I am posting this to share some info, maybe vent a little and would also love to hear any recent experiences any one has had.

I recently started helping a few outfitters in Mexico book hunts. I also plan on going on at least a bird hunt and possibly a whitetail hunt this year myself. I was talking to one of the outfitters about his bird hunts. He offers a duck/dove/quail combo of sorts. I listed it and talked to a few people that were interested but naturally the ones in Texas inquired about bringing the meat back. I called up the outfitter and asked about the process. I know he meets everyone in Texas and didn't expect it to be that big of a problem. By now a few of you probably realize my ignorance. A week later and multiple phone calls and emails with the outfitter, USDA and the USFWS I have a little but not complete clarity. I might have a complete answer Monday. The USDA official I have been speaking with is out of the office until next week. I will try and briefly share what I have found out if anyone else runs into this. I am not an expert and please inform me/us if you have had a different experience. I specifically inquired about deer/ducks/dove/quail.

It can be differ depending on the area of Mexico but the USFWS is going to want to see your paperwork ie license, landowner agreement, tags etc.

Deer meat- basically just need to be legal and have the above required paperwork.
Deer taxidermy- No at simple as here but not overly complicated. You have to use a USDA certified taxidermist. I can dig through my list and find it if anyone needs it. The cape has to be cleaned better and free of all ticks.
From what I gather the rules regarding deer and taxidermy in general haven't changed for a while and the outfitters are very familiar with them. Technically you can bring back a euro mount on your own but it would have to be complete without any meat or flesh which would be tough given time constraints.

Migratory bird meat- USFWS- you may bring back your legal daily limit/day hunted with required paperwork however there must be one fully feathered wing attached to every bird for ID purposes.
USDA-You can only bring back any fowl/poultry if is "appears to be fully cooked" **I did read somewhere that you might have to have a permit for this. It was not mentioned by the vet at the USDA but I have asked for further clarification.

Quail-nonmigratory birds- USFWS- same as above but no need for the attached wing for ID purposes.
USDA- same as other birds, must appear fully cooked

Bird taxidermy-basically the same as deer, only USDA approved taxidermist.

My gripes- There is basically no communication between any of the agencies. Before contacting the agencies I found that it is pretty easy to find out that you need to comply with the USFWS rules of having a wing attached but not so easy to find the USDA rules. After several emails and phone calls neither agency has been willing to come out and say that it is next to impossible to thoroughly cook a bird and leave a good full feathered wing attached. I have asked for more information from the USDA on what specifically the consider cooked. I know there is a temperature to hit for the meat to be safe but they obviously have no way of telling if that happened. What makes the least since to me is that migratory birds are lumped to together with the rest. Any bird shot in Mexico could have been in the USA the day before. It seems like it is just the easiest way out for them. I understand that the USDA and USFWS are doing two different jobs but some communication would be nice. Some of the outfitters I have spoken with said they do not even know when it changed. That it just depending on who inspected them at the border.

Any extra or corrective information is greatly appreciated.

Sounds like more trouble than it's worth

Good luck

Yeah for the birds at least. I just haven't ever gone on a true high volume bird hunt before and want to. Its funny if I had the time/money to go to Argentina I would and obviously wouldn't plan on bringing birds back. But going an hour south of Laredo makes me want to be able to.

Thanks

I've got a buddy who has been on a lease in Mexico for the last 10 years. He's never had an issue bringing the cape & horns back across the border as long as the hide is frozen solid.

I appreciate i man. From talking to outfitters brining a deer back isn't that big of a deal. Little extra work on their part but they know the drill. Just birds that is the headache or impossible right now.