Hello,

I am new to Texas hunting and see that most of the large WMA’s are close to the Mexico border on the South and West side. Does anyone hunt these areas and can opine on the relative safety of hunting/camping these areas? Not trying to run into mules or illegals or anything of that nature..

Thank you!

Along the border anything is possible. I would expect to see remnants of illegals and their activity at the minimum. What wma's are you talking about specifically??

I've hunted along the Arizona border for years. You see people but they usually don't mess with you and don't want to attract attention. Camps can be bothered or stuff stolen so I try to camp at a campground or state park. I've never had anything stolen but I do try to camp further inland where people are active. I haven't camped or hunted near the border in Texas but I expect the situation is similar. In Arizona, the BP is very active and we stop and talk to them when they don't look like they are actively tracking someone.

Not to be a jerk, but are you afraid of coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions too? None warrant excessive worry. Pack a sidearm if it eases your mind. Watch less news. They try to scare you so you'll watch more news. Go hunt and have fun.

If you tried not to be a jerk then I think you failed. First post the guys ever made and he ask a very legitimate question.
Oakleydog, welcome to our forum and best of luck. Hopefully you will get some good advice.

Don't have any advise for you, but welcome and good hunting.

I've hunted the Chap a few times. Illegals have been known to come through the fenced campground.

Safety briefings usually talk about illegals coming through there. One guy standing besides me during a safety briefing down there asked "what's the limit?" When the subject was brought up. No answer but the shared that a druggie had tried to crash through the locked gate. This was in 2 009 and I can't imagine it is any better now.

With all that said, I never had issues.

Yeah, sometimes I have to work hard not to be an A-hole. But it was a serious question. Youd be surprised how many people are actually afraid of coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions. Unless you're in a state where they're protected by ignorant laws favoring animal rights, the chances of being attacked by any of these (including illegals) is basically non-existent.

It will happen eventually, but they know you are armed and everyone typically just goes in opposite directions. It’s more a vehicle issue than personal safety. If it’s locked they know there is a chance it has an alarm, they normally move on. If you are driving and any one flags you down be careful, I wouldn’t pull to close to talk to them if you choose so, and keep your head on a swivel

Thanks Everyone. I think I’ll just keep it to private land in Texas. In it for the sport and unwind. Not trying to complicate things too much anyway.[align:left][/align]

I have hunted them and camped at them and never had any problems. There was one time at Seminole Canyon where a police helicopter was buzzing around because they spotted illegals passing through on the neighboring ranch. Never felt threatened one bit. Maybe shouldn't say anything because it offers me more public hunting opportunities when people are scared to hunt over there.

You will not be safe from thorns, splinters, cactus, cat claw, mesquite limbs, agave, cholla, yucca and other sharp vegetation.