GHOSTS IN THE GLASS
It was a cool, quiet morning in early January when we reached the point of entry into Mexico at Douglas, Ariz. Ted Jaycox of Tall Tine Outfitters danced gracefully through the armed guards, paperwork and other formalities that would get us across the border into Agua Prieta—our first steppingstone in the Mexican state of Sonora. After a couple of handshakes, some Spanish small talk and a subtle exchange of American dinero, we were on our way.
Fifty miles south, tucked into a hidden fold of the Sierra Madre mountain range, a remarkable destination awaited four eager deer hunters. Just before the bumpy pavement transformed into dusty gravel, we paused to admire a marvelous wall painting on a small building. It was a Coues deer, standing tall and regal with a muscular body and an impressive crown of antlers. If only …
Less than an hour later, we crossed the final gate into Rancho Mababi and hurriedly geared up for an evening glassing session. One of the vehicles in our convoy lagged behind but soon sped into the driveway. Any sense of urgency is uncommon at Mababi—the
