Most of the hunting on the peninsula is in the north, in the state of Baja California. Several species of squirrel populate the region, as well as peccary, bobcat, fox, coyote, jack rabbit and cottontail. Ducks are found in the lagoons and marshes along both coasts; black brant are plentiful in San Quintin Bay; quail, pheasant and dove are found throughout the state. Although mule deer and desert bighorn sheep inhabit some areas in Baja California, they are scarce and special permits are required to hunt them. Hunting seasons vary according to species, but most open seasons occur between September and the end of February. Hunting in Baja California requires a special-purpose visa, a consular certificate, a Military Gun Permit, a hunting permit and during the hunt the presence of a licensed outfitter's assistant. In addition to the above, when hunting for mule deer or desert bighorn sheep, a contract with a licensed Mexican organizer must be purchased. It is advisable to contact an American organization that specializes in hunting in Mexico to obtain the documents and to make arrangements with a Mexican contract organizer. Weapons are forbidden in Mexico unless they are brought into the country during hunting seasons for the express purpose of hunting. Only two sporting firearms and 50 rounds of ammunition for each are permitted. Military and .22 caliber rim fire weapons and all pistols are prohibited. 1 Bow and arrow hunting requires a special permit.
Standard Licensing Procedure
1. CONSULAR CERTIFICATE This document is issued by all Mexican Consulates. Applicants must present a letter of good conduct from their local police department or sheriff's office vouching for their moral character, plus two color, front-view passport-size photographs. The consular certificate is not a hunting permit it is merely an authorization for the hunter to enter Mexico in this capacity, and is also required when applying for a Military Gun Permit. It will contain a description of each firearm, including kind, make, serial number, caliber or gauge and number of cartridges. The hunter needs a consular certificate for each state within Baja California.
2. HUNTING PERMITS (LICENSES) Hunters must purchase permits for each Mexican state in which they intend to hunt and for each bird or animal they intend to hunt. Hunting permits are issued in the names of individual hunters and are not transferable. Each permit is only valid for the current season and in the state for which it was issued. All the paperwork necessary for hunting in Baja California may be handled by the Southern California organization listed below. They also furnish information on hunting conditions and government regulations (which are subject to change). Depending on the types of mammals or birds hunted, the total cost of all the permits ranges from about $350 to $500. For information about the specific services offered, contact the:
Mexican Hunting Association, 6840 El Salvador Street, Long Beach, Ca 90815;
phone (310) 430-33256; Fax (310) 430-9584.
