I have always wanted to mulie hunt in Mexico. Has anyone who has done that felt any unease or safety problems? Understand that gun transfer was difficult and that a camp gun is advisable? Thanks so much in advance!

While I have avoided hunting Mexico for years due to the drug gang induced problems (I have dove hunted, fished, partied, etc in Mexico dozens of times in the past, so I am not worried about Mexico in general, but the dangers have escalated exponentially since those days BUT if one knows the areas where it's safe and the ones where it's not, then the danger levels are minimal), I would not hesitate to go with Drummond Lindsay on one of his offered hunts. Indeed, I considered buying one of his currently offered Mule deer hunts for my son (whom's safety I value much higher than mine) for his HS graduation, but his fiscal sanity intruded and he thought it was too much money for a deer. He's probably right, but he also doesn't realize how tough Mule deer the size of what Drummond's clients kill are to find.

It's kind of like Africa, if you want to go hunt a huge Mulie, now is the time IMO.

Just to be clear, while Drummond has offered me (and many others, I understand) helpful free Mule deer hunting advice over the years, I am not a personal friend of his, and this is an unsolicited and honest opinion on my part.

I have been hunting Sonora for Mulies for the past 6 years, amazing people and amazing scenery, hunting some of (if not the) biggest mulies in the world. I have never had a problem and have always had the opportunity at good deer. Doing your homework is everything, go with someone with an established track record, I would agree with Gato, you won't go wrong with Drummond's offer.

I visit México on a regular basis and wish I had hunted mule or Coues deer in the Northern deserts while it was still possible. Today, my Mexican friends there no longer go there to their ranchos in the North because it's too dangerous, very easily you end up in the wrong place at the wrong time not only in Sinaloa but also in Sonora, Chihuahua and Durango. On several occasions whole groups of Mexican hunters were kidnapped and killed. If you want to get an impression have a look at the "blog del narco", these things happen on a daily basis.

Let us hope that some day this cancerous disease of this beautiful country is over and we can travel there again.

I stay away from Mexico.


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http://forums.accuratereloadin...8321043/m/2841075761


My husband was in Sonora in November (see attached report). No problems whatsoever.

He said he hopes the upcoming trip to Northern Pakistan goes as well as Mexico.

Thanks so much for all the input!

Just saw this and thought I would give my .02

First of all, thanks for the plug fellas, checks in the mail

I feel that where I hunt in Sonora is safe. I would not be going down there is I felt it weren't. There are risks wherever you go but going with somebody that has experience and avoiding certain areas and certain outfitters will definitely minimize risks. In 18 seasons of hunting Sonora I have never had a problem

I would not hunt up on the border, there are too many unknowns about whats going on up there and there are actually state department warnings that tell you to avoid the border areas. Benjamin hill is about as far north as I would want to go.

I would be very cautious about booking with certain outfitters. Theres a greater risk of getting screwed on a hunt than there is of having any trouble with the cartel members.

If you have any questions you can give me a call if you like, just PM me and I'll hit you back with my number. I could talk mexico mule deer for days

Drummond

Kudu4 several folks have already added their comments, and I also wanted to respond. I am not some know it all, but have spent years hunting and sending hunters to Mexico.

First, gun transfers and permits if handled properly seem to have gotten easier over the years. Within the past five years I have personally hunted Sonora, Coahuila, Durango & Chihuahua without hassle.

There are other parts of the world I have felt far less safe, including some larger cities in the US.

If you go to Mexico, like everyone has stated, do it with someone who know's what they are doing. Stick with those people you know you can trust whether it is a guide directly, a booking agent or some other resource.

Out on the ranches and farms you will likely be remote and have no contact with drug gangs and their byproducts.

Universal Advice: Avoid hanging out in places that beg a problem to happen.

Mexico is a great hunting resource for us, take advantage of the opportunity to go. In this thread alone you have several veteran hunters, an excellent travel person, a respected guide/outfitter and who knows responding in the affirmative.

I hope to be there this winter enjoying time in the field.

Living on the border for many years has taught me a few things about mexico.
1. Have a Mexican escort preferably a local.
2. Use common sense! Avoid bars and don't talk to women and you should be fine.
3. Avoid contact with people unless necessary
4. Uses an experienced guide and check references.
Most of the horror stories can be from breaking one of these rules.
Btw the drought has been hard in northern Mexico as well as west Texas so consider that when booking a hunt this year. We're not doing much if any muledeer hunting this year for that reason

quote:

Originally posted by aoudadhunter:
Btw the drought has been hard in northern Mexico as well as west Texas so consider that when booking a hunt this year. We're not doing much if any muledeer hunting this year for that reason

The monsoon season in Sonora doesnt start until early July and runs through September and we came into spring with an abundance of water on the ranches in Sonora

Just wanted to clarify that point. I dont know where the OP was wanting to get info about but normally the Mexico mule deer questions are pertaining to Sonora.

The Chihuahuan desert rainy season starts a little earlier on average.

I would also like to say that I prefer to hunt in Sonora during years that are drier that hunt years when we've had record rainfall

I wouldn't recommend Mexico right now. Go ask on a Texas hunting forum and see the general opinion.

quote:

Originally posted by bhtkevin:
I wouldn't recommend Mexico right now. Go ask on a Texas hunting forum and see the general opinion.

To compare the area on the border in TX to the area around Hermosillo is comparing apples to oranges.

Hell, I would not hunt any of the border in Mexico or the US.

I agree, that was my point. A lot of us used to hunt Mexico but the numbers have decreased a lot in the last few years.

I just returned from Mexico, I was travelling around the countryside looking cattle. It was very safe and the people VERY friendly.

Borders ALWAYS are more complicated in most countries. Specially in Latin America.

As someone said, avoid bars and getting into trouble. You can find dangerous situations in any country, including the States.

L

Lorenzo, where were you in Mexico?

Drummond,

I traveled around Zacatecas and Aguas Calientes, in the center of the country. Everyone was very friendly and I NEVER felt in danger. I think is just a matter of keeping low profile and travel around with the right people.

L

I've hunted Mexico for over a decade and never had an issue. I wouldn't hunt along the border mind you but the rest of the country - hunt wise - is safe

quote:

Originally posted by Lorenzo:
Drummond,

I traveled around Zacatecas and Aguas Calientes, in the center of the country. Everyone was very friendly and I NEVER felt in danger. I think is just a matter of keeping low profile and travel around with the right people.

L

I have never been in that part of the country but would like to one day.

I live in mexico city, If anyone is ever here and needs anything, you are welcome to look me up.....

That being said, I would not mess with the border areas right now, nor would I drive cross country. However If you are going with a trusted outfitter and not driving acroos the border you should be ok.

I have several friends that are not hunting on their ranches in tamaulipas, however I also have friends that have had no problems in Sonora and other states. I myself will be going to sonora in january. I have a ranch in the state of mexico and have never had a problem or have heard of anyone having a problem in that area

If you have any more questions, I would be glad to answer them.

I would also recomend you use a camp gun. Even though I have gun permits for mexico (since I live here) I usually chose to use camp guns to avoid any hassles asociated with them.

As others have posted and this is really just common sence, avoid shady bars, stay away from stripclubs, also avoid going looking for drugs, and stay away from hookers..... Really all pretty comon sence advice, but you would be surprised how many people dont follow this simple advice.....

I have hunted Sonora around Empalme the past two years. Myself and a friend have driven down from Oklahoma and crossed at Arizona where we met our outfitter. Gun permits were easy both years and they didn't even count ammo last year. I never felt in any danger during the trip. The only down side is I came down with a hell of a cold/flu bug at the end of both trips and thought I was going to die for a week after returning home.

Perry

I live within rock throwing distance of the border. IT IS NOT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN MEXICO.

quote:

Originally posted by swampshooter:
I live within rock throwing distance of the border. IT IS NOT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN MEXICO.

Again, your situation along the Texas border is different than where we hunt in Sonora.

I grew up in South Texas and have no desire to hunt the US or Mexico side of the border in Texas.

In Sonora we hunt 180+ miles south of the border and have never had any issues whatsoever in 18 years. You're comparing apples to oranges

Be advised that the Zeta Drug Cartel does not care if you are in a "safe" or "tourist" area. The recent incident with all the dismembered bodies being dumped happend very near a friend of mine's ranch.

The Police and military are extremely corrupt and will NOT help you.

You can hunt in west TX, very near Mexico and enjoy things like paved roads and indoor plumbing.

Sure is amazing to see all the changes in the world.
Yrs ago when I was trucking many times I'd get close to a border crossing and/or town and would go across to check out what was available in the local markets and southern outskirts of the towns.
Many times to get laid and party among other things like a bullfight in Reynosa. There's not a chance in my lifetime that I'd go back to any of those places now.

You folks that go, please be careful same as you would anywhere else in the world and you should be ok.
George

I live an hunt in Mexico,
The advice given here is correct IMO.
Stay away from the border, especially north east Mexico, Sonora is not in the border but is important to execute precaution. Low profile is the key. Air strips in the ranch rigth now are a red alert, be carefull.

hello, my name is John Strobel I am new to the site.
hunted in Africa & South Africa for 15 year's. hunted mexico a few years back and had a bad experience.
Can anyone suggest a good outfitter in Sonoroa?

I saw a Jim Shockey show a while back and they were hunting in Mexico. Things went south and they had to get the hell out of Dodge.. Right then.

If you are talking about hunting Mexican drug mules, count me in!

For regular mule deer why go? There is great mule deer hunting in the USA.

BH63

I'd love to hunt Mule Deer in Sonora. There is actually a member on here that advertises the ranch he guides on...and the bucks are giants.

I'll have to look around for this Jim Shockey episode...sounds interesting

I think that anyone, anywhere, should not be careless. that said I have been to Mexico a number of times and enjoy the country and the people. I have a house near the border not far from Nogales. If you want to go, then find a good outfitter and go.

I HAVE A SISTER IN ST LOUIS AND FEEL SAFER ON MY TRIPS TO MEXICO THAN VISITING HER IF U WANT A GREAT DEER THATS THE PLACE TO GO

quote:

Originally posted by Strobel:
hello, my name is John Strobel I am new to the site.
hunted in Africa & South Africa for 15 year's. hunted mexico a few years back and had a bad experience.
Can anyone suggest a good outfitter in Sonoroa?

Hi John I am an outfitter for mule deer and coues deer and have lived in Sonora my whole life, if interested on a hunt send me a pm, I have plenty of references including AR members that have had good hunts with me on the past and can vouch for my operation.

I have never had a bad incident in which any of us felt in any danger discomfort on our hunts or travels through the state, some of my past clients have only hunted Sonora with me, some have been to other outfitters and settled with me after a screw up and some are well seasoned and have hunted many times with me and other outfitters, would be happy to answer any question, provide references or help you out in any way I can.

quote:

Originally posted by scruffy:
I saw a Jim Shockey show a while back and they were hunting in Mexico. Things went south and they had to get the hell out of Dodge.. Right then.

Ask any outfitter here in Sonora, that hunt was fishy as hell, he was not with a reputable outfitter and many of us bet there were staged things going on, the place Shockey was hunting is a community land hunted by MANY hunters and outfitters (not me but some friends do) every year and none of us heard of anything dangerous going on there.

A well respected lawyer and outfitter here in Sonora published a letter on his ig account which he sent directly to Jim asking to explain all the irregularities going on with that hunt, I never heard him answering. Shockey hunted many years here in Sonora even when it was more dangerous but he hunted with an outfitter on private ranches, not good tv material for uncharted or those adventure kind of shows.

It is quite simple, go with a reputable outfitter who knows the area, stay out of trouble and of problematic areas, drive to the ranch, hunt have a great time and go back to the airport.

We have great hunting and great people and some outfitters do care for our clients and their experience.

quote:

Originally posted by BuffHunter63:
If you are talking about hunting Mexican drug mules, count me in!

For regular mule deer why go? There is great mule deer hunting in the USA.

BH63

Ive got to say that is a completely different experience, many hunters that have hunted with me have chased mule deer in the states quite regularly and they have told me that is a whole different world, not just because of the size of the deer which can be huge down here, but the scenario, experience, the people etc.
One of our return clients, hunts muleys when he can in the states, and every year chases them in Canada where he shoots some brutes, he still says that would not miss his annual trip to chase them in the desert.
He shot a 196" 31 in wide the first year he hunted with me and the next one a 39" wide 203"

Mexico is a failed state. Even the tourist resorts are not safe anymore. You can only be killed once, why take a chance ?

Grizz

quote:

Originally posted by Grizzly Adams1:
Mexico is a failed state. Even the tourist resorts are not safe anymore. You can only be killed once, why take a chance ?

Grizz

Guess me and my clients, and the whole bunch of outfitters and the hundreds of clients that come each season are suicidal then or maybe just stupid?

Been hunting whitetail west of Laredo on 8000 acres for two years. We cross the border about 20 miles north of Laredo (Columbia crossing). Go straight to the ranch and do not go into Nuevo laredo.
Stay on the ranch about 4 miles from the gate entrance.
Never a problem. Best if you have a person in the party that can speak Spanish. Our ranch owner has dual citizenship and actually lives in laredo. As nice and accommodating gentleman as I have ever met.
On occasion we will go into a little village Anahuac. Very friendly but get what we need and get back to the ranch.
Best to stay away from the border areas though.
Never a problem on the ranch we hunt.
One of my friends on our lease was hunting on a ranch on the Rio Grand about 40 miles north of Laredo (US side). All sorts of problems with break in's and migrants.
Being away from the border / river is a pretty big key.

EZ

I love hunting in Mexico. First started going with my Grandfather in the 80's. Several trips since then hunting, surfing and fishing. Never much trouble and there were times I went looking. Had a guy sick a Pitt Bull on me one night. Funny story but I got away. My last trip was in 2018 and I would go back tomorrow just not with my children.


Most of the weed in the US is now grown in Colorado and California. Gangs have turned to human trafficking as other means of income. Americans are welcomed in many parts of the World, but not in a Mexican border town.

I would wear a hat and sunglasses and stay in the vehicle while traveling to and from the ranch. Only get your passport out when you have to at border check. Better to keep it in a red or green cover. Blue means Gringo. Do not draw attention and try not to let everyone know that you are an American.

I would go on this trip but would not be that totally relaxed.

Keep sharp and watch what your drink.....Literally watch your drink. Rohypnol is commonly used in Mexico to rob people. Do not leave the ranch and you should be fine. Bueno Caza.

I went mule deer hunting in Sonora in 2006 and 2007. Killed a giant 214" gross typical in 2006. The people were great, friendly, and had a sense of humor. We had a great time.

IF truth be told, and if one is totally honest, the hunters venturing down there nowadays, as well as the # of outfitters operating down there are a fraction of what they were 10 years ago.