taking archery gear to mexico
Contributors to this thread:General Topic
From: Spook300
21-Dec-19
Can you take archery get into Mexico?
From: Rock
21-Dec-19
Yes
From: JTreeman
21-Dec-19
Yes, no big deal. No need to declare. If you are flying in just grab your stuff and go.
—Jim
From: molsonarcher
21-Dec-19
No problems taking it in. It does seem to help if flying in to mark the case “not a firearm” When I flew in, those of us who had done so moved through the line faster than those ho didn’t.
From: Spiral Horn
22-Dec-19
Don’t know how you’re crossing the border. Just did it by vehicle at Lukeville last week - both ways. No matter what is written on the case the Mexican officials wanted me to open the case and show them the bow. They also sometimes ask to see your hunt contract and US Form 4457 (US Officials might also want to see this form upon return). As folks have said, it’s not really a hassle and about the same as taking a bow to any other country. Now, in Mexico crossbows have the same restrictions as firearms so don’t show up with one without the proper permits - otherwise you’ll experience a significant emotional event.
From: Paul@thefort
22-Dec-19
and then, bring out the meat, hide, skull of a deer or other parts, must be done by following the regulations of the USFWS which will be at the border.
From: Spiral Horn
22-Dec-19
Paul is correct - there are numerous forms USFWS will want (your outfitter should have everything) and they will inspect the hide for ticks. If properly salted for a few hours, flash frozen, and then allowed thaw, there shouldn’t be a problem. But if they find any ticks, it won’t go well.
From: Drahthaar
22-Dec-19
There were 2 American deer hunters kidnaped by the Mexican cartel recently . They said they would never hut Mexico again ,even though they were unharmed . Forrest
From: Spiral Horn
22-Dec-19
Was just there hunting for a week. No issues. Never felt threatened in any way. In fact, most of the Mule Deer Hunting areas in Sonora are vast desert wilderness. The people treated me like family, the food is fantastic, and the hunting just plain exceptional. One of the better hunting trips I’d ever been on.
Yes, we’ve all heard a few horror stories about crime there. My condition on going is that I’m met at the point of entry and with the folks I’m hunting with being returned to the border or departure airport. Most folks I’ve heard of running into trouble were either traveling unescorted through Mexico or pushing their luck in high criminal activity areas.
From: Bou'bound
22-Dec-19
Good luck down there
From: Ken
23-Dec-19
If flying, it will not be a problem. Crossing into Mexico by vehicle is always a circus. The border guards often don't know the rules and/or it is just a cultural thing to hassle people crossing the border. Once when crossing with archery equipment, the border guard wanted us to show our permits for our bows even though such a permit does not exist. After about an hour we were allowed to cross, after we contacted the local ANGADI rep and he came an talked to the border guard.
From: David A.
23-Dec-19
Ken, was that at Nogales, and how did you contact the local ANGADI rep? Do you have a contact number and honestly I don't even know anything about ANGADI or what they do, can you or someone explain, please.
Also about crossbows now requiring permits...I sometimes bring my airgun down there and because it has a scope I'm worried about any changes in the law recently...anyone know about potential problems? Last year I was stopped coming back at a checkpoint and they let me go thru after realizing the gun was not a firearm, but maybe next time it might be a problem esp. if they are not allowing crossbows w/o permits now?
From: David A.
23-Dec-19
Last time I crossed the border my car was selected to be x-rayed. I managed to talk my way out of being in the car and an agent drove my car thru the machine. Now I read car scanning is going to be routine. They claim it would take 2000 scans to equal one chest x-ray. Who really is sure of that? The scans are powerful enough to go thru steel and aren't harmful? Check these two links out if you are concerned.
http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/062618_nogales_scan/cbp-chief-looks-x-ray-all-vehicles-nogales-border-crossing/
https://www.cnet.com/news/dhs-x-ray-scanners-could-be-cancer-risk-to-border-crossers/
From: gottoohunt
26-Dec-19
Been down to Mexico twice in the last two years once hunting Coues deer and once hunting Goulds turkeys. On the Coues deer hunt I hired a driver that meet me in Nagales and we drove 7 hours from the border and only had to show my bow to authorities once but was stopped three times. They took pictures of my bow and arrows and looked at my outfitter contract. On the second trip I flew into Hermisillo and had no problems what so ever. If I decide to go back I would more than likely fly, just but make sure you have all your papers with you.
From: Trial153
26-Dec-19
State department recently upgraded the travel risk for Americans in mexico.
From: Ken
26-Dec-19
David, It was Nuevo Laredo. ANGADI is the main hunting/conservation organization in Mexico. Because so much of the hunting in Mexico is done by Americans, ANGADI , will offer assistance to hunters if they have permit or border crossing issues. Their main number is on their website. I do not know how to get the numbers for local offices.
From: Bou'bound
26-Dec-19
Just be careful
