In this episode, Ryan sits down with Tim Maddock, founder of Madd Hunts, to break down how a family tradition evolved into one of the most accessible DIY Coues deer and Sonoran big-game operations in Mexico. Tim shares the 25-year journey of figuring out the entire Mexico hunting system on his own from contacting ranchers to securing gun permits and how that knowledge now allows everyday hunters to experience world-class trophy hunts at blue-collar prices. They discuss safety in Mexico, the mental game of long water-hole sits, Tim’s once-in-a-lifetime three-year quest for a Boone & Crockett typical buck, the differences between desert and mountain ranches, and the logistics hunters should understand before booking their first trip. Whether you're curious about DIY hunting in Sonora, planning a mule deer or Coues deer adventure, or wondering how the process works, this episode is packed with real insight from someone who has lived it for decades.

Tim learned every aspect of hunting in Mexico by doing it himself contacting ranchers, securing paperwork, and navigating logistics before turning it into a business with his sons.

Sitting 11–12 hours a day for multiple days requires discipline, patience, and a mindset shift—boredom followed by seconds of pure adrenaline.

Coues deer rut mid-January, mule deer rut earlier, and mountain vs desert ranches offer completely different hunting styles spot-and-stalk vs water-hole ambush.

5 Key Takeaways:

Mad Hunts was built on 25 years of firsthand experience: Tim learned every aspect of hunting in Mexico by doing it himself, contacting ranchers, securing paperwork, and navigating logistics before turning it into a business with his sons.

Safety concerns are often overstated: After decades of traveling to Sonora, Tim has had virtually no negative cartel encounters. Safety largely depends on the region and sticking to vetted routes and ranches.

Desert water-hole hunts are a mental game: Sitting 11–12 hours a day for multiple days requires discipline, patience, and a mindset shift… boredom followed by seconds of pure adrenaline.

Prime hunting windows vary by species and ranch type: Coues deer rut mid-January, mule deer rut earlier, and mountain vs desert ranches offer completely different hunting styles spot-and-stalk vs water-hole ambush.

DIY and semi-guided hunts make Mexico affordable and accessible: DIY hunts start around $4,500, semi-guided around $5,500, providing international trophy opportunities at a price point most guided U.S. hunts can’t compete with.

Instagram: Kade Maddock

Instagram: Connor Maddock

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