This is probably me over thinkin it

[teej89]

They explained that the ones to steer clear of were the ones carrying large backpacks, often looking like burlap. They said that since we were carrying guns, we could fire warning shots to make them drop their cargo, and then call the CBP to report it. It sounded like the type of advice that would get someone hurt someday.

I know a guy that goes down there every year and this is the same info that was given to him and he keeps a satellite phone and calls in whatever he sees

 

[VikingsGuy]

You can’t be serious? Hopefully this is a poor attempt at humor.

I am sure, like with any good hunting story that is passed down, there is some hyperbole, but I do not at all doubt the underlying truth. In our safari last year we had a similar situation, but several PHs went after the poachers and the other PH took us to another part of the area we were hunting - we were purposely kept out of the situation for our safety and no “trophy” from the poachers was offered us. I gathered at the time that current day poachers in Africa are treated like the cattle rustlers of the plains in 1870s - due process was not a big concern.

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

Appreciate all the feed back guys.
@Oak I dont think I'll be firing any warning shots. I dont get enough taxes back to do that job. I think I'll just make sure I'm aware of my surroundings at all times and steer clear of any human activity. Kinda like every other hunt.

 

[MTGomer]

I think the general answer is not a lot to worry about, you’ll be fine.

Ive been to places that I wouldn’t camp. I’ve found a few places I prefer to not go to again.

They’ll avoid you for the most part but there are armed, dangerous men carrying millions of dollars in drugs across the desert. That is something to keep in the back of your mind.
I find their stuff all the time. Mostly the straps of burlap type material they left behind along the road when they loaded the bales of dope into a vehicle. Also find a ton of water jugs, coats, blankets, backpacks and food. I’ve also found mountaintop lookout points that scouts use to direct traffic with radios. Those are the guys that I don’t want to run into.

I think 99% of people crossing the desert are probably scared to death and the last thing they want is you to see them.

When I hike, I leave water in the open at my vehicle. I’d rather they take it than break in looking for it.

 

[Schaaf]

When I hike, I leave water in the open at my vehicle. I’d rather they take it than break in looking for it.

Had anyone crack a bottle yet?

 

[MTGomer]

Had anyone crack a bottle yet?

Not yet. I’ve found where humanitarian groups have left out water and a few days later it’s half gone but none of mine.

 

[rjthehunter]

I am sure, like with any good hunting story that is passed down, there is some hyperbole, but I do not at all doubt the underlying truth. In our safari last year we had a similar situation, but several PHs went after the poachers and the other PH took us to another part of the area we were hunting - we were purposely kept out of the situation for our safety and no “trophy” from the poachers was offered us. I gathered at the time that current day poachers in Africa are treated like the cattle rustlers of the plains in 1870s - due process was not a big concern.

There was 4 fo them on this particular safari. My grandma was them on this one, along with a very good friend of my grandpas and his wife. They sent the women back immediately to the camp. I was pretty young when I first learned about it. I was curious why they had an old beat up pair of sandals sort of hidden from view. My grandpa wrote a book and it's in there! I'll see if I can grab a pic of it

 

[MTGomer]

These are the types of things you’ll find in the areas they use.

Poor tortoise

 

[OverlordBear]

You can’t be serious? Hopefully this is a poor attempt at humor.

It would actually work better than anything else border patrol has tried! Lol including the climbable slotted walls.

 

[OverlordBear]

These are the types of things you’ll find

Poor tortoise

What did you do with all of that abandoned/cached stuff you found?

 

[MTGomer]

Nothing mostly. When I find a mint condition pair of those carpet shoes though, I’m gonna use them as my muley bow-sneakeefeet

2 big enough piles of garbage that are close to a road I’ve turned into BLM to be cleaned up.

 

[bigjohn]

Sounds good thanks guys. I'll be mostly hunting up by the Gunnison Hills so not right on top of the border but still within the zone.

You will be fine in the Gunnison Hills, it's a long ways from Mexico. Are you hunting mule deer?

 

[MTGomer]

All the pictures I posted are 60-90 miles from the border along the Freeway corridor. There is most definitely border related activity in the Dragoon Mountains. The Gunnison hills are right between them and I-10


That lookout point with the batteries and radios and rock structure is north of the I-8 and you can see the lights of Chandler from it.

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

You will be fine in the Gunnison Hills, it's a long ways from Mexico. Are you hunting mule deer?

Coues and mule deer. Whatever tickles my fancy first.

 

[bigjohn]

I see very little fresh trash in the north ends of 29, 30a and 30b compaired to 20 years ago. That's a good thing! I hunt these areas now without fear of encountering illegals, that wasn't the case in the past.

Yes there is an active illegal corrordor west of Tucson across the reservation that goes right up to the outskirts of Phoenix. I would be very careful if I was out in that area.

Mr Hiiljack, if you get in a jackpot while in the Gunnison Hill or Red Birds, pm me and I'll bail you out.

 

[Hilljackoutlaw]

I see very little fresh trash in the north ends of 29, 30a and 30b compaired to 20 years ago. That's a good thing! I hunt these areas now without fear of encountering illegals, that wasn't the case in the past.

Yes there is an active illegal corrordor west of Tucson across the reservation that goes right up to the outskirts of Phoenix. I would be very careful if I was out in that area.

Mr Hiiljack, if you get in a jackpot while in the Gunnison Hill or Red Birds, pm me and I'll bail come you out.

Sounds good thanks for the heads up.

 

[MTGomer]

Yes there is an active illegal corrordor west of Tucson across the reservation that goes right up to the outskirts of Phoenix. I would be very careful if I was out in that area.

If a person was thinking of a leisurely overnight backpacking trip, the big, main canyon/wash that runs through the Table Top Wilderness from the rez to the 8, is the last place I’d pick. that’s for sure.
That place gives me the creeps.