Frequently Asked Questions & Mexico Travel Information
Mexico Paperwork, Firearms, Travel & Trophy Export Information
For many hunters, traveling to Mexico for the first time can seem intimidating. In reality, many hunters are surprised to find parts of the process can actually be simpler than hunting many areas in the United States.
Below are some of the most common questions and concerns we receive.
Do I need a hunting license in Mexico?
No.
Unlike many western states where licenses, applications, preference points, and tags can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time, Mexico does not require traditional hunting licenses in the same manner.
Can I harvest multiple animals during the same year?
Yes.
Hunters may harvest multiple Mule Deer, Coues Deer, and Desert Bighorn Sheep during the same year provided the proper tags and documentation are in place.
For Mule Deer and Coues Deer, the required tag paperwork and export documentation are generally completed after the animal has been harvested.
Desert Bighorn Sheep operate differently. Due to permit requirements and additional documentation involved, much of the process is completed in advance of the hunt. This includes permit allocations, associated paperwork, and required export documentation.
Travel Identification Requirements
The personal information on your Mexico Firearm & Optics Permit must match your identification exactly with no errors.
Please carefully verify all information before travel including:
• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Firearm information
• Optics information
• Passport information
R&K will send you a copy of your permit before travel so any errors can be identified and corrected.
A valid U.S. Passport is required to enter and exit Mexico.
Important:
• Your Passport Book or Passport Card must be signed
If traveling by air:
• A U.S. Passport Book is required
If traveling by land:
• A U.S. Passport Card is sufficient
We also strongly recommend bringing:
• U.S. driver’s license or state-issued identification card
Having a secondary form of identification available is recommended throughout your travels.
Can I bring my own firearm?
Yes.
Hunters may either bring their own firearm or use one of our firearm rental options.
If you decide to bring your own firearm, there are several required steps:
Step 1:
Complete U.S. Customs Form 4457 and have it signed by U.S. Customs.
This can be completed at many airports, border crossings, or U.S. Customs locations before traveling.
Once completed, Form 4457 generally remains valid indefinitely for the listed equipment.
CBP Form 4457 Example
Step 2:
Obtain your Mexico Firearm & Optics Permit.
This is a single permit covering both your firearm and optics and is generally valid for six months from the issue date.
R&K handles this process for our hunters.
Costs:
• Mexico Firearm & Optics Permit — $400
• Rifle rental — $400
We assist with:
• Firearm & optics permit processing
• Required documentation
• Border crossing assistance
• Travel coordination
If arriving by land:
We will meet you on the U.S. side and assist with crossing.
If arriving by air:
Your permit will be waiting with Mexican military personnel at customs upon arrival.
Before travel we will send you a copy of your permit so you can verify all information is correct.
The following information must match exactly:
• Firearm make
• Firearm model
• Caliber
• Serial number
• Scope or optics make
• Scope or optics model
• Scope serial number
Hunters may bring:
• Up to two rifles
• Up to 100 rounds of ammunition per firearm
Shortly after entering Mexico by land or air there will be a firearm and permit inspection.
Following inspection:
• Your permit will be signed
• Keep your permit with you at all times
• Firearms must remain cased while traveling roads and highways
• Once on the ranch firearms may be uncased
We recommend bringing:
• One rifle
• One hard case
• One soft case
When leaving Mexico:
We recommend having your permit signed again showing the firearm exited the country.
If you do not plan on returning before your permit expires, forgetting this step generally is not an issue.
However, if you plan on returning before your permit expires, your permit should be signed each time you enter and leave Mexico.
Export / Import Information
If you plan to bring your antlers and hide back with you, additional steps are required.
Required documentation includes:
• Hunt contract
• UMA paperwork
• Import/export documents
• U.S. Customs requirements
UMA paperwork can generally be obtained by scanning the QR code attached to the animal tag.
This information shows:
• Ranch UMA information
• Species information
• Tag allocation information
• Season dates
• Related permit information
For hides and capes:
• Capes must be frozen for a minimum of 24 hours
• Antlers and hides must be free of tissue and flesh
• U.S. Customs requires a Notice of Arrival before importing certain wildlife items
For hunters harvesting Desert Bighorn Sheep:
Desert Bighorn Sheep require additional documentation and CITES processing.
These animals generally cannot be transported personally across the border and instead must go through an exporter.
When using our exporter the process generally involves:
• Notarized Power of Attorney documents
• CITES documentation
• Export paperwork
• Transportation coordination
• Customs processing
Important note:
Animal hides will be inspected for ticks.
If ticks are found customs officials may confiscate and destroy the hide.
R&K provides all export and import forms required throughout the process.
Airline Information
At the time of writing, American Airlines has commonly been used by hunters returning from Hermosillo with antlers and hides as checked baggage.
During hunting season this process is common and antler wrapping services are often available at Hermosillo International Airport for a small additional fee.
Do you have additional questions or concerns? Please do not hesitate to contact us. Traveling internationally for hunting can seem overwhelming at first, but our goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.