As the people approached our position, Rob and I scrambled off the mountain and made sure we made it back to my truck before they did.

We could see the Border Patrol helicopter, but it was searching too far to the north. We called Border Patrol again and this time I gave them our GPS coordinates. The Blackhawk was hovering over us within minutes. It dropped two agents on the ground then continued its airborne search.

The agents on the ground, Officers Todd Sager and Clair Morris, walked up to us with three men they had captured. They quickly frisked and handcuffed them then climbed into the back of my truck. We drove them all to where the helicopter was circling over another group. Sager asked if we would watch the first three captives while they rounded up the others. We agreed but before they left, he asked if we were armed and instructed us to be prepared.

Sager and Morris brought in the first large group as the helicopter found another crowd. Off they ran again, leaving us to watch over 28 alleged illegal aliens. Luckily they gave us no trouble. With the second group gathered plus a few other stragglers, we quickly tallied 51 illegal crossers. "This is an average-sized group," Sager explained. As the helicopter landed nearby to wait for ground transportation, the agents singled out and handcuffed the toughest-looking men of the bunch.

PROTECT YOURSELF
I spoke with Gabriel Paz, an Arizona Game & Fish Department wildlife manager, about a few basic precautions hunters should take while in the Red Zone. First, when scouting, look for trails or other areas heavily used by illegal aliens -- then camp somewhere else. Second, always lock your vehicle and use other protective devices such as The Club or ignition kill switches.

If you can, glass from high points that allow you to keep your vehicle in sight. Third, leave someone in camp or again, glass from nearby points to keep an eye on camp.

"Many hunters have actually stopped camping and are now staying in motels," Paz said.

Finally, Paz issued a warning if you see anyone you suspect to be an illegal alien, "Don't confront them. Go the other direction and contact Border Patrol." These warnings may preserve the quality of your hunt, save your truck, and even save your life.

We had never encountered illegal aliens while out hunting and we weren't sure what to expect when we called for assistance. The response pleasantly surprised us. It was clear that the agents loved their work and were fighting hard to protect our borders. They were also very appreciative of our help and were glad to have hunters in the field. "Most hunters have both cell phones and GPS units, which always helps us find the illegals," Sager told us. But beware, they may ask you to help!

GLASSING
I did not find a trophy-class deer during my 2004 hunt, which is proof again that scouting is one of the key components to finding big Coues deer. The other key is glassing. Find a high point with good visibility, then glass, glass, glass!