I would not hunt deer or turkey in certain areas of Sonora where I have hunted in the past, but I would return to other areas of Arizona. One of those places is Sayulita. Mexico is a safe country to travel alone. NEXT:10 Safest Vacation Destinations In Mexico (5 Not Worth Considering). Those who want to get a taste of what life is like in Mexico without having to worry about any kind of crime happening to them should check this place out. Trips to Los Cabos should be taken at the travellers own discretion. And what an adventure it was! A maximum of 2 rifles or shotguns per hunter is allowed, and guns may be accompanied by no more than 2 boxes of American shells per gun (50 shells per gun). Please include the full name and date of the person. Globally, it ranks at number 19 in the list of countries with the highest . Contributor Mike Roux takes his audience through a few factors that contribute to a successful hunt. 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. I felt perfectly safe the entire time, he concluded. What Causes Bucks to Have Weak Brow Tines or No Brows? For example, some of the Mexican foods they are used to eating might not actually be eaten there. bobwhite quail, hunting in mexico, hunting quail, john zent, John Zent's Gun Culture, traveler safety, upland bird hunting. Now, nobody in his right mind would try to cross the border with rifles at Laredo or any other checkpoint in South Texas. If theres one city to avoid at all costs, its Cuidad Juarez. Nevertheless, it is a good spot for tourists to go see. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 3 warning for the state of Durango, urging travellers to reconsider trips planned to the area. Why would anyone risk that to go hunting? They said the situation was betterthere, but still risky and unpredictable. The best hunting lodge in Mexico for dove, duck, quail, geese, and turkey is La Marina del Rio. If youre aware of the risks and you take the necessary precautions, then you should be able to enjoy a safe and successful hunt. Quail hunting is done mainly in January and February, after the first cold snap. Do double-check your car or truck for extra ammo or unlicensed weapons, prior to your entry into Mexico. Use these tags to read more related posts and reviews: Visit Puebla, one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. Even if you speak perfect Spanish, you are better off arranging the license and permits through a U.S. broker or a licensed Mexican Outfitter, which specializes in the State that you are hunting. Oh my This is a complicated question: I'll start with: * Was it safe to travel to Santa FE, Texas en 2018? Is Mexico safe to travel to right now? If you have trouble differentiating what stupid is in the United States, that should raise a red flag to not attempt to hunt Mexico. Moving there will necessitate the same precautions as moving to any major city. Mexico is an awesome place, but at the same time, there are some sketchy spots that can make people feel a bit unsafe while they are there. Its come a long way from being known as the setting for the ideal college spring break, perfect for backpackers looking for some of Latin Americas most wicked hiking spots and history lovers in search of Mayan ruins. Founded in the 1520s by Spanish colonists, Acapulco was one of Mexicos most prized destinations beginning in the 1940s due to popularity with American movie stars and millionaires. Would you ever go now or say to hell with it, just isntworth it? He loved the hotel where they stayed, and felt . Its no secret that Mexico is best known for its massive desert mule deer, but it also has an excellent range for desert bighorn sheep, white-tail deer, Coues deer, mountain lions, and white-lipped and collared peccary. Visitors just need to use common sense when they are there, and they should be fine. The city of Torren is one to dodge if youre traveling through the area. Bordered in part by Colima and Guerrero, this state, like many others, takes in the overflow ofillicit activity from other areas. We saw some deer and a few bucks, but not as many we should have. Me no go south of the border, either, Amigo! Remember, you are guilty till proven innocent in Mexico. Do use Common Sense; remember you are in a foreign country, with its own set of laws. In the Culiacan vicinity, swarms of Geese, ducks, doves, quail, and blue pigeons are abundant in huge quantities. State of Sinaloa, northeast, west, and northwest of El Fuerte, respectively, are Presa Huites, Presa Miguel Hidalgo, and Presa Josefa Ortiz de Domingues. (Check back later this week to learn what happened.). The U.S. State Department has advised anyone living in Mexico to return to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, and advises Americans to not travel internationally during this time. For different perspectives, come back next week for the third and final installment in this series. Plan your travel to arrive and depart Sonora in daytime only, whether driving down from Arizona or flying through Hermosillo. Despite the booming success of Acapulcos tourism in the 20th century, the turn of the century saw a dramatic twist in fate for the city. Its best to shoot when the birds are flying between roosting and feeding areas. Just don't end up in the wrong neighborhood. After all, the beaches are one of the things that Mexico is most famous for. To obtain a hunting permit in Mexico, you must first obtain a permit from SEMARNAP, the federal agency that oversees Mexicos natural resources. Your address and contact number are required. Like most Americans, Ive heard the stream of alarming news coming from south of the bordernarco-terrorism, murder, kidnapping, near anarchy in some places. Dont even try to smuggle unlicensed guns or ammo into Mexico. Rule #1, that rifle permit needs to be in order, and you need to keep it on your person at all times. It was famously the honeymoon destination forJFK and his bride, Jackie. The states of Sinaloa, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon have some of the worlds largest White-tail deer. The city was on Business Insiders list of the worlds 50 most violent cities, earning fifth place for its rate of 84.67 people per 100,000 residents. Give him a crisp $100 bill up front to take care of you. Another interesting fact is that there are some areas of Mexico that are really not safe for anyone, especially foreigners. Remember rule #3: Do NOT travel anywhere in Mexico at night. This is the Federal Agency of Mexico that is responsible for the regulation of Mexico's Natural Resources. A wide array of trophy game animals, as well as birds, may be legally harvested in certain areas of Mexico. 12. Now, common sense Firearms laws, for the most part, are in place, to still protect the public and allow for the proper importation of firearms and ammunition required for sporting use. 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. 1999 Mexican hunting season and bag limits apply to most Mexican states. A permit is required only once per person. The last and most important piece of advice is to check out the references for the people that you plan to use. The experience youll haveeither good or badwill you improve as a hunter in the long run. As a whole, Mexico is generally safe for travelers if you take proper precautions, do your research, and use your head. Unfortunately, this isn't quite the case. The capital Chihuahua can be equally charming and dangerous, and there are some visitors who feel strongly that it's one not to be missed, while others are more comfortable in the ordained tourist cities. Fifty-fifty whether youd get out of there alive, one guy told me. If yours is low, Barbara Crown advised against going. Heres how to avoid the poseurs and choose the right one. After you watch that I'm guessing you will want to hunt North of the border. The Mexican government has been working to improve security in the country, and this has led to a decrease in the overall crime rate. Cartelincidences are usually not directed at tourists, so if foreigners practise safe habits, the city is relatively hospitable for tourism. If you dont pay attention to what you do with your money or business, youll lose it. It should be someone who is a local and very familiar with current conditions at the specific location where you plan to hunt. There has been a major increase in bad behaviour within the city, where violence has long been prevalent. In primetime, June through August, it is often possible to land up to 35 fish per day, per boat. Both of these areas are teeming with dove, quail, and deer. Hunting is very popular in Northern and Western Mexico among Europeans and Mexicans alike and is gaining popularity with hunting groups from the States. Ihad to think about all thatlast January, when out of the blue I got the opportunity to hunt Coues in Sonora again. This organization provides permits to foreign hunters, and those who use it can also obtain permits. Dont be stupid. The Mexican government has licensed sport hunting as part of its program to encourage wildlife management, according to SEMARNAP (Secretariat of the Environment, Natural Resources, and Fisheries). With 15+ years experience, our small staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It is illegal in Mexico to own or carry a gun in two different situations. To date we have never experienced anything remotely approaching a threatening or unsafe incident. Located on Mexicos Gulf side and bordering part of Texas, the state is ranked as dangerous as war-torn countries. If you want to hunt in Mexico, you must contact the federal agency in charge of the countrys natural resources, SEMARNAP. Cities such as Mazatln and Culiacn can look appealing on travel websites (and visually offer some amazing Spanish architecture) but beware of the regions sketchy people. Mexico has a great number of doves from early August to mid-September, and there are no restrictions. European settlers brought their hunting traditions to Mexico five hundred years ago. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including what part of Mexico you are planning to hunt in and what type of game you are hoping to hunt. In some respects it was a tough hunt, but that only made it more rewarding, as you can see in the accompanying photo gallery. Farther west, Americans crossedat Nogales, Arizona or flew into Hermosillo to hunt the state of Sonora for giant desert mule deer, and Coues whitetails in the mountains. to address all the Situations there- our illustrious leadership obviously can not. Guerreros tumultuous history flip-flops from a highly desirable coastal holiday destination to the backdrop for a grim struggle againstillicit groups. Travel warnings for Mexico are published by the United States Department of State on a regular basis. Today, thestatsare so high the police dont have time to investigate each case before theyre hit with another, sothe perps often run free. Hunting in Mexico proved safe for his party, but would it be for me? Good luck if you ever go, it really is a unique and fun place to hunt once in your life. People living in Mexico City enjoy a high standard of living and are secure in their surroundings because the city borders are not separated by a distinct geographical area. Families dont want to travel with their children and tourists dont want to leave their hotels at night. Southern Kolorado. The whole process of obtaining, on your own, the required permits and licenses is very time-consuming, frustrating, and discouraging for the average U.S. hunter. And the situation has spilled over to 2020 as crime has exceeded 2019 records in Sonora, Mexico. She loves to crochet, and she enjoys creating projects from recycled materials. Like in most of Mexico, cartels wont pose a threat to foreigners here, however as a tourist, youd be more of a target for theft. 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. 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. The recent unrest in Juarez is of some concern, if it continues and escalates. Each persons tolerance for risk varies. Dont take anything for granted, ask the most basic questions you can think of. 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. It takes place in broad daylight, even in resort areas, and innocents can get in the way of rival gangs. From the jungles of the Yucatan to the desert mountains of Sonora, Mexico is inhabited by a diverse variety of game species, many of which are in high demand by trophy hunters. Even if the offense is accidental, the maximum penalty is up to five years in prison. 1,979. 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. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Puerto Vallarta is a resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast in Jalisco. The state of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon, bordering Southwest Texas, these two Mexican States are primarily noted for their huge White-Tail Deer. If you dont have experience with hunting, its important to come prepared. Mexico is a beautiful country with a dynamic history and is a fantastic holiday destination for travellers. References: time.com, travel.state.gov, businessinsider.com. Soldiers, Jorge said casually as he rolled down his window. The bobs were as wild and fast as Ive seen anywhere, so it was as sporting as it gets. As to security though, it depends on where you plan to hunt. Hunting is most commonly done on private ranches, where professional gamekeepers and guides adhere to an age-old scientific approach to managing the game. And you know meIm suspicious about everyone.". Ironic, because the next day I would head off to hunt in Mexico myself. Youre best to err on the side of caution here andnot plan a visit. Brocket deer can also be hunted here, making it the only place in North America where they can be done. 6 Sayulita Is A Great Place For People Who Love Nature. 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. Joined: Jun 2001. In addition, hunters must have a permit if they plan to hunt migratory birds. Friendly Mexican hospitality and a mild, warm climate make Mexico the perfect place for a sporting holiday when winter grips the northern latitudes. 3,911. Duck hunting is a popular pastime in Mexico, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. I'm hunting in Texas just north of the border and that was enough for me. While I enjoyed my time hunting inSonora would I go back? Additionally, 8 passport-size pictures are usually required with each gun permit and hunting license issued and the final number of pictures depends on the state you are hunting. Maybe Ill see you down there one Januaryor maybe not. Many ranchos in rural Tamaulipas around Nuevo Laredo and in Nuevo Leon and Coahuila are not secure at all. My wife, who usually accompanies me on most of my out of . One of the popular spots in Mexico that a lot of people really love to visit is Cancun. 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