Wild Guide Magazine Wild Guide Winter 2018 Digital | Page 13

wild guide: fill the void MEXICO If you are a little more of the adventurous type like me, Mexico has some great hunting in the Sonoran region of the old country. The most affordable hunts are for Coues deer. This is a phenomenal hunt and depending on the area, you might be able to add a Mule deer or even a Mountain Lion to the list. No problem getting a permit to take your rifle with you, so get your outfitter to set it up and take your own gun. I hunted Coues Deer, which are commonly referred to as the Grey Ghost, an incredible animal to pursue. They live in some rugged terrain and are tough to hunt. I can guarantee it is a hunt you won’t soon forget and you will want to hunt them more than once. Optics are key when it comes to spotting these little critters, so be prepared to park yourself behind your binos for hours at a time, picking apart the countryside. They are 80lb-90lb deer, so an 80” buck will look like a monster and it took a little time to figure out how to judge these tough little whitetails. I hunted hard and took a fantastic buck on my trip. Hunting these bucks in January, in the peak of their rut, was the key as they were on the move in search of females. I was lucky enough to also take a gorgeous Mountain Lion in Mexico, something that isn’t an easy feat! One of the most amazing hunts I’ve been on and what a way to escape the winter months in Canada! One of the most memorable hunts I’ve ever done. The people were so nice and the authentic Mexican food a treat! Of course the sky is the limit when it comes to off-season opportunities, there are many more out there. Although I’ve done a handful, I’ve just touched the tip of the Iceberg. Places that are still on my hit- list are New Zealand for Tahr and Chamois, Spain for Ibex and Argentina for Red Stag. Africa is another paradise with more hunting than you could ever imagine. Although it’s near the bottom of my list, I do hope to get there one day. Many of these winter trips can be cheaper than you would think, so if this is something you’ve wanted to do, there is no time like the present. Do your homework, talk to some of the outfitters to find out what just may fit for you. When the end of hunting season comes knocking, just remember that there are some glorious opportunities out there. So take advantage of it as there is nothing better than an off-season hunt to help Fill the Void!! Coues Deer Mountain Lion Wild Guide . Winter 2018 12