Zaragoza has license plate numbers and photographs of vehicles and aircraft from Colorado and New Mexico that he says were illegally used during hunts last season. He has turned all of this over to PROFEPA, the federal agency that oversees natural resources in Mexico. Indeed, officials at PROFEPA confirmed that they are mounting an investigation into this, but they would not share the details or confirm who they are investigating. That said, they urged hunters with information about such activities to contact Beatriz Carranza at 011-52-662-2175454; or share the information with Zaragoza, who originated the complaint and can forward additional evidence.
We also contacted the director general's office at Sonora's newly created state wildlife department. Officials there were unaware of the pending investigation by PROFEPA but confirmed that any use of aircraft during hunting season without a specially designated permit is illegal. And any use of aircraft to spot, drive or otherwise harass game is prohibited. Officials were interested in the evidence Zaragoza has collected so they too could be looking into the situation.
Here at The Hunting Report, we welcome confidential feedback from anyone with information on this matter. Using paragliders to spot mule deer and direct hunters to a sure kill is a repugnant violation of fair chase. Also, with word out about this practice, it's assuredly a legally........(continued)
