If youre going hunting in Mexico, you should plan ahead of time for a permit. I do not exaggerate. Because of the ample food, moderate winter temperatures, the convergence of major northern flyways, non-existent hunting pressure, and ample water, this area is teeming with hundreds of millions of birds. Puerto Vallarta is a resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast in Jalisco. There is a significant police presence, particularly in places of tourist interest. The Canadians were complete jerks at the border going up and then the Americans decided to completely rip our truck apart on the way home because they received a tip that some American hunters were trying to sneak drugs back across the border. Despite State Department warnings, I went on and found myself in the middle of a hunt of a lifetime. Everything was ideal and the group intends to return next year. From the sun-bleached buildings to sparkling Pacific waters, Los Cabos at first looks to be the ideal getaway. Last week an old friend called to tell me about his hunting season. I am considering a Jan. 2011 hunt for mule deer, in Sonora, Mexico. The U.S. State Department has elevated travel advisories due to crime in several Mexican states popular with tourists. If you dont have experience with hunting, its important to come prepared. The experience youll haveeither good or badwill you improve as a hunter in the long run. Ultimately I was ushered through customs and away we went for camp. If youre one of those brave travellers who want to experience all the fuss about Mexicos most gang-infested state, please do yourself a favour and visit the much safer Mazatln area. The gear youll bring will depend on the kind of game youre trying to hunt, but youll have to bring the following regardless of the kind of animal youre planning on hunting: Youll learn a lot of hunting tips from the internet but nothing comes close to firsthand experience. Then came the drug wars and violent crime that we see and hear about to this day. Hunting popularity is on the rise. Would I recommend you hunt there? Did I mention my friend is a retired state police investigator from New Jersey who cuffed some really bad guys from organized crime in the course of his long career? Stretching more than 4000 km from Tijuana in the North, to Cancun on the Caribbean Sea, Mexico is the third-largest country in North America. Mexico also offers fantastic sport fishing on both the Pacific side and the Caribbean coast. Though it is a very different experience. How Many Whitetail Bucks Do Hunters Kill Across America? Proof of U.S. RELATED:Anyone Traveling To Mexico Shouldn't Ignore These 12 Facts. bobwhite quail, hunting in mexico, hunting quail, john zent, John Zent's Gun Culture, traveler safety, upland bird hunting. Mexico is an incredible tourist destination. In the Culiacan vicinity, swarms of Geese, ducks, doves, quail, and blue pigeons are abundant in huge quantities. I resolved to tackle the risk head-on before surrendering the freedom to live my life the way I choose. There is the occasional issue with the Agricultural inspection and interpretation of the rules regarding the freezing and treatment of the capes, I have had a cape confiscated due to the presence of one dead tick on the hide. Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times - though that goes for many places too. Maybe Ill see you down there one Januaryor maybe not. Ironic, because the next day I would head off to hunt in Mexico myself. As the capital of Sinaloa, it invokes sour thoughts and connotes cartel authority, rarely attracting foreigners, and probably for the best. Each gun can only contain 100 rounds of ammo. Its an interesting city in that it relies on its resorts and attractions as part of its local economy, but its location within one of Mexicos most dangerous states is a major concern for many tourists. Mexico is becoming a dangerous place, especially if you are in the drug business, it seems. According to smartertravel.com, this part of Mexico is a UNESCO World Heritage location, which may or may not play a role in keeping this place safe. But at the same time, some really unflattering stories about that place have emerged in recent years, and it has made some travelers question whether going there is the best decision. A common misconception is that Mexico isn't safe for tourists, but it can be if you know the right places to visit And we've got a list. Perhaps the lack of people in this state is part of the reason why it does not have as much crime in it as other parts of Mexico do. This is especially applicable for Sonora, where new cases of the novel coronavirus continue to grow in the state, along with the rate of violent crimes. * Was it even safe to go shopping to a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, U. October 8, 2022 by Hernn Gonzales. Though there is a ton of things in this Latin American country that make it rewarding. Rule #1, that rifle permit needs to be in order, and you need to keep it on your person at all times. According to smartertravel.com, Puebla is the fourth largest city there. From the 1970s through the 1990s, Mexico was a deer hunters paradise: Cheap to travel there, lease land, stay in a hacienda on a ranch for a few weeks each January (when the weather is perfect and the bucks rut) and shoot big deer. The states of Sinaloa, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon have some of the worlds largest White-tail deer. Hunting in Mexico is conducted on both private ranches and government reserves, and wildlife has been generally well managed in recent years, resulting in healthy populations of the most desirable game animals. Some thoughts: Do not even think about crossing the border into Mexico from El Paso east to Laredo to Brownsville, where the whitetail hunting was once so fine. After you watch that I'm guessing you will want to hunt North of the border. Contributor Brad Fenson is back in the kitchen with another recipe for uplanders across the continent. There are parts of the countryside that should be avoided due to somedodgy activity, especially highways in the northwest corner of the state, as listed on the State Departments website. Do use Common Sense; remember you are in a foreign country, with its own set of laws. That is what Id go back there to hunt if I had the money ($10,000). Visitors are much better off getting a tan on the shores of Cancun or Tulum. Es mas dangerosa!!!! But part of what makes this area even better is how safe it is. The area surrounding the city of San Fernando, approx 100 miles south of Brownsville, Texas is the most popular area hunted for white-wing dove. In Mexico, the hunting seasons run from February through May in the jungle and November through February in the mountainous central and northern zones. While Mexico is a popular vacation destination for US tourists, there are still so many areas that are best avoided. To enter Mexico with a gun you get a permit from the Secretary of National Defense. Mexico is well-known for its massive desert mule deer, but it is also an excellent hunting destination for desert bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, cockroaches, mountain lions, and white-lipped and collared peccaries. In March 2018, the governor of Nuevo Leon warned travellers crossing the Mexico-Texas border not to cross via Reynosas toll bridge due to violence. If youre aware of the risks and you take the necessary precautions, then you should be able to enjoy a safe and successful hunt. Read on for his take on this Thai-inspired fusion dish. And you know meIm suspicious about everyone.". Its also Mexicos unofficial worst city for women. The consulate certificate may be obtained from any Mexican embassy or consulate upon presentation of a letter from the hunters local police or sheriffs office (on original police letterhead) verifying that the hunter has no criminal record. Rule #1, that rifle permit needs to be in order, and you need to keep it on your person at all times. A number of Mexican cities, including Acapulco, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Ixtapa, are generally thought to be among the most secure for solo female travelers. European settlers brought their hunting traditions to Mexico five hundred years ago. Globally, it ranks at number 19 in the list of countries with the highest . Rule #3: Never drive yourself in Mexicoyour liaison drivesand dont travel after dark, even withyour front man driving. To hunt in Mexico, you must bring at least two long guns one rifle and a shotguns with you, either one or two. Several tourist destinations, like Mexico City, Sayulita and Cancun, now have warnings related to. Some people may be concerned about hunting in Mexico in light of recent violence against foreigners in the state of Chihuahua. Yes, travelling alone in Mexico is safe. I felt a kinship with Mexicans working at the hunting camps, as well as other locals I met along the way. Fractured cartel groups operating within Guerrero are extremely efficient in their management of politics and economics, and whats worse is that theyre all competing for power and control of the states poppy fields. It is a crime to enter Mexico with a firearm or even just one round of ammunition. And, it is also placed as the 12th most dangerous city in the world. Who is organizing the hunt? But I wouldnt do it today as Im told several different parties of dove hunters were beaten and robbed of shotguns, wallets, even wedding bands by Mexican Army and Police as a matter of fact the booking agent I used at the time was one of those that was fleeced and beaten. Reynosa is a major city in Tamaulipas, and one of the most dangerous. However, the. Acapulcos fall from grace is one of the most devastating in Mexico. Travelers who want to experience an array of adventure, partying, and history, should definitely visit Puerto Vallarta, says Global Guide. I had some great companions (picture above, left to right: Jesus, Miguel, me and Roger Cook, an Arizona hunter whod come down to help me out and translate. Do double-check your car or truck for extra ammo or unlicensed weapons, prior to your entry into Mexico. It is illegal in Mexico to own or carry a gun in two different situations. Aside from a few hotspots of crime, most of Mexico is safe for tourists. My thoughts of hunting big deer are with snow and cold temps. Family and friends had expressed much concerned for my safety in the days leading up to my departure for a quail hunt in the Mexican state of Yucatan, and naturally security was on my mind. For your upcoming hunting trip to Mexico, follow these tips: Before you pack your bags and prepare your gear, its important to determine what you want to do when you hunt. Heres how to avoid the poseurs and choose the right one. Just across the Rio Grande from Laredo, Texas, American hunters had huge leases, and on those ranches they grew and shot trophy whitetails, notablyhuge, wide-racked 10- and 12-point typicals. Heres how to avoid the poseurs and choose the right one. A Mexican visa is not required for visitors from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the European Union. Increased violence As violent crime began to increase in early 2019, two young men and their Uber driver died in a hail of gunfire as they were leaving San Carlos on Manlio Fabio Beltrones Rivera Boulevard. RELATED:This Is Officially The Safest Place In Mexico To Vacation. Remember, you are guilty till proven innocent in Mexico. A large state located in the centre of Mexico and on the border of the U.S., Chihuahuas dry, arid climate and landscape isnt best suited to accommodate tourists. Southern Kolorado. You work with your outfitter in Mexico who works with the government to get thepaperwork right. Mexico has emerged as a preferred destination for both bighorn sheep and huge desert mule deer. I've heard Sonoran outfitters are pretty good, but have never used them. Quail hunting is done mainly in January and February, after the first cold snap. There are great quality rifles with Leupold and Zeiss optics available at the ranch so it is not necessary to go thru the hassle of temporary importation of firearms. For different perspectives, come back next week for the third and final installment in this series. Cartels go head to head here and clash with extreme repercussions for residents who arent part of any gangs. Violence has been on the rise in recent years in Colima, which was once one of the safest and most relaxed states in Mexico. In general, arranging a license and permit through a U.S. broker or a licensed Mexican Outfitter is a better option if you speak fluent Spanish. #4. Consequently, hunting has played an important role in ranch life and in the psyche of the Mexican nation. This certificate is also necessary for obtaining military gun permits, which are issued by the army garrison in the major border town in the Mexican State in which you are going to hunt. Criminals are very good at targeting tourists, and especially for petty theft like pickpocketing. Never hunted in Mexico but I know plenty of people who did. He loved the hotel where they stayed, and felt . Chihuahua and its cities battle with all manner of illicit activities. Traveling To Mexico Is Safe, Especially If You Stick To These Places, Puebla Is Mexico's Fourth-Largest City, And It Is Safe, Those Who Are Looking For A Safe Spot In Mexico Should Go To Tulum, People Who Are Looking For A Safe Beach Should Check Out The Ones In Huatulco, People Who Go To San Miguel De Allende Don't Have To Worry Much About Safety, Sayulita Is A Great Place For People Who Love Nature, Campeche Has Cool Things To See, And It Isn't Considered Dangerous, Tlaxcala Is The Smallest State In Mexico, And It's The Safest One As Well, Mexican foods they are used to eating might not actually be eaten there, While there are plenty of resorts in Mexico that are totally safe, some people want to know whether or not Tulum is a safe part of Mexico, numerous beaches for people to see in Huatulco, and they are safe, Here Are The Safest Foods To Indulge In While In Mexico, This Is Officially The Safest Place In Mexico To Vacation, Anyone Traveling To Mexico Shouldn't Ignore These 12 Facts, 10 Safest Vacation Destinations In Mexico (5 Not Worth Considering). Huatulco is quite a small city, but it is packed with incredible beaches and a vibrant downtown. Remember rules #1 and 2: Have your gun permit in order, and do not let your Mexican liaison out of sight when youre in the cities and on the road driving to your hunting ranch. Copyright 2023 National Rifle Association, Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. 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