Backpacking in border units?

[Edge]

Had a friend who would bow hunt the border units every year. Had 2 friends who followed along at a distance for long range over watch with rifles. he said he had a few scary encounters. how much of it he was exaggerating who knows. Look for some primitive wilderness areas anywhere in the state with a few square miles you have to walk. few people are willing to hike in anymore lol.

And at nite did he have his Pooh Bear doll to spoon with?

 

Down south I'm more concerned with my camp belongings while out hunting.

[PRDATR]

Let's face it. Hunting the southern units just isn't for everyone. I doubt he killed anything though because the deer could probably smell the fear.

[Edge]

Let's face it. Hunting the southern units just isn't for everyone. I doubt he killed anything though because the deer could probably smell the fear.

Kinda like driving with Ricky Bobby before he got his balls back

[PRDATR]

Is he a NASCAR driver?

[Benbrown]

The good news is that the volume of illegal traffic drops off as the nights get colder. The bad news is that the narco mules don't slow down. If you camp, camp low because the drug mules will be using trails up high along the crests at night to get away from the Border Patrol, especially now that they have really upped the number of horse patrols. I have been providing a little information for CW folks who draw here in the Boot Heel for several years. Most have reported seeing signs of illegal activities, but none have had serious encounters nor have I heard of any camps being bothered. If you can draw a tag in a border unit, go for it.

[Physch]

I have solo hunted/hiked down south for about 4 years. In the time I have been down there I have had many encounters (neutral and negative), seen interesting things happening from afar and heard many stories from other hunters of what they have seen. In a twisted way it does add to the excitement/experience. A plus is that it is some of the most beautiful country I have ever been in. You hike in half a mile and you eliminate 90+% of the hunters and do get to have a lot of opportunities for deer.

 

If you do decide to hunt down there I would recommend talking to some of the local people and the local authorities as it tends to paint a whole picture this way.

 

List of items I do not leave my car without:

 

1. SPOT satellite emergency beacon (not a lot of cell phone service down there)

2. Pistol

3. Pocket knife

4. Camera

[DesertBull]

Is he a NASCAR driver?

 

If you aint first...you're last.

[Edge]

 

Is he a NASCAR driver?

 

If you aint first...you're last.

"Must have been high on peyote when I said that..."

 

Trying to get MULEPACKHUNTER down to 34b for an archery hunt, even though there may be spiders and bears, good buddy.

[rancilio]

We live in a fairly high traffic area in 35a. We hike every weekend and put in a few high overnighters throughout the year. I've seen many illegals over the years, but nowadays with the fence and the increased BP assests here, the illegal numbers are way down. 10 years ago only the bad guys wore camo and carpet shoes, now everyone coming across is in camo and carpet. The bad guys don't want to be seen and move in such a way knowing that they are being hunted.

 

Are we safe in the mountains? My BP friends all have varying thoughts about that. One says he won't even go out into the hills. Another says no worries. I've convinced myself it's safer out in the woods than in town. We carry a big bear spray and I am usually packing, but not always. Don't tell my wife, but I believe the chances of bad happening are higher when we are in the "safety" of our house than out in the woods. We are alert and aware when outside, yet have a feeling of safe comfort inside. Maybe it's not too bad, I am a bit more prepared at home to fend off the poor knuckleheads that thinks it might be a good a idea to try to get into my house.

 

I say go to the border units, just talk to the locals and the local BP and LE. As said previously, tell somebody where you are going, when/how you will make contact, when you expect to return, and what to do in case you do not. I like the advice given above, if you are too worried to enjoy it, stay a bit further north.

[Coach]

I've backpacked in several times on the NM side - unit 27 along smugglers route. I haven't had any issues there at all. The only time I had real issues with illegals was just South of Tucson in the Whetstones. They started a fire on someone's ranch that year that had been trying to shut them down. Surprisingly, way down in the corner where there was heavy BP presence and some high-tech stations along the roads, when I got way back in, I didn't see much evidence of illegals and few BP agents.

[kazpilot25]

I've backpacked in several times on the NM side - unit 27 along smugglers route. I haven't had any issues there at all. The only time I had real issues with illegals was just South of Tucson in the Whetstones. They started a fire on someone's ranch that year that had been trying to shut them down. Surprisingly, way down in the corner where there was heavy BP presence and some high-tech stations along the roads, when I got way back in, I didn't see much evidence of illegals and few BP agents.

 

I actually remember that fire. Crazy story.

[Edge]

 

I've backpacked in several times on the NM side - unit 27 along smugglers route. I haven't had any issues there at all. The only time I had real issues with illegals was just South of Tucson in the Whetstones. They started a fire on someone's ranch that year that had been trying to shut them down. Surprisingly, way down in the corner where there was heavy BP presence and some high-tech stations along the roads, when I got way back in, I didn't see much evidence of illegals and few BP agents.

 

I actually remember that fire. Crazy story.

Probably the Sands Ranch. Much of the forest easment goes north to south across their place. They're good people just tired of the invasion.

[Havasuhunter]

What are you guys talking about? Our great federal government has everything under control. I feel totally safe anywhere I go near the border. Yeah right! You have to take some of the same precautions in the Back Country in Northern CA, the cartel grows a lot of weed up there and will kill you to protect it. Pretty sad situation.

[idgaf]

What are you guys talking about? Our great federal government has everything under control. I feel totally safe anywhere I go near the border. Yeah right! You have to take some of the same precautions in the Back Country in Northern CA, the cartel grows a lot of weed up there and will kill you to protect it. Pretty sad situation.

I feel a lot safer hunting the border then I do when I am on 7th street and Jefferson next to the state capitol.

The good ole days when there was a lot of traffic. 36 guys and one coed coyote.

 

[murfys69law]

If we take and build a fence 2 miles north of the Mexican border and write on the South side of it, "WELCOME TO MEXICO". they will think they went the wrong way, turn around and go back.