If you are not going speficailly to hunt I would leave the guns at home. Mexico has some real strict gun laws and even one bullet in your car can get you thrown in jail. If you are down there and decide you want to hunt find a local guide and get all the proper permits and let them supply you with the guns. You probably never seen the inside of a Mexican jail and you don't want to either. The jails down there make the ones here look like 5 star resorts. Also in Mexico you are guilty until you are proven innocent and you may or may not get to call a lawyer. I had to spend a couple nights there and never was allowed to make a phone call or talk to anybody. I was never told what I was charged with the only thing they would tell me was I had to stay two nights. They wouldn't let me pay my way out either.

FIREARMS PENALTIES: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against taking any type of firearm or ammunition into Mexico without prior written authorization from the Mexican authorities. Entering Mexico with a firearm, some kinds of knives or even a single round of ammunition is illegal, even if the weapon or ammunition is taken into Mexico unintentionally. The Mexican government strictly enforces its laws restricting the entry of firearms and ammunition along all land borders and at airports and seaports. Violations have resulted in arrests, convictions, and long prison sentences for U.S. citizens.
Vessels entering Mexican waters with firearms or ammunition on board must have a permit previously issued by the Mexican Embassy or a Mexican consulate. Mariners do not avoid prosecution by declaring their weapons at the port of entry. Before traveling, mariners who have obtained a Mexican firearm permit should contact Mexican port officials to receive guidance on the specific procedures used to report and secure weapons and ammunition.

That was from the US State dep. This is from Mexico Advisory Services which is who I would contact if you want to hunt or fish in Mexico.

Under current Mexican law, foreign sportsmen must be in possession of a packet that includes a Tourist Card, a Hunting Services Agreement from a properly licensed Mexican outfitter, Hunting tags for Dove and/or Duck and a Military Gun Permit.

I have hunted in Mexico for doves, however we did hunt with an outfitter. This hunt took place15 years ago, and at that time it was not even necessary to have a passport to travel in Mexico. I do believe you need a passport now to go to Mexico.

I heard a couple of nightmare stories about Americans taking firearms in to Mexico. I do not mean to sound negative but the last time I was there I felt as if I was in a third world country. I made a decision at that time that I would never go back.

The guide in Mexico explained to me that Mexico is like the US, and that it is broken up into "states". He said thay different regions had different laws. He even said certain areas inside a region had different laws-like comparing NYC laws to NY state laws.

What I am trying to say is that the laws you encounter crossing in and out of Mexico may be different from the laws you will encounter in the region that you will be hunting in.

Guided hunting in Mexico(used to be) is cheap. Spend a little extra and hire a guide. Any good guide down there has there ownfirearms. Just my opinion. But then a couple of my experiences were pretty bad-to the point that I would never go back. But it would be nice to shoot one of those big bucks down there. Tom.

You were, my friend, you were.

An interesting observation on Mexican gun laws. You cannot legally own a rifle or shotgun in mexico. You can however buy one on the black market. Local Newspaper classified section will have them...you must then immediately bring them to the nearest military post and have them check it in and take ownership of it. You are then allowed to use it. This is the law at least in the city or provinceof Monterrey.

Now days it would be hard to tell if you're in Mexico or the USA.I think half of the Mexicans are over here.
Inall seriousness,I wouldn't risk taking anyfirearm over the boarder.It's not worth risking spending time in their Big House.
If youwant to hunt get a guide and let them supply you with the appropriate gun.

Again,
If you are arrested in Mexico for any type of gun violation, if and when you get back to America, you will be considered a convicted felon, forever loosing your right to own a gun! NOT worth it!