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Where to duck hunt in Mexico?

14K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  The Waterfowler 
#1 ·
Dad and I have been wanting to plan an out of country duck hunt and finally decided we want to go to Mexico because of the large limit and still being able to kill ducks that we know. I know most of the continents redheads go down to mexico but we are mainly interested in getting on pintails and other puddle ducks. Pintails are definitely the main focus and i know what species you are mainly interested in makes a big difference in where you go. Most of the mexican guide services websites that i have look have not been very helpful in explaining how the hunt really goes and what the main ducks are in there area. Every site pretty much listed every species in Mexico on there kill list which is probably true, but no matter where you hunt 70% of the ducks you see are usually the same 2-3 species. We like to hunt, and we will hunt all day, we arent interested in calling it quits at 12 and hanging out at the lodge with only half a limit. Most of the sites I looked at said they hunt till noon, then take a lunch break and shoot doves or quail. We wouldn't mind spending half the day quail hunting if we had the limit or close to it but we mainly want to hunt ducks. We don't need guides to hold our hands and usually have more fun without one. Can anybody share experiences or advice on guide services or areas of mexico for awesome pintail hunting? :help:
 
#2 ·
West coast, I would look into Obregon or Mazatlan. If you are just looking to get a trophy don't get hung up on the times for hunting. If you are there for a week getting bull spring shouldn't be an issue.

If you want to shoot nothing but pintails I don't know what to tell you. Keep in mind that regardless if you want to hunt in the AM and PM, once you hit their limit or shoot the maximum allowed number of shells you're done. I think that's why most outfitters offer alternatives for the afternoon hunt.
 
#3 ·
We at getducks.com offer hunts in Obregon, Mazatlan and Baja for a variety of waterfowl. Been going for many years with escorted and hosted hunts as well. P.M. me you phone number and I'll call you with any details you might need. Mexico is a great destination and we have a lot of experience down there. Our Obregon hunt is for full days of waterfowl hunting with doves, quail, bass optional. Lots of Pintails, Brant, Cinnamons, Mexican Mallards, etc. You get a full experience.
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the info, I will make sure to contact you closer to the date. I graduate from Clemson next year and he was thinking it would be a good grad present so it will be a while before we go, but hey never to early to get pumped up :thumbsup: As for the pintails, it's not that I want to go and shoot or expect to shoot nothing but pintails, we would just like to go to an area that usually has a high population, it's hunting I know I can't order up what I want haha Just want to be in the right area for them since i know that can make a difference.
 
#5 ·
Just returned from a great week in Obregon. Shot Black Brant, Pintails, Redheads, Cans. Bluewings, Greenwings, Cinnamons, Shovelers, Lesser Scaup, Mexican Mallards, Wigeon and Gadwalls. P.M. me for details if ever interested.
 
#6 ·
We used to hunt Sonora and Sinaloa but not anymore. Be very very wary of American and locals who claim limits esp on Brants. You must have both a gun license even if you rent or borrow it. It MUST be registered in Mexico You must both a dove and a waterfowls license. It doesn't take much to have the local Federales to show up and shake you down even with a "guide" which is usually some local trying to eek out a living.. There is a hotel in Los Mochis owned by the Balderama Family. Only use him because when the "morida" occurs and it will they have the clout to protect you. DO NOT shoot Brants in Sinaloa.

Better to go to Cuba or Central America. Mexico should be avoid at all cost and I have been going there for over 50 years until two years ago. They (local kid gangs) are targeting America for ransom and shakedowns and they got the guns to do it.

Norm
 
#7 ·
50 years, me too. Never have had a problem and have hunted from the Yucatan to the Pacific Ocean in a half dozen states and have taken my wife along also. The outfitters we use provide all the gun documents, licenses and are well acquainted with the Law Enforcement Federales, etc. we breeze through checkpoints, both military and Ag., without being stopped. Getting my guns into Obregon was easier than going into Canada. Those that travel with less then reputable and poorly established outfitters to try and save a buck can expect problems from time to time. It only cost a little more to go first class. Sorry you have had problems but to say in a broad spectrum that all outfitters get you in trouble or shaken-down is a little overboard IMO. I've hunted the Los Mochis area several times and know of Tony and his operation. I also know the Sinaloa doesn't the Brant population as much as Sonora and Baja from what I have seen also. Sorry you have had some bad experiences but I've had pl in a lot of cities in the U.S. also.
 
#8 ·
From Norm:
"We used to hunt Sonora and Sinaloa but not anymore. Be very very wary of American and locals who claim limits esp on Brants. You must have both a gun license even if you rent or borrow it. It MUST be registered in Mexico You must both a dove and a waterfowls license. It doesn't take much to have the local Federales to show up and shake you down even with a "guide" which is usually some local trying to eek out a living.. There is a hotel in Los Mochis owned by the Balderama Family. Only use him because when the "morida" occurs and it will they have the clout to protect you. DO NOT shoot Brants in Sinaloa.

Better to go to Cuba or Central America. Mexico should be avoid at all cost and I have been going there for over 50 years until two years ago. They (local kid gangs) are targeting America for ransom and shakedowns and they got the guns to do it."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When I see post like Norms it makes me wonder what he was actually up to when he was shaken down.

I started hunting all over Mexico in 1975…I've never had a single issue and I hunt about 30 days a year down there. I'm a corporate pilot for a large produce company and I frequently take my guns and dog to Los Mochis , Obregon , San Quintin etc…I always make sure my paperwork is absolutely CORRECT. I always make sure my shell count CORRECT and that I have Cintillos (tags) for every species I intend to shoot. I have seen more than my fair share of clowns go to Mexico with incorrect permits , no cintillos , too many shells etc and then they get locked up…yep…locked up ! It's the Nepoleonic system….your are guilty until you prove your innocence. Then you have the guys that get drunk and ugly with the local police…not a good idea in Mexico ! If you follow the rules in Mexico you will not have any issues. Use a reputable guide…DO NOT TRY TO CUT CORNERS OR BREAK THEIR LAWS ! Stay with the group and stay away from night clubs and other places that attract criminals…you'll have some of the best hunts of your life
 
#9 ·
Has anybody heard of Rancho Mescalero? The website looks good and they offer quail hunting in the afternoon? I've never been to Mexico and would like to put together a trip for my Dad and I hunting ducks in the morning and quail in the afternoon. Would love some advice on where to go. With so many places over there I'm sure it could be really easy to get ripped off.
 
#10 ·
Rancho Mescalero is in Tamaulipas and many of the lodges in that area are now closed or operating at less than capacity due to the drug smuggling. We used to drive down from Harlingen and hunt the San Fernando valley for doves and quail but haven't in quite a while.
 
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