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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Big Ed on March 22, 2010, 10:23:00 AM

Title: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Big Ed on March 22, 2010, 10:23:00 AM
Looking for some Hunting/bowfishing opputunities. Bill Langer and his father and myself and Tom Phillips are looking for a place to do some filming. We had a hunt set-up in Mexico but due to all the safety issues we would prefer to stay in the states. Our flights are booked for April 20-25 and are non-refundable. Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thank you, Ed Schlimme
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Irish on March 22, 2010, 12:33:00 PM
Call Curtis at 7th Age
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Bill Turner on March 22, 2010, 01:38:00 PM
As "Irish" suggested contact 7th Age(Curtis Keller). If he can't help you, he will probably know someone who can. Good luck.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Big Ed on March 22, 2010, 02:21:00 PM
Thanks I'll give him a shout. Please keep the info coming.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Lefty on March 22, 2010, 02:26:00 PM
You could also check with Kent Ostrem of Mahaska bows.  He runs a hunt operation down in SW Texas.  I have never hunted with him, but have talked with him before.  He used to live here in Iowa.  Heck of a nice guy and makes a great bow.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Big Ed on March 22, 2010, 05:11:00 PM
ttt
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Big Ed on March 22, 2010, 08:12:00 PM
TRY AGAIN
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: lpcjon2 on March 22, 2010, 08:36:00 PM
So what happened in Mexico?
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: ron w on March 22, 2010, 08:44:00 PM
The drug wars and illegal people trade along the border can be a bit risky at times. I know some folks that went down that way on business and were told to be careful when out and about. I don't blame you for being a bit concerned. Just do your homework before you go.Remember the only stupid question is the one you don't ask!!!
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: John3 on March 22, 2010, 08:49:00 PM
They are killing American citizens...  Do not go to Mexico and stay away from El Paso. It is all drug money driven.  

I hunted Javelina with Kent last year only because we stayed on our side of the Rio Grande.  We were close enough to look over the river into Mexico and close enough that illegals are sighted quite often. We all were carring pistols while hunting Javelina.  I did see our Border Patrol officers twice way out in the desert from any roads...
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Looper on March 22, 2010, 08:49:00 PM
I think they're talking about the increases in drug-related violence.  It's reached epidemic proportions in some areas.  There are definitely some towns you want to avoid.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_mexico.html

If you were going to stay and hunt on a ranch, I think you'd be fine.  It probably would be wise to read up on improving your situational awareness.  I don't think you need to be paranoid, but you do need to be more observant than you might normally be in the US.

If you hire a guide, they should be able to answer any of your questions.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: jcar315 on March 22, 2010, 09:01:00 PM
As someone who is from and has hunted many times in South Texas I would agree that being careful and properly prepared is a great idea. Going into Mexico was never high on my fun things to do list but now I would stay out.

If hunting "back country" type of ranches I would always carry my cell phone (with local law enforcement and Border Patrol #'s programmed into it) and I would stronly suggest considering a sidearm. When hunting in these areas you just never know who you will run into and when. My family owns land outside of Falfurrias TX in Brooks County and we have had too many encounters with illegals there.

Talk to the "guide" or Ranch owner where you are considering hunting etc. Ask them about potential problems or what to do protocol. My experience is that if the illegals know that an area is being used quite a bit they will tend to stay away but not always. Drug smugglers are much different that "regular" illegals just trying to get from point A to point B.

TX is a great place and hunting there is just fantastic! If I had the opportunity to go I would. Just be prepared.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: bofish-IL on March 22, 2010, 09:21:00 PM
One of my friends went to Mexico a couple years ago on a deer hunt. He was successful in getting a deer. Everything went fine until the Border Patrol on the Mexican side. They took his bags in one room and asked him to step into another room to answer a few questions.

When he went to go he noticed his new digital camera and a few other things missing from his bag. He brought this fact up and they told him he was mistaken and should leave.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Ground Hunter on March 22, 2010, 09:22:00 PM
I am a LEO on the Tex/Mex border.  I would not recommend travel to Mexico.  H
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Bill Kissner on March 22, 2010, 09:49:00 PM
We have traveled to Mexico every year for the last 15 with with our camper and have met nothing but friendly people. Us Americans could learn a lot from them concerning hospitality. I feel safer in Mexico than in most major US cities. That being saId, I would avoid large Mexican cities near the border. That is where the most trouble is.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: gatorgar on March 22, 2010, 10:02:00 PM
What part of Mexico are you headed to Big Ed.  I live on the border and have friends and family in the worst hit areas so I may be able to give you more info in a PM
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: azhunter on March 22, 2010, 10:06:00 PM
Send Gerardo a PM he lives in Mexico and could advise you. Just type Gerardo in the directory that is his handle.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: FrankM on March 22, 2010, 10:14:00 PM
I want to echo what is said here. I live by the border and have friends on both sides. Stay away from the border. Always carry some extra cash just in case the cops ask you to pay the fine "right there". Keep this cash separate from the rest of your money so they don't see it. And stay only in the tourist areas unless you have locals with you. If you're driving, see about "Mexican insurance". American insurance is no good there. You can buy it for one day, a week, whatever. The cops will want to see it. If you have a well-paid hunt set up, you'll probably be a lot safer than those who drive or walk there. But, I would recommend against it if you can afford to lose the cash.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Big Ed on March 22, 2010, 10:19:00 PM
Thanks to all.Keep it coming!!!
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: PAPA BEAR on March 22, 2010, 10:28:00 PM
this is just ridiculous...i hate people that think they can just do what they want to whomever they want to.i'd be in big trouble in old mexico.  :D    :bigsmyl:    :D
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Gerardo on March 22, 2010, 10:33:00 PM
The problem is between two different drug cartels that are fighting for control , and our Military is fighting to end with their business, there has been some fighting but it is always between them and the citizens rarelly get involved or hurt.

That being said I live in Monterrey a big industrial and developed city and we have never had this kind of problems and now we are having them in the streets where they fight and sometimes some business or property gets damaged.

Most of our hunting land is in ranches close to the border, and I will personally keep away from hunting and traveling to remote places. There is a war going on and you don't want to be mistaken with someone or be involved in the middle of something.

I love my country my people and I am very proud of being a Mexican citizen and it hurts to say this but it is safer to hunt in another place.

If you come to the city I can drive you to private ranches close by which is safer, but for now it is better to hunt in the states.

Gatorgar Alex, and Jorge Coon have a place in Zapata Tx, for Javalina, maybe they can help you out with your hunting trip
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Spurs on March 22, 2010, 10:34:00 PM
I am planning a turkey hunt to Texas.  Are there areas in Texas that are dangerous as well?
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Bowferd on March 22, 2010, 10:47:00 PM
Gerardo, I thank you for your integrity.
I believe I like you Mr. Rodriguez
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Ground Hunter on March 22, 2010, 10:57:00 PM
Gerardo

My best wishes to you and your Country!  H
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: BlackDog on March 22, 2010, 11:02:00 PM
To answer the question about going into Mexico....no way! I have heard the stories and know several people that hunt/hunted there. No animal is worth the risk, for me anyway.
  As far as hunting ranches in south texas, I would not go without a sidearm.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Gordy on March 22, 2010, 11:09:00 PM
Hard to believe it's come to this.  Why anyone would even consider this as a vacation or adventure/hunting trip is beyond me... please forgive my not understanding.

Gerardo....hang in there pal.     :campfire:    

W. T. H. ?     :(
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: highpoint forge on March 22, 2010, 11:36:00 PM
You guys have got to be kidding. If you are hunting in South Texas NOBODY is going to see you much less molest/kill you. If you are in the bush, just stay put and let anyone pass if they come within range.

Most of the "traffic" is during the night anyway. If you go looking for trouble you'll find it. Who is saying that Texas is now "unsafe"? That is hilarious. South Texas is sparsely populated, as it is.

You guys watch too much Fear TV, er I mean, Fox TV.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Stripstrike1 on March 23, 2010, 08:15:00 AM
I made an annual trip to the Lake Guerro area for a little RR and some white-wing hunting and no longer go because its just not worth the risk.  One hunting partner just lost his car, wallet, and laptop with a glock pointed at his head just a few blocks from a police station while there on business.  Its not just drug carlel violence there its total  lawlessness.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Renaissance Man on March 23, 2010, 08:25:00 AM
Such a beautiful country, some great people, what a shame.
One of my friends, an older gent used to go there for the bird hunting for years.
The last time was three years ago I believe. Said he will never go back, had seen to many close encounters with armed and dangerous people doing what the hell they felt like to whomever and said the cops, especially away from the major tourist areas were as bad as the gang bangers.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Jon Stewart on March 23, 2010, 08:53:00 AM
NOPE. Do not enter. Way too many murders down there.

There have been over 400 murders in Juarez alone that past couple of years.  We used to go to Mexico to hunt for arrowheads on the desert.  Not anymore.  It just ain't  worth the chance you have to take.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Mint on March 23, 2010, 09:14:00 AM
It's sad to see what drugs and corruption can do to a country. I feel for you Gerardo, my wife is experiencing the same thing since she is from Venezuela and all her family is there. Stay safe and hopefully the future will bring peace.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: easyup on March 23, 2010, 10:16:00 AM
First someone suggested a gun which will get you in, I suspect, the biggest trouble of your life!  I have hunted deer three times in Mexico all not far from Hermosillo so we could take the short flight in which is much safer.  Local transport was by the ranchers.  These ranchers have massive tracks of land which have not been hunted unless they let a cowboy take a deer.  Monster mule deer which they rifle hunt off of high rack vehicle.  To me like shooting between the fence rails.  However the giant Mulies can be hunted spot and stalk in the thick stuff.  I never got close to the big boys (too many does standing guard and swirling desert floor winds) but did get a reasonable coues deer by pure luck.
It is now much too dangerous with the violence and corruption spreading.  It is not inconceivable that if the Government does not make progress soon Mexico could end up a failed state.  A terrible outcome for a great people.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Pon on March 23, 2010, 10:34:00 AM
:(   sad but mostly true
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Izzy on March 23, 2010, 10:54:00 AM
People still hunt Africa, Iran and Pakistan to name a few hairy countries. Its all about risk and your Big Ed not Lucky Ed. Stay domestic pal, I dont want anything nasty happening to Bill, Dick and you.Too bad when 99.9% of Mexicans are the salt of the earth but drugs and greed can blow a hole in anything good.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: hunt it on March 23, 2010, 11:06:00 AM
If your filming for 60 minutes  go for it! Myself, I'd much rather tiptoe through the Taipans or Mambas than the Cartel. With it's current state of the drug war, I'd stay well away from Mehico. How could you possibly have a good time looking over your shoulder all the time.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on March 23, 2010, 11:24:00 AM
We've made two trips to Mexico in the last two years and have had, or seen, zero problems.  It's worth saying that 99% of the troubles are in northern Mexico.  We've been to the Puerta Vallarta area twice and plan to go to Mazatlan this winter.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: snag on March 23, 2010, 12:08:00 PM
19,000 dead, 2,500 just last month....these are the stats I heard on t.v.  Just this month there was a family of 3 that was in the wrong place at the wrong time...parents killed, child released.  Not worth the risk.....
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: bayoulongbowman on March 23, 2010, 12:10:00 PM
here isn the 411, more Americans have be kidnaped , robbed , beaten , shot , killed than ever before , more good news you cant arm youself either...NOPE!!!!!!!not goin risk it...the problem is everyone is one the take in Mexico, its a way of life down there, dont get me wrong I love the good people ,but its drug war and its spreading , if you go in armed you my end up in Mex jail and you my never get out...I know some sad true stories that would break your heart , just in the wromng place wrong time...
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Gerardo on March 23, 2010, 01:44:00 PM
Mexico is a great country and people are generous and helpful, I have travelled to many countries and the hospitality you will recieve from Mexicans is great.

For hunting I really recomend not to go to Guerrero , drug cartels often operate in ranches and remote places, and close to the border, remeber that they make their money from selling to the US, there is not a big market for drugs in Mexico.

but it is the same as in some cities in the states, keep out of bad neighborhoods, don`t go to risky places at night, don`t pick a fight, those are basic world wide rules, some people that have been in trouble are sometimes part of the problem,

thanks for your comments , hope I can help the gang and if someone needs help here be sure to contact me
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Jon Stewart on March 23, 2010, 01:51:00 PM
Gerardo.  When hunting for arrowheads in  Mexico  we were always treated with courtesy and respect.  And likewise we treated our Mexican friends the same.  We were never charged a fee by the ranchers to roam around but always brought gifts to thank them for their hospitality.

It is a shame that the world is in the condition it is in with drugs and corruption.

Be safe.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Jerry Wald on March 23, 2010, 02:07:00 PM
I have to drive a buddies car from Calgary to calexico next week....is that a good place to go and then fly back from.

Not sure where I have to deliver it in mexico yet but it should be just across the border from there.

Because of a drinking infraction years ago he isn't allowed in the states. He has to fly from canada to mexico NON STOP.

I have told him about this thread and he just rolled his eyes, but I have a great trip south planned soon and I don't want to screw it up.

Jer.....
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Bill Kissner on March 23, 2010, 03:10:00 PM
There were well over 500 murders in Chicago last year also.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: lpcjon2 on March 23, 2010, 03:12:00 PM
Go and just take some Marines with you.You will feel like a baby in the womb! Better play it safe a loss of cash on a hunt will let you live to hunt again.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: extremebowfishing on March 23, 2010, 03:58:00 PM
Ed I used to guide fishermen in Mexico back in the day.  There is not enough money printed to get me there now.  I have friends that have outfitting services there that tell me whats really going on and I would not risk it.  Give me shout at extremebowfishing@yahoo.com when you have a chance.
Jack
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: PBNJ on March 23, 2010, 04:15:00 PM
I have a week long vacation booked at a place called The Hacienda tres rios in Mexico it's one of those all inclusive places does anyone know if that's in a "bad" area of Mexico? Taking my wife and two kids. Thanks
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Don Stokes on March 23, 2010, 04:23:00 PM
I did a nilgai/hog/javelina hunt in extreme south TX some years ago, before the current madness got so bad. We were close to the border, and even then the outfitter advised us to leave nothing in view in the vehicle when we left it, even (especially?) a bottle of water. It was common for vehicles to be broken into for anything the illegals could see, and they were likely to be hungry and thirsty.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Ground Hunter on March 23, 2010, 04:26:00 PM
Bill Kissner wrote:

"There were well over 500 murders in Chicago last year also"

Yes but it was not the POLICE and Military doing the murdering!  In Mexico right now - it is lawless.  The Police and Mexican millitary are paid and working for the cartels.  Don't believe it - well enjoy your trip.  H
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Pon on March 23, 2010, 04:40:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Ground Hunter:
Bill Kissner wrote:

"There were well over 500 murders in Chicago last year also"

Yes but it was not the POLICE and Military doing the murdering!  In Mexico right now - it is lawless.  The Police and Mexican millitary are paid and working for the cartels.  Don't believe it - well enjoy your trip.  H
"believe in half of what you see and none of what you read"

it is bad but I would not say lawless, our military are figthing a war against the drug cartels and the danger is to get caught in between.

Prayers are welcome   :)
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Pon on March 23, 2010, 04:42:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by PBNJ:
I have a week long vacation booked at a place called The Hacienda tres rios in Mexico it's one of those all inclusive places does anyone know if that's in a "bad" area of Mexico? Taking my wife and two kids. Thanks
where is it?
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: FrankM on March 23, 2010, 05:02:00 PM
Yes, check into it's location. I found The Hacienda tres rios on the web and it looks like it's in Yucatan. Don't know if this is the one you're going to. But remember, they just found some dismembered bodies of police officers in Acapulco, another tourist town.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: IndianaBowman on March 23, 2010, 05:26:00 PM
Rob Keibler of Fair Chase LTD does a few hunts around Carizzo Springs. He does a great job.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Pon on March 23, 2010, 05:30:00 PM
By the way springbreakers in Cancun did not seem to care as far as I heard      :archer:
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Ground Hunter on March 23, 2010, 05:44:00 PM
Los Zetas?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Zetas    

  http://www.narconews.com/Issue37/article1305.html

 
 http://www.mexidata.info/id2194.html  

H
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: wapitimike1 on March 23, 2010, 07:53:00 PM
I think you guys would be safe going a Bradley Fighting vehicle. Just make sure you have a M1A Abrams to pop any long range insurgents and a A10 Warthog or two incase it really hits the fan!! I been to Mexico a bunch, it's a great place but. I'd say that's one hota-- LZ for right now.
Title: Re: IS MEXICO SAFE???
Post by: Guru on March 23, 2010, 08:23:00 PM
Sorry fellas, this one's gone way off the deep end...