Cola Blanca Outfitters

Cola Blanca Outfitters started doing one thing: trophy Coues whitetail hunts in Sonora Mexico during the January rut. "Cola Blanca" means whitetail in Spanish—that's where founder Dan Bishop cut his teeth. After 20+ years of running Coues hunts, clients started asking if he could help with other big game. Now the operation handles elk, mule deer, and antelope hunts across Arizona, New Mexico, and Sonora.

• •No draw lottery for Sonora hunts. Arizona and New Mexico draws are competitive. Sonora offers guaranteed tags, which means you book a hunt and you hunt. They also control hunter numbers per ranch and manage tag allocation to maintain good buck-to-doe ratios and mature animal quality.

• •They hunt the rut. Coues deer hunts run December through January—prime rut season when bucks are moving. Sonora allows rifle hunting during this window; Arizona and New Mexico don't, which is why repeat clients come back year after year.

"I'm three-for-three with Dan and Cola Blanca Outfitters. A great New Mexico Antelope, a great Coues deer in Sonora, now a fantastic Elk in New Mexico. He's a no BS outfitter that gets it done as long as you're willing to put in the work." — Alan Kirschenbaum, Louisville, KY (SCI Life Member)

Coues Deer Hunts — Sonora Mexico - 5-day fully outfitted hunts (7 days total including travel) - Guided 2x1 ratio; 1x1 optional at $600 additional - $4,500 per hunter (50% deposit to book, balance due 30 days prior) - Second deer available for $2,500 trophy fee (if tags available) - Javelina add-on available for $500 (subject to tag availability) - Hunt dates: December 11-18, Dec 27-Jan 3, Jan 6-12, Jan 15-19, Jan 24-30

Hunting Method - 4x4 vehicle hunting and on-foot stalks - Long-range shots common; intensive glassing required - You need to be in shape, know your rifle, and bring quality optics and tripod

Elk, Mule Deer & Antelope - Hunt Arizona and New Mexico via state draw systems and private land partnerships - Tailored to your specific needs and hunt goals - Working with select landowners for quality opportunities

• •Experienced guides who know the landscape and game
• •Fully outfitted hunts with meals and accommodations at ranch camps
• •Quality food (clients regularly praise the camp cook)
• •Vehicle transport from Tucson (meeting point: Houghton Rd & I-10, 7:00 AM)
• •All permit processing for Mexico entry

Cola Blanca handles the logistics, but there's paperwork. You'll need to: - Register your rifle with US Customs (CBP Form 4457) before crossing - Get a Mexican visa - Present rifles and ammunition at the Mexican military post - Get your Sonora vehicle permit ($30 fee, requires vehicle title/registration in your name) - Declare firearms multiple times crossing in and out

The outfitter provides detailed instructions, helps with forms, and walks you through the process. They handle return of gun permits and trophy importation paperwork. You can take up to two rifles and 100 rounds per rifle.

• •Mexican insurance optional but recommended if driving your own vehicle—available through Sanborn's (1-800-222-0158 or sanbornsinsurance.com).

• •Permitted Areas: Gila National Forest NM, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest AZ, Lincoln National Forest NM
• •Works within Arizona draw system, New Mexico draw system, and private Sonora ranches
• •All tag procurement handled by the outfitter

Dan Bishop Cell: 520-664-4536 Email: [email protected] 5715 S. Broken Trail Tucson, Arizona 85747 Website: colablancaoutfitters.com

Also operates: - antelopeadventures.com (antelope hunt focus) - bishoptaxidermy.com (taxidermy services)

Repeat hunters include TV personality Chris Dorsey (RAM Outdoorsman), John Mogle (President of Christensen Arms), and Kelly Davis (President of Hunts Inc.). The testimonials emphasize one thing: this is a working outfit. They do their homework. They know the ranches and the game. You'll hunt hard, eat well, and have a fair shot at quality animals—but only if you're willing to put in the effort.