweight Carbine (LWC) has been a favorite truck gun and scouting rifle for hunters since its introduction. Now, Rossi USA is taking it a step further with the launch of the Rossi LWC Folding Stock—available both as a complete rifle and as an easy-to-install accessory for current LWC owners.

Safe Gun Storage After Hunting Season

With the close of deer seasons, many hunters have stored their firearms. While the basics of gun safety are covered in hunter education programs, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recently issued a reminder that storage out of season should be reviewed by sportsmen.

Federal Ammunition Adds 10mm Auto to Power-Shok Line

Federal Ammunition has added a new 10mm Auto, 200-grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) load to its Handgun Hunting Power-Shok ammunition product line.

#SundayGunday: Colt Kodiak

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the 4.25-inch barreled Colt Kodiak revolver. Chambered in hard-charging .44 Magnum, this surprisingly smooth shooter is the perfect companion for the backcountry hunter in bear country.

Remington Ammunition Announces Pull, Shoot, Save! Shotshell Rebate

Remington Ammunition recently announced its Pull, Shoot, Save! Rebatewhich offers consumers the chance to buy some of Remington’s best target loads and receive up to $50 back. This promotion runs through June 30, 2025.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.